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The Dare To Ask column by Phillip J. Milano

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 ...

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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? ...

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Dare to Ask: Are Down kids aware of differences?

By PHILLIP MILANO Question Do Down syndrome kids realize they have a disability? Sam, 15, female, St. Charles, Ill. Replies I worked for years with people with Down syndrome. I’m sure they know they’re different. It depends on how high-functioning they are, how much they really “get.” Also, the older they are, the more they realize differences. Ellen, 44, Mesa, ...

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DARE TO ASK: Kid, you’re listening to ‘my’ music

By PHILLIP MILANO Question What do people think of teens listening to classic rock? My friends and I like Led Zeppelin, and, for the most part, older adults comment positively. However, we have encountered a few who’ve given us grief for liking “their” music. Emily, 16, Toronto Replies Many of my peers don’t understand why I enjoy the music my ...

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DARE TO ASK: Who’s who: Gay couples label roles?

By PHILLIP MILANO Question In a heterosexual marriage, there is a “husband” and a “wife.” Do married (or similarly committed) homosexual partners think of themselves this way? If so, how do they decide who’s who? Bill, 48, straight, Jacksonville Replies It has been my experience in meeting gay couples that one may feel more interest in “womanly” things such as ...

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DARE TO ASK: He’s white, she’s black: A problem?

By PHILLIP MILANO Question I’ve noted curious reactions to white male/black female relationships. What are opinions about this? K.N., 26, black female, Washington Replies My husband-to-be is white. In public we get looks of surprise or dismay from white women or black men. Yet it’s fine for a black man to date a white woman. Mind-boggling. DeeDee, black, Louisville, Ky. ...

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