Hi Garry,
There has been some irritation about this headline in Germany, too, but I guess because of different reasons than the ones you are referring to. Knowing that the TAZ (die tageszeitung) is one of Germany's most progressive and a rather left wing orientated newspaper (and one for a more or less ;-) intellectual readerhip, I may add non-judgemental ) should help to negate any assumptions of racism here. Actually, every Thursday there is a supplement called "Perşembe" for Turkish readers. So non-understanding your German neighbours won't influence your vote any longer, I hope.
The German discussion re this headline, by the way, was a typical example of the well-known depths and severity of approaching these things in Germany. Where I am sure the editors were simply referring to the very long span of time between abolishment of slavery and the first afro-american (not completely precise here, I know) possible president, some discussions went furhter. Interpreting "Uncle Tom's" character one could assume that he was a rather assimilated black, adapted to the adverse circumstances of his life, and that's what brought him as far as even getting the privilege of an hut. But this probably goes now beyond the concerns of your blog.

Regards, Eva.

Garry, I totally agree. And by the way, It's been a while since I read this book. So this were only some further thoughts I happened to hear. Also an average German wouldnt be so deep in the matter of American history or literature, so I'd say going down this road would be to much of an interpretation. Just let's hope for the best - in Europe and US.