THE QUESTION: R270: I have noticed that many of the white females in my dormitory do not wash their hands. Why is this? POSTED MAY 15, 1998 Cheryl B., 22, African-American female <CherylB4U@AOL.COM>, Memphis, TN ANSWER 1: I do not believe it has anything to do with the fact they are white, but the way they were raised and taught …

THE QUESTION: R280: Do other African-American fans of the Spice Girls bristle at the notion of Mel B. being nicknamed “Scary Spice” while the other, white Spices have innocuous names, such as “Ginger Spice” for Geri? POSTED MAY 21, 1998 Z.T.K, 32, black, Detroit, MI ANSWER 1: Scary spice is just a nickname, which I am almost certain she chose …

THE QUESTION: R290: What is the intent and meaning when an African American calls a woman “little momma”? POSTED MAY 26, 1998 Paul S., 69, white <tropiccov@att.net>, Ocala, FL To respond BACK TO TOP THE QUESTION: R289: Why do many white people seem to have an unlimited realm of understanding when someone white does something criminal, but at the sight …

THE QUESTION: R300: Why are black women more comfortable being big women, whereas white women feel they must be “Cindy Crawford” thin? POSTED JUNE 2, 1998 Jenifer N., 19, white, Panama City, FL ANSWER 1: In my African-American family, there are people of all shapes and sizes. Fat, tall, short, thin. No one teases anyone else; no one dismisses anyone …

THE QUESTION: R310: Why are there so many black TV sitcoms nowadays? It seems the number far exceeds the demographic numbers. Is it possible we are reverting to the days of Amos and Andy? Also, are black people offended by these shows? It seems to me they are a bit demeaning. POSTED JUNE 8, 1998 Wayne, 52, white male, WayneHD@aol.com, …

THE QUESTION: R320: I am white and live in a black neighborhood. Often, blacks walk down the middle of the street and/or double park to talk to their friends, but then look at me as though I shouldn’t have to make them move when I drive up. Why is this? POSTED JUNE 11, 1998 Doug S., Hampton, VA ANSWER 1: …