DARE TO ASK: You asked, so we need answers

By PHILLIP MILANO

Remember folks, this is your column. We are merely the conduit through which you, and occasionally the experts who foolishly agree to talk to us, offer cross-cultural enlightenment.

In that spirit, as our second year of Dare-to-Ask-mania draws to a close, we offer a few of the questions posed of late for which we seek more replies. Who knows? Readers might benefit if you fill this cultural void with your vast expertise.

In other words: These queries are begging for your answers! The future of this diverse and wacky world might hang in the balance! The life you save could be your own!

To take part, go to www.yforum.com and type in “newspaper column” (no quote marks) in the keyword field on the search page.

Voila, a rich tableau of inquiry will pop up, including momentousness such as this:

Question

Why are black people crazy about Chinese food?

Tom I., 34, Paris

Question

How come the hottest-looking models are always from foreign countries?

Roland, 15, Fleming Island

Question

If someone is upset with you and waving their hand with fingers outstretched in the air a few inches from your face, is it considered racist to say, “You need to stop going all Shanaynay on me”?

Kay, white, Jacksonville

Question

Why do Japanese exchange students want to spend hours in my bathroom? What could they be doing?

Dando, Orange, Calif.

Question

Why do a lot of Hispanic women pluck their eyebrows and then draw them on with an eyebrow pencil?

Ellen, 48, white, Broomfield, Colo.

Question

Why do white girls seem to go further with sexual activity, i.e. “put out,” more, than girls of other races?

TJ, 19, Puerto Rican, Swarthmore, Penn.

Question

What do deaf people do to earn a living?

Laura B., 48, Jacksonville,

Question

Why do families I see at the mall dress their little girls in short-short shorts or tight T-shirts that say things like “Cherry” or “Flirt” or “Your boyfriend wants me”?

Clare, 27, Jacksonville

Question

Are most older men who call a young woman “baby,” “honey,” etc., hoping to escalate these seemingly tender remarks to sexual behavior?

Annika, 18, Tucson, Ariz.

Question

Do homosexuals get excited when they see themselves naked in front of the mirror?

Tom W., 68, Miami

Question

Why do certain foods such as Honey Smacks and asparagus make your urine smell funny?

Tom T., Jacksonville