When an author write’s a character from a similar
ethnic background as him/herself it seems to be accepted by mainstream readers,
authentic. When a character of another gender or nationality or ethnicity fails
to convince the reader of the Character’s authenticity or reinforce lazy
stereotypes, this is interpreted as misrepresentation of that nationality. when
we write stories about characters from a different background, we are writing
stories about our own perceptions. However, sometimes discrimination arises
from within the readers themselves.
People have said that if a writer is Hispanic,
then the characters in their book should be of Hispanic origin. The same goes for if the writer is black, Asian, et cetera. Well, it doesn’t work that way. I
believe a writer can write about a character that is not the same as the
author’s ethnic background. Some of my characters in my books, are of mix race.
Melissa, from the book, In the Company of Elves, is Caucasian. For those who have
read the book, know that both of her parents are Caucasian. The father
remarried years later to a Hispanic woman, who became Melissa’s step-mother.
I
don’t believe in putting author’s in a race box! What do I mean? Well, a race
box is when the mainstream society only prefers to read written work that fits
their perception of racial acceptance in characters in literature. If you’re
Hispanic, you should writer about Hispanic families or make your character
Hispanic. If you’re black you should write about black families or make your
characters black in every book. Well, I say no. It’s ridiculous. A writer
should create a character that fits what the story’s about. The character
Melissa, fits the kind of young lady I want for, In the Company of Elves. It is the kind of
character I imagined she would be.
The character, Chandra in Chandra’s Quest is Hispanic/Italian.
Her Earth name is Alyssa Castro, but it was changed after Adara bought her at a
slave auction. For those who have read the book, understand what I am talking
about.
I love to write and create unique characters for my
books, I don’t care if they are Hispanic or not. I believe that people who put
author’s in a race box, are just shallow and are afraid to accept things
outside their comfort zone.
To readers: don’t be surprised if your favorite
author doesn’t always write characters that are not the same ethnic nationality as they are. Most readers however, don’t care. If the book is interesting enough to keep
them interested, then what kind of ethnic nationality the character is, doesn’t matter.
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