Would it matter if the next Bond was black?

If it makes a difference to me, it makes a difference. To not 'let it' make a difference is just to pretend that it doesn't (when really, inescapably, it does.)

Based on appearance, cultural context, voice and other factors, different people's actions can come across differently.

A very simplified example is this: When a strong man flexes his muscles, it implies pride in appearance. If a puny man flexes his muscles, it comes across as perhaps wishful, or self delusional. Same actions, different implications simply because of physical appearance.

One trademark physical aspect of Bond's is the slick back. Here's where cultural context comes into it. This is a very 'white' characteristic, and a white actor would be comfortably at home sporting the slick back. Were a black actor to sport the slick back, it would not be so convincing because it would frankly look out of place, it's not a common style among black people. But to change the hairstyle would be to sacrifice one of Bond's characteristics. Granted it's a fairly small characteristic, but combined with other small and more complex race-related differences, the overall character of Bond is compromised. Whether for better or worse, that's down to opinion.

I'm talking about physical quirks, a type of squint or raised eyebrow which look different on certain faces. Anyone can mime other's characteristics, but the look of that person undoubtedly makes an impact on the character portrayed.

Read the above point ^^^

It's a matter of preference, I would prefer a white Bond because traditionally he is white and there are characteristics, physical and personal (which you seem somehow unable to interpret) that would be more convincingly conveyed by a white actor. The only people who should give a damn are the publishers. If most want to see a white James Bond, Bond should be white. If most would prefer black, he should be black.

I'm not saying a black Bond would be bad, I'm saying white would be better for this particular role.

Sorry but how old are you? You must be about twelve if you can't understand that a white English man would not pull off 'mother****er' in the same character as Samuel L Jackson.

It's the way he says it that I'm referencing. My whole 'characteristic' argument is completely lost on you. It's like explaining colours to a blind person!

The voice, the facial expression and the racial connotations play a part in the delivery.

Bond himself is a Stereotype. Like I've said, neither race is a problem, but white is the most suitable option for the Bond role if we're talking about race alone.

Much in the same way that a black Frodo Baggins, a black Albus Dumbledore, a white Jackie Chan, a white Hancock, or a Chinese Gandalf would not affect viewers perceptions of the characters.

It's all a matter of opinion, I've given my reasons for preferring a white Bond, willing to read your reaction but this post is my final input, cheers.

Of course I agree, but you said he had to be very english when in fact connery had bond with a scottish accent and bond himself in the books is scottish/swiss. He has to be british but not necessarily english.