French elites take cue from Obama victory

Inspired by Barack Obama, the French first lady and other leading figures say it's high time for France to stamp out racism and shake up a white political and social elite that smacks of colonial times.

A manifesto published on Sunday - subtitled "Oui, nous pouvons!", the French translation of Obama's campaign slogan "Yes, we can!" -urges affirmative action-like policies and other steps to turn French ideals of equality into reality for millions of blacks, Arabs and other alienated minorities.

"Our prejudices are insidious," said Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a singer and wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy. She said she hoped the "Obama effect" would reshape French society.