We wanted to go a different spin with this issue of The Laundry Source by addressing direct questions, and receiving straight answers. You may read the Q & A and say well this isn’t eye catching and as deep as the past issues. But you know what? This issue is about having some fun and checking out what some of you have to say. 

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We asked our readers the following questions and loved the various replies.Take the Q & A and think about if you indeed share those same observations.

Enjoy!

RACE/ RACISM…

Some people love the idea of dabbling with dating people outside of their race. Attractions come in different tones. Most of the cases over the years we find that for Black women find themselves dabbling with other races when their chosen race have already converted to dating people of other races. More cases than many some people do just that- dabble and have their fun.

If a White Man or Woman wanted to ask you out would you comply? 

The Replies-

It depends on the person and what they represent. I would have to screen them before going out. If the person was a nice catch. Meaning, possess intellect to hold interesting conversations about life and spirituality, a sense of humor, charisma, and a genuinely warm character. 

Key (Ga.)---------------------

Hell to the no. I may be flattered; however, deep down I'll be wondering what the catch is.

Dee (N.Y)-------------------

It's all pink inside ya know

Dre (N.Y)------------------

I use to think I could due to my upbringing. However as an informed adult I don't know if I could walk down the street comfortably without worrying about how I am disappointing my people.

Felicia (N.Y)--------------

Do you feel awkward when you see Black people that look shady on the train or white people that look shady? 

The Replies-

I don't feel awkward at all because I don't care how shady people look; I carry a positive energy around all the time.  I guess if I felt awkward it would probably be if I saw a white person that looked shady.

Key (Ga.)-------------

I look at them dead in the eye and give a look like don't F... with me today buddy. And that goes for all nationalities! Because nuts come in all colors.

Dee (N.Y)-----------------

I feel awkward when I see Black people only because I wonder how did they get there or where is the help when you need it.

Felicia (N.Y)---------------

Do you think you're a "sometimes" racist?

The Replies-

Yes, I know so, and I think most people are.

Key (Ga.)----------------

As I've become older. I have certain conflicts on issues of race.

As an example, something about interracial couples (more so, Black men w/ white women) digs in my skin a bit. However, at the back of my mind I say "to each his own".

But yes, some things do get in my skin- but I have friends of all races, so I don't put these feelings on them, it just depends on the case at hand. It's that little word slavery that can't let me forget some things- ya know! I unlike some people won't forget- I can move on but will never forget how my people were treated as dogs!

Dee (N.Y)----------------

I keep it real son.

Dre (N.Y)----------------

Definitely. As stated earlier, as an informed person, I see things differently than when I was growing up and a lot of the actions taking place today cause some to become racist at times.

Felicia (N.Y)------------

Do you think Black women have attitudes?

The Replies-

Yes, most black women do have attitudes and I feel they are relevant at times.  Black women have a Queen nature. A queen is a very demanding, strong, aggressive, outspoken, and confident person. The fact that black women have been oppressed for so long it is expected for them to have attitudes. But on the flip side of things I think all women all nationalities to some degree have attitudes.

Key (Ga.)--------------

Yeah, but I would too if I was considered the lowest man on the totem pole

Dre (N.Y)-------------

Yes. But there's a reason to our reactions. You're talking about a force that gets treated like the under dog and constantly has to prove and show that no matter what we will prevail. It doesn't help when our men act like the queens should be disrespected. So yeah we usually have to show and prove that we are not the ones, and no one can stand in our way to doing what we have to do- period!

Dee (N.Y)-------------

Yes. But it’s to make a way in this society. Although they are higher than Black men on the totem pole, they still have to fight everyone. They fight the White man (and woman) for a place on the corporate ladder. They have to fight the Black man to prove they are on their side. Why do you think some Black men have problems with Black women?

Fel (N.Y)--------------

Why do you think some Black men have problems with Black women? 

