“M.B.W.F”

“M.B.W.F” it took me a moment to realize what this acronym stood for. I understand why Patricia Williams uses the acronym, because she repeats the phrase “My Best White Friend” at least thirteen times. Williams’ essay is definitely poignantly opinionated. In many ways the focus is less on her friend and more on the interaction between blacks and whites. The essay appears Williams as arguing with society about somewhat vague racial matters. Though the story is written as a personal essay, Williams may have written the essay more for a release of anger or frustration, and less for an audience to read it. Throughout the essay there is an uncomfortable tone of frustration. With this tone Williams states “on average, we black women have bigger, better problems”. Such a biased and poorly qualified comment can be offensive. Williams’ weak persuasion of the treatment of black people in the essay almost persuades readers of the opposite. Her best white friend seems like a kind and caring lady, allowing and being supportive of Williams finding a husband. The best white friend, though she may be superficial, never says anything racially against Williams. Instead Williams focuses on the negativity of the situation. Of her best white friend forcing her to dress up and find a white male, who Williams sees many of them as masters of slaves. Williams’ essay is aggravating, and though it may recognize some problems, the flaws in the argument causes an disdainful mood.