For example, when in a tight spot she will reference back to her Italian heritage for clues, further as a man that began my career mixing mortar and toting brick I appreciate that she appreciates what thats all about.
However, like Oriana Fallaci, the late GREAT Italian journalist, she's no one's dray horse; she'll be hitched to no wagon nor sledge.
She's more iconaclast than icon, even when she defends western canon against the imbeciles of academe. I think she does it because imbeciles in academe are a target rich environment. It's too easy and too much fun for her to pass up.
Ulimately, like Fallaci, she'll complain about muslims pissing on the sides of great cathedrals even as she pisses on the floor.
She's a "one-off" and as such she's tolerated in academe. I don't think she has any desire to be a part of a movement.
Again, she loves Arab culture and has written extensively about it. She has written very little about Muslim oppression - just a few tosses to honor killings in the mid-east. She was a student of Edward Said and has written forests of essays on him and his book “Orientalism.” In this way, she shares nothing with the late, great Oriana Fallaci. And I speak as a fan.
Another thing: when election time comes around, she will again support the Democratic candidate or the Green candidate as she’s done in the past. I’ve never seen her admit to voting for a Republican candidate.
I hate saying this because I’m such a huge admirer of hers but she has her flaws.