The Replies-

 Well, that is a very deep rooted conversation that would take a bit of time to explain, but I will minimize my words.  I feel that most cases black women have risen to a level of dominance that ruled before the times we are in now.  Women are more controlled in their lives and black men are less controlled in their lives. I feel it all has a lot to do with the foundation of the men and women.  Who raised them and how they were raised.  Black men mostly have problems with black women due to the independent nature women posses now.  It makes the men feel less needed in the relation with the independent black woman.

Key (Ga.)------------------

Insecurities of manhood and no self love

Dre (N.Y)-------------------

Mentally we are stronger. Women in general are a stronger force, perhaps not physically, but we are able to handle many plates while the room is constantly spinning.

I think they know we can ruin them mentally if they bring us there.

Dee (N.Y)--------------------

INTIMIDATION…

In today’s times – let’s face it some of us may have been the tough honchos back in the day,But some of the crimes or the forceful elements of the day just make you think- if you were intimidated by that force, could you hold you head up? Just wondering!

Do or would you cross the street when you see a group of young male thugged out teens? Do you hold your purse tighter? 

The Replies-

The experience of walking by a group of thugs for me consists of gawking by the thugs at how attractive I may seem to them, sometimes in a cool way and sometimes in a disrespectful way.  But seldom do I receive disrespectful slurs from them. Would I cross the street depends on my mood that moment because if I am in a hermit type of mood I don't want to hear the noise, so I may cross the street. If my mood is humanitarian that moment I will probably stay on the same side of the street and walk past through them and be open to greet them and continue on my journey.

Key (Ga.)-----------------

Never show fear it will always be your down fall

Dre (N.Y)--------------------

It depends on my intuition. If I feel I should cross then I discreetly follow that instinct. But of course you don't want anyone to think you're scared.

Dee (N.Y)-------------------

No because I don't want them to think I am scared of them. If they see fear, you become a prime target. It’s a Brooklyn thang!

Felicia (N.Y)---------------

Do or would you cross the street when you see a group of young thugged out teen girls? Do you hold your purse tighter?

 The Replies-

Nope I will continue walking past them and not cross the street because whether the girls are thugged out or not, I am not threatened at all by anyone. I would greet them and continue on my journey. 

Key (Ga.)------------------

Same point- but the females are even trickier, because we usually think the same way on this point. So they may use that against me if I play myself and cross the street. So I approach with a meanest mean mug look and keep stepping to where I need to be.

Dee (N.Y)-----------------

Hell no. I would probably try to stare them down thinking I am badder than them.

Felicia (N.Y)-------------

WORK ISSUES…

Same bull crap different careers- should we say any further!

Do you like your co-workers?

The Replies-

When I did have co-workers I was very indifferent towards them.  I did not show up at my job to like or dislike them I showed up to earn a check the end of the week. I was very impersonal with co-workers, our relation was simply business.

Key (Ga.)-----------------

Some of them are cool people. Some make me want to go postal on their behinds.

Dee (N.Y)------------------

Do you think your boss is competent for his/ her position?If you had the chance would you take their position?

The Replies-

Most of the time my superiors were not competent for their position.

I would only care to take their positions if the money was worth the hassle if not I would be content with the position I had until that time came for me to broaden my horizons and leave to do something better.

Key (Ga.)-------------------

Yes and Hell yes, but remember you have to pay the cost to be the boss.

Dre (N.Y)----------------

No- does this answer the question- hum! If you had the chance would you take their position? Perhaps but why would I want leftovers.

Dee (N.Y)-------------

HOMOSEXUALITY. A.I.D.S…

Real instances in a world where everything is so direct and in your face.How comfortable are we with some of the issues that affect someone we know, Or yourself?

What would you do if a same sex individual came up to you to and said they were attracted to you- would you feel uncomfortable? 

The Replies-

No, I would not feel uncomfortable; I would be honored about the compliment. I am a flirt so I would respond, "If I was you, I would be attracted to me too." and then thank them for the compliment, and continue on my journey.

