New in the Phoenix: Why the way we talk about Obama's race matters

Wanted: a "Colonel Tribune" for Boston's dailies

Kinsley's rhetorical overreach

3 Comments

• ani dalit said:

  I think the resolution will develop as the numbers of people with non-white heritages in positions of power increase (because the system of classification eventually becomes useless), and I think Obama's election is an important step (milestone?) in that direction, however Obama is characterized.  I'm not sure we can control exactly how we get there, whether we get there by the most efficient route or meander a bit, but I think we'll get there -- in other words, I don't think Obama's election is some kind of aberration, even if his heritage makes his place in how this journey develops somewhat confusing prospectively.  Maybe discussion such as yours will help keep things fluid.

  February 11, 2009 8:12 PM

• Ron Newman said:

  I guess I don't understand what all the fuss is about.  He has African heritage and is now President of the United States.   These are facts not open to dispute.

  February 12, 2009 1:16 PM

• Adam Reilly said:

  Nor do I dispute them, Ron. What's interesting to me (as I explain in the story) is the way our collective description of Obama's heritage was recast between the election and the inauguration, and the possible implications of that shift.

  February 12, 2009 1:48 PM

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