by Rouen Nelson
As readers and writers, we are always searching for new stories to read, new circumstances to craft, and new ideas to build around. Diversity is a cornerstone of the literary world- reading and writing about characters who are non-white, women, LGBT+, neurodivergent, or stories including a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds allows us to open our minds to life experiences other than our own and educate ourselves about the plights of others.
However, it’s important that the diverse stories you are reading and writing contain natural, truthful diversity, instead of forced or incorrect diversity. Representation that is forced or reliant on stereotypes harms minorities, but appropriate depictions of minorities in the literary world are still greatly needed.
So, how can you tell the difference between genuine diversity and diversity that is forced and inaccurate? Keep these 4 things in mind:
1. Does the author have to outright state the diversity after publishing in order for it to be clear?
Remember when J.K. Rowling tweeted about how Dumbledore was gay despite his sexuality being entirely irrelevant in canon? If a character’s diversity is not mentioned or implied in the story, either that trait is irrelevant to the story or the character was not written with that in mind. Readers are still welcome to interpret the character however they like, but if the author feels the need to explicitly announce that their character(s) are diverse in a specific way, it is likely forced diversity. Note that this is different from authors writing characters in a way that a reader can imply they are non-white/queer/gender diverse/plus size/etc. and then confirming it later on- that diversity was purposeful, just never stated outright.
How do I avoid this as a writer?
If you craft a character as being part of an underrepresented group, make sure that is mentioned in a tasteful way within the story itself so your readers are able to identify the implicit or explicit diversity of your character.
Representation that is forced or reliant on stereotypes harms minorities, but appropriate depictions of minorities in the literary world are still greatly needed.
2. Is the only notable trait about a character their minority status, or do they lack needed depth?
When writing characters who represent minorities, it is important to make sure they are included in the story as much as every main or side character. If a character who is in one or two scenes is specifically described as being part of a minority despite their diversity being completely irrelevant to the plot, it is likely forced diversity.
How to avoid this as a writer?
Don’t needlessly describe unimportant characters in order to add diversity. Instead, make sure your relevant characters are representative of different backgrounds, identities and cultures, and include their diversity in a way that is meaningful.
3. Are the minority characters used for comedy?
One of the worst feelings is when you are completely enraptured in the development book and its characters, and suddenly the male characters are using misogyny as a form of comic relief. If an author uses their minority characters as the butt of jokes, or as the funny, comic relief character within a more serious story, the diversity was not done properly, especially if said character is the only minority representation within the book.
How to avoid this as a writer?
Don’t include jokes that are discriminatory, point blank period.
4. Are minority characters depicted in a stereotypical or untrue manner?
In the day and age of the internet, it is easier than ever to research the cultures, identities, backgrounds, and circumstances of others. If you see minority characters who fall into stereotypes that are discriminatory, or make the author seem uneducated or ignorant about said minority, the portrayal of said minority is inaccurate and unresearched. Stereotypes, especially racial ones, are even more present in books not written in the 21st century- it is important to be aware that these are inaccurate depictions that reflect the mindset of the time period.
How to avoid this as a writer?
Research, research, research. If you are writing about a minority you are a part of, draw from your experience; if not, discuss with those who are a part of said minority about how to properly represent them (if they are willing to), read books by authors who fall into that minority, or find resources on the internet to educate yourself. In any case, the smartest idea is to avoid centering your plot on a minority experience/issue/theme if you yourself have not experienced it, as it will likely be misrepresented.
When writing characters who represent minorities, it is important to make sure they are included in the story as much as every main or side character.
Obviously, this list is not an end-all-be-all. Awareness is of the upmost importance when writing minority characters- and their stories are often important ones to tell.
コメント