Key (Ga.)-------------------

Everyone loves the good looking

Dre (N.Y)----------------------

Most definitely. I have a fear of those boxy lesbian dykes.

Nah man that would not be cool approaching me on some lesbian kick. I may just do that- kick ya.

Dee (N.Y)----------------

Yes and no. I would feel uncomfortable because I don't want to hurt their feelings. However I wouldn't feel uncomfortable knowing that I am attractive to SOMEONE!

Felicia (N.Y)--------------

If someone you knew had A.I.D.S and invited you over for dinner, how would you feel using their utensils?

The Replies-

I know a few individuals that do have the disease and I am comfortable with being around them. I am a bit knowledgeable about the disease and I would not have a problem using a person I know that have A.I.D.S. utensils.

Key (Ga.)-------------

They didn't cure that yet

Dre (N.Y)--------------------------

If they were not clean in general in the care of their home- chances are I wouldn't be eating over there in general. But if they were clean and took care in what they were doing- it shouldn't be a problem. You know considering you can't get A.I.D.S by using eating utensils, but if they were bleeding up on the knives with stained blood- well you be the judge.

Dee (N.Y)--------------------

No problem. I know people who are HIV positive and can cook their a** off!

Felicia (N.Y)----------------

CELEBRITIES AND STUFF…

Will it be Brad Pitt or Denzel Washington?

The Replies-

Denzel Washington, he comes off so genuine and his character reminds me of my father.

Key (Ga.)----------------------

Denzel

Dre (N.Y)----------------------

Denzel Washington - but Brad ain't bad either now!

Dee (N.Y)--------------------

Denzel Washington even though I just became a fan in the last 2 years. He wasn't appealing to me and I am one to always go against the grain.

Felicia (N.Y)---------------

What do you really think about the comedienne Monique?and her confidence in her own skin? 

The Replies-

I think Monique is rarely funny, because of her consistence with the same skinny ladies are evil forum. I feel she lacks a bit of confidence in her look, which is why she makes reference to skinny or slim women so often.

Key Ga.)------------------------

All good homey

Dre (N.Y)------------------------------

She can be too over the top and a tad cocky. She does irritate me when she hates on the thin women. Now for myself size 4 but shapely brown sister- these commentaries from a larger women- who when I look at her, I think to myself she can ease up on the ring dings, despite her looking glam in a Beyonce dress.

So let's all love the skin we're blessed and live healthy.

Dee (N.Y)---------------

As a large and lovely woman I think it is wonderful to have someone represent us positively. However I think she takes it to the extreme by flaunting it. We can be large and lovely without being obnoxious.

Felicia (N.Y)-----------------

Do you think "The Flavor of Love” show on VH1 makes Black women look like hoochies? 

The Replies-

I think nothing makes black women look hoochie but black women.  They have a choice in the impression they desire to make on people. Most television shows portray black women as hoochies but once again that image control is in the hands of the black woman.

Key (Ga.)--------------------------

Of course Big Booty, no self-respect giving hoochies

Dre (N.Y.)-----------------------------

The word hoochie is being nice!

Dee (N.Y)----------------

Will it be Angeline Jolie or Vivica Fox? 

The Replies-

Vivica Fox, aggressive sister, very appealing, and more genuine than a Caucasian woman portraying that role such as Angelina Jolie.

Key (Ga.)------------------

Jolie

Dre (N.Y)---------------------

Vivica is the girl. She has that tough edge to her that I like. She can be classy and break your face if you step to her out of line. A women just like me (giggle)

Dee (N.Y)-------------------

Do you think Flavor Flav is attractive?

The Replies-

I think flavor flav is attractive to whoever thinks he is.  I don't think he is my type but attraction is relative. What is attractive to one individual may not be attractive to another.

Key (Ga.)-----------------

In the words of that great crack head Whitney Houston "Hell to the NO"

Dre (N.Y)--------------------

You have got to be kidding; Even though beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Flavor flav looks like a burnt raisinet -with gold grills for real!

Dee (N.Y)-------------