Dare To Ask Talk And News About Our Differences By PHILLIP MILANO Question Why don’t people view the homeless as “real” people? I was homeless by choice for years, and the rudeness I had to deal with was insane. I would try to ask the time and be told, “No, I don’t have any.” Margaret M., 21, Greensboro, N.C. Replies I’ve always viewed the homeless as human beings and …
Read More »Yearly Archives: 2016
DARE TO ASK: You have a problem with that?
By PHILLIP MILANO Question I know a large amount of Italian-American families with houses filled with rococo furniture, clear vinyl-covered chairs, loud wallpaper, yards covered in statuary, initials on the garage door, ornate wrought-iron fences and bricked-over front lawns. Why is this? Dave, white male, Denver Replies Most Italian immigrants came from poor backgrounds. Many had a flamboyant nature. I’m …
Read More »Ivy mansions make me feel poor, insignificant … and nanny-less
When I go to rich areas of Montreal (like Westmount), even if I’m just walking in the street or looking around in a store, I feel out of place. I feel as if everyone must know that I don’t belong there. I feel self-conscious about my clothes and manners. Looking at those huge, gorgeous old houses with ivy all over …
Read More »‘I would LOVE to be that skinny … but only with bigger boobs’
I frequently use humour to ease discomfort of others regarding my disability and weight. I do not have a problem with people joking about my disabilities. HOWEVER, I am the first to bark when I feel someone is being cruel. The other day, a woman commented on another woman being ‘skinny’. In a crowded room she said ‘Look at her!’ …
Read More »DARE TO ASK: Time to open Dare to Ask mailbox
By PHILLIP MILANO Enough already with all the ivory-tower dialogue about critical Jewish women, nose-picking white people and purple-suit-wearing black males. What’s your reaction to all the ivory-tower dialogue about critical Jewish women, nose-picking white people and purple-suit-wearing black males? After eight months of taboo cross-cultural conversation, we thought you’d like to see some reader missives sent to Dare to …
Read More »DARE TO ASK: Let’s try not to pick on picky people
By PHILLIP MILANO Question, Part 1 I notice sometimes when I’m driving or going for a walk that white people dig in their noses. Why do they do this? Simone, 20, black female, White Plains, N.Y. Question, Part 2 I’ve noticed a few co-workers, particularly of Asian descent, feeling quite comfortable picking their noses in plain sight. Is this common? …
Read More »