How come Barack Obama is “black” and Shirley Bassey isn’t?

Both were born of white mothers and African fathers but no one ever refers to Dame Shirley as black. But of course, it would be naive to suggest that they’re not very different cases. Given America’s history of segregation and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, the election of its first non-white president was hugely significant. It’s Barack Obama’s birthday today. His eight-year tenure in the White House is drawing to a close and he’s still only 54. I think he’s been a great president and my admiration for him is enormous. As it is for Shirley Bassey. But that admiration is for their talents and for what they’ve achieved. It has nothing to do with the colour of their skin.