Negative/Positive Discrimination in Writing
Hubby (quite rightly) says that I over-analysis and counter-think about things. I've been doing it again and this time it's about my writing.
When developing characters for my long term work in progress, I automatically made them white and English. Today this gave me pause.
As the saying goes, 'write about what you know'. I know what it's like to be an educated white English woman. Therefore, my protagonist and by extension her family is white and English. The antagonist is a white South African. I can't explain that choice, just fits my mental image of him. Then I began to develop the character of the ex-boyfriend of the protagonist. True to type, I think of him as white English. So I am now faced with the thought, should I introduce some cultural diversity through the character of the ex-boyfriend and other supporting characters?
Should this be a consideration when writing?
Is it discriminatory to not represent the diversity of the UK, not through any prejudice but simply because it feels right for my story?
Is it right to include non-white/non-English people just because I feel I should?
I am genuinely puzzled by this so I welcome all comments.
posted by Rhea at 5/31/2006 11:15:00 pm
2 Comments:
Well..
When I write stuff I do try to make the 'cast' diverse - as I think its believeable, as we live in a diverse society. I guess I have to force it a bit, but it feels like the right thing to do. Mind you I overanalyse as much if not more than you, so you may not be that interested in what I think!
Its a tough one though. I do think its fine to include non white (or disabled, gay or whatever) because you think its the right thing to do - after all stereotyped characters are so grim and its worth pushing diversity to avoid that!
It depends on the context in which you are writing. For example if you are writing about contemporary life in England, or, let's say London for argument's sake, it might be odd not to include characters that reflect it. But unless you are really coming from their experience it can be really difficult.
It has to be realistic, which again depends on what you are writing about. Not everyone knows people from other backgrounds other than their own, but that's why you reasearch your character's isn't it? I don't mean only reading from a book or, getting stuff from the media (which often steroetypes people quite badly) but also perhaps trying to get to know some people from different backgrounds and asking them "research" questions.
If you're writing a book, what better excuse ;-).You could ask those very people if you've accurately captured them. (Or you could tell them what you're trying to achieve - you may be surprised at how they can help you). They will probably tell you that you haven't captured them that well, but then they might help you discover. Of course, the easiest way would be to have a couple of friends from different ethnic/ability backgrounds and ask them to introduce you to some of their friends and acquaintances... but o.k, you have to start somewhere, right? Also I'd read other authors or books that reflect the characters you would like to write about.."White Teeth" comes to mind but there must be many others. A Library or good bookstore can point you in the write - er sorry - right direction. I wouldn't think of it as positive discrimination as such (by that I mean, forget about "labels".
In case you're wondering, I know peole from a lot of different backgrounds, first from London of course, but then from living in Toronto. I consider myself very, very fortunate.
Gosh, I do go on!! Hope there is something useful there. Good luck :)
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