Terrific look behind the curtain at being on the judging panel for this prestigious fiction award.
Margaret Busby, Britain's youngest and first black female book publisher, born in Ghana.
Lee Child, Brummie son of an Irishman
Emily Wilson, academic from a family of academics
Lemm Sissay, fostered (turbulently) son of an Ethiopian single mother.
Sameer Rahim, the author of the piece, a journalist. Not sure of his background so I'm guessing your "uppercrust British toffs" must be something to do with him, right?
And really do you think that being non-English is a get-out-of-jail-free card here? Are you saying that the Irish aren't British? Are you saying that having divorced parents gives you free rein to pretend you're not a toff? Are you saying that women can't be uppercrust or toffesses?
You have such a racist, sexist view and you seem blind to the snide, sneering dominance exerted by contests like this.
"No".
Incidentally, while obviously I didn't pronounce on it, no, the Irish aren't British.
Feel free to fact-check your theory with an Irishman though.
I won't comment on what I think that all says about your own psychology and insecurities, but will take your opinion on my racism and sexism under consideration - cheers.