By PHILLIP MILANO Question Do women not read on the toilet? Men, do you? Please say yes — and let women know about the pleasure of a really good … read. J., male, Orange Park Replies I read in the bathroom. I just finished James and the Giant Peach. Last month it was The Count of Monte Cristo. I even …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question What is the purpose of the Islamic practice of Purdah (concealment)? I can understand the hijab, but I think imprisoning a woman in the house, deprivation of education and work and forcing her to wear those “body tents” are extreme. Rebecca P., 14, white, Jacksonville Replies Most Muslim women cover themselves because they want to be …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Movies portray Southern men as potentially dangerous. Images of evil sheriffs and psychopathic swamp dwellers come to mind whenever I’m south of Peoria. The stereotype is definitely out there. I’d love to hear from others about it. Tom, 42, white, Wheaton, Ill. Replies When people hear a Southern accent, the person’s IQ drops 50 points in …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Often when I stop my car for white people crossing the street, they break into a silly little “trot” that lasts a few seconds. I’ve seen this primarily in whites over 25. What gives? Are they trying to show “courtesy” to me? C., Central California Replies In my experience, African-Americans do the exact opposite. They walk …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Is Latino culture more sexist? I can’t walk through the mostly Latino neighborhood near my house without getting harassed by men who think it’s acceptable to make sexual comments or catcalls. Katie, 23, Korean and white female, Washington, D.C. Replies In Latin cultures, men give out piropos (“little gems”), poetic compliments to get a woman’s attention, …

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Why do fundamentalist Christians cite the Old Testament for their views on homosexuality when it is not part of the Ten Commandments? If they follow this part of the Old Testament, how about all the other stuff in there, such as dietary restrictions? Claire, 23, secular humanist, Los Angeles Replies Because it doesn’t fit their larger …