I'm not discounting the historical significance of half his ethnicity and culture, but why ignore the other half?
Based on some answers, I felt the need to clarify that I don't put emphasis on race at all; I would have voted for Alan Keyes in 2000 if given the choice. I am, though, pointing out how so much emphasis has been placed upon his race, mainly by his own party.
Tobey
Favorite Answer
I honestly can't figure this one out, (except for saying that he's the first "black" president sounds so much more "groundbreaking") but I do wish to THANK YOU for re-assuring me that I am not the ONLY one who has been wondering the same thing!
happinesswithin
i agree, he is as much white as he is black. but the whiteness is not what people are interested in, because white presidents have been being elected for years!
even if he was only a quarter black but still looked black, he would still be seen as 'black' rather than white. it's kind of the white majority 'us and them' mentality.
teeka
Because it's the closest that to black that people have seen. Even though its only have it beats 100% white.
demsuck69@ymail.com
If the ONLY reason Americans are rejoicing is because of the color of his skin then the one's rejoicing are the racists. Can you imagine Americans rejoicing because a WHITE President is elected?
Captain Cod
Well, all during the campaign, it was a tactics used by the republicans to scare whites into voting for McCain. Now that Obama has won, it's time to play it down, right.