...a second common strategy of argument about one’s racial innocence: the “I have black friends” claim. I was shocked and angered when Salon’s Joan Walsh used this strategy in her criticism of my piece. Although I disagree with her, I have no problem with Walsh’s decision to take on the claims in my piece. I consider it a sign of respect to publicly engage those with whom you disagree. I was taken aback that Walsh emphasized the extent of our friendship. Walsh and I have been professionally friendly. We’ve eaten a few meals. I invited her to speak at Princeton and I introduced her to my literary agent. We are not friends. Friendship is a deep and lasting relationship based on shared sacrifice and joys. We are not intimates in that way. Watching Walsh deploy our professional familiarity as a shield against claims of her own bias is very troubling. In fact, it is one of the very real barriers to true interracial friendship and intimacy.
Are White Liberals Abandoning Obama? - Joan Walsh, Salon
The Epistemology of Race Talk - Melissa Harris-Perry, The Nation
I never thought of mere friendship as needing to be as deep and lasting as Ms. Perry suggests.
I would have loved to seen Joanie's reaction to Perry's comments.
Sounds like Melissa Harris-Perry is the hater, hates Joan Walsh and refuses to be friends because Joan is white.