Dare To Ask Talk And News About Our Differences

THE QUESTION: R430: In San Francisco recently there was a debate over required reading in the public high school district. It broke down to a race issue. I continually heard the statement that the kids needed to read from authors who reflected their ethnicity to feel more positive about themselves. Is it possible this line of thinking could cause us ...

THE QUESTION: R440: Many times when I am watching television, I notice that a good number of African-American females’ names begin with “La,” such as Latonya or Latoya. Is there something in family heritage that accounts for using that prefix? POSTED SEPT. 1, 1998 Matt D., 15, white <bluefan@hotmail.com>, Novi, MI To respond BACK TO TOP THE QUESTION: R439: I’ve ...

THE QUESTION: R450: For the past 12 years, we have lived in a middle-class neighborhood. Demographics: 80 percent black, 10 percent white, 10 percent other (Hispanic, Filipino, Asian). The new high school near our neighborhood is 65 percent black, with a majority of black teachers. When the time came for the prom this year, the music committee (all black students) ...

THE QUESTION: R460: It seems to me that having minority organizations or minority subcommittees of “mainstream” organizations only further points out our differences. How can we accept others and not label them if they are already labeling themselves? POSTED SEPT. 19, 1998 Stacy W., white female, Akron, OH ANSWER 1: In a democracy, the majority is supposed to rule. However, ...

THE QUESTION: R470: I would like to hear comments from any African-American Race/EthnicityQuestions 471-480Feel free to browse the following questions, some of which may still await answers. You can then post an answer or counter an answer that has already been posted. Please read the guidelines for answering questions before making a posting.   Previous 10 this topic area Next ...

THE QUESTION: R480: Until just a couple of years ago, I never realized “Jap” was a derogatory term. Frankly, I can’t ever think of a time I used it, but I had put it in the same category as “Brit,” “Aussie,” “Yank” or “Canuck.” I’m sure there are other examples. Why is “Jap” different? Or are these other short terms ...