Limey

Via James Kirchick, a blog post from a Brit named Toby Young, appearing on The Spectator's web page and titled "Obama isn't black," downplays the significance of Tuesday's election. What an idiot. I'll leave the more articulate denunciation of his silliness to Kirchick himself:

To say that Obama "isn't black" is to downplay not only his own individual achievements, but the amazing progress America has made thus far.

But don't take it from a white Jewish guy like me. Talk to black people! Read black journalists! Who is some pasty British guy to tell Americans, particularly black Americans (no matter how dark their skin), how they ought understand Barack Obama's election victory? Judging by the reactions of the many, many black Americans I've encountered over the past few days, I think it's safe to say that they feel a great deal of pride and joy for their country, and that they truly do believe that more things are possible for them and the next generation. And isn't their reaction (as well as the reactions of other ethnic minorities) what ultimately matters when discussing the impact of Barack Obama's historic election on race relations in this country, rather than the snide offerings of a British hack?