"Sticky Wicket" Questions
This is where we get real. Each week Sticky Wicket takes on a thorny question about a racial, ethnic, cultural or religious issues. These are the hard topics; the stuff that people don’t like talking about at work, school or cocktail parties. But these are also the issues we need to explore. To ask your “Sticky Wicket” question, write: stickywicket@usariseup.com.
Are More Jewish People Celebrating Christian Holidays?
Dear Sticky Wicket:
Is it true that more and more Jews are becoming Christians and celebrating Christmas?
~Curious In Texas
Dear Curious,
Jews in California have celebrated Christmas since the 1850s according to Frances Dinkelspiel in a Jewish New Weekly article. But they never regarded the holiday as a celebration of Christ’s birth. Instead they saw it more as a winter festival where they even exchange presents.
Racial Stereotypes Hinder Real Progress In Improving Race Relations
Dear Sticky Wicket,
Is there a pervasive perception among many white Americans that most black Americans are liberals and only want government entitlement programs? Isn't it more accurate to say that many blacks were forced into a position of having to accept the government programs because of the long-standing system of poor educational opportunities and other discriminatory practices?
~Facing the Truth in Forth Worth, TX
Dear Facing the Truth,
Is Venezuela Ruled By A Communist Dictator?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
Why is there such a close relationship between Cuba and Venezuela? Is it because they are both under the rule of communist dictators?
~Geopolitical Watcher from Georgia
How Will The United States Honor Its Returning Soldiers?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
With President Obama’s announcement that our soldiers are coming home from Afghanistan, and America’s ongoing high unemployment rates; how difficult will it be for these men and women of all races and ethnicities to find work? Will and/or has this upsurge of returning heroes resulted in something similar to the Vietnam veterans of today many of whom are homeless and have no support from, or belief in this country’s willingness to help them?
Who Is The Cuban Mafia In Miami?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
Are the majority of Cuban Americans affiliated with the Cuban Mafia in Miami? If not, how do those who are not part of the Mafia survive in that environment?
~Sam in Los Angeles
Dear Sam
The Death Of Osama Bin Laden: Is The Threat Of Terrorism In America Higher?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
Since Osama Bin Laden’s death, do most Americans and specifically Muslim Americans feel safer from terrorism?
~Concerned in San Francisco
Does A New Law Governing Personal Gun Ownership Provide A Safer Society In Hungary?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
In Hungary, the personal ownership of non-hunting guns is nearly unheard of but is this factor indicative of less crime and a safer society? Do Hungarians believe that not owning guns prevents higher instances of crime? If so, what is the basis of this belief?
~Gun Rights Advocate in Texas
Dear Gun Rights Advocate,
Do The Scottish And Irish Share A Common Culture?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
Is it true that the Scottish and Irish are distant cousins and share a common culture? They seem to have a lot in common — kilts, bagpipes, etc.
~Curious In Compton
Dear Curious,
Due to the geographic proximity of Scotland and Ireland, and thanks to a string of over-laps and run-ins over the course of the past hundreds of years, the Scots and the Irish do exhibit many cultural similarities.
Does Fear & Mistrust Hinder An Honest Dialogue?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
Why is there still so much reluctance and reticence among whites and blacks to have an honest and ongoing dialogue about racial issues? Is it because of some level of fear, mistrust, and bigotry?
~Discouraged from Dallas
Are The Japanese Racist Against Non-Japanese People?
Dear Sticky Wicket,
Since there do not appear to be a lot of other racial groups in Japan, is it true that the Japanese believe in keeping their race pure and are historically anti-immigration?
~Curious in St. Cloud
Dear Curious,
A number of articles and opinions abound that racism in Japan is deep and profound, but it is not a topic the Japanese openly discuss.
