The premise of the question "Can men and women be friends?" is confusing. What is it that obstructs friendship between men and women, exactly? The presence of desire? The awkwardness of its absence? Still, it's a valid question, that many ask (When Harry Met Sally is a 90 minute meditation on the issue), but still....

As a straight guy, can I have gay friends? Can a rich man be friends with someone less well-off? Can an employer be friends with an employee? A Jew and a German? A snot-nosed kid and an octogenarian? An anthropologist and a native?

Of course. Each situation has its challenges, but even a little psychological sophistication would leave most adults capable of negotiating these situations. And in the final analysis, these are the friendships that are the most enriching of all -- those that involve a bit of reach.