THE QUESTION: R30: I’m an African-American woman who, for the most part, dates interracially. Why does there seem to be a double standard placed on African-American women who date white men, but none for African-American men who date white women? POSTED MARCH 15, 1998 Cecily W., Atlanta, GA ANSWER 1: I think that double standard is based on attitudes developed …

THE QUESTION: R40: I was shocked to find out that two black women with whom I had participated in study circles on racism were angry with me for marrying “a brother.” They both have talked to me since and said they had to work through these feelings of dislike and have since discovered I am a pretty nice person. How …

THE QUESTION: R50: I work in sales, in an area were a lot a Middle Eastern people live. Why is it that many Arab people and Eastern Indian people almost always try to bargain down the price of the merchandise? I am not in the position to lower the price. POSTED MARCH 19, 1998 JA, Dearborn, MI ANSWER 1: Back …

THE QUESTION: R60: I would like to know why black people refer to themselves as African American. I am of Canadian descent but I don’t refer to myself as a French American or Canadian American. POSTED MARCH 20, 1998 R. Dandeneau, 52, white male, Georgia. ANSWER 1: Africans in America have been searching for their own identity since their history …

THE QUESTION: R70: In the past several years, I have noticed a lot of crown air fresheners in the automobiles of African Americans. I have rarely seen them in the cars of Caucasians. Does the crown have some significance? POSTED MARCH 21, 1998 Diane R., Plymouth, MI ANSWER 1: I live in a suburb about 15 minutes away from Detroit, …

THE QUESTION: R80: In television reports on racism, black men who have attained high positions often say that to be accepted, they had to “act white.” Having lived in a mostly white area (and having little basis for comparison) I’m curious to know what characteristics and behavior are considered specifically “white” by other races. POSTED MARCH 23, 1998 Colette, 32 …