To me, this piece highlights another fissure made evident within this presidential primary race. I think both Ms. Steinem and Ms. Lacewell make excellent points. The arguments that each gave primacy to (in the race/gender discussion) reflect their particular insights and both are valid. Do we need to have a concensus of opinion at all, among Americans, women, or feminists to be "right"? I think not. We needn't dis one thinker to elevate the other, especially since neither Steinem nor Lacewell's arguments are mutually exclusive.
I think there is intellectual overlap between these women, and wonder why their differences are seen as a weakness rather than a strength. They are both absolutely correct in recognizing not only how contentious the race/gender issue is, but also how multifaceted and huge it is.
In conclusion, what is dangerous is not a conflicting view, but an inbred one. We are in a time when we need as many thoughtful, smart people working for positive change as possible.