The Writer Will Take Your Questions Now (#255) -- White Men Can't Jump?

Can a white author write black characters?

(Even Michael Chabon gets this question)  

I sure hope so, or some of my upcoming stories are really gonna suck.

Actually, I've covered this topic before, and my opinions haven't changed.

As a writer, if I'm going to succeed, I want to -- no, NEED to -- be able to write from the POV of white folks, black folks, hispanic folks, women, men, old people, children, retirees, divorcees, gays, straights, pencil pushers, drug dealers, construction workers, strippers, dogs, lions, and even polka-dotted Sprigtzleglitzs from the planet Murdock VI if the case arises. Period.