Writing characters of other race?

Contributor: T&A1987 T&A1987
This is something Ive been thinking about doing, but am apprehensive about. I barely know anything about my own race, much less someone else and I don't want to write a stereotype, or ignore their culture and whitewash it away. Has anyone else written characters of a different race and if so, what did you do to ensure authenticity?
10/03/2012
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Contributor: Penzi Erotica Penzi Erotica
Quote:
Originally posted by T&A1987
This is something Ive been thinking about doing, but am apprehensive about. I barely know anything about my own race, much less someone else and I don't want to write a stereotype, or ignore their culture and whitewash it away. Has anyone else ... more
Yes. You can start by reading short stories by the race you plan on writing about so you can get an idea of dialect, references, history, etc. Also, you can do a bit of Google Research on the age group and region of the people you are writing about. You can also talk to any friends or colleagues you have in that race for specifics. Lastly, I would suggest either having someone from the race read your story to make sure your writing is authentic or after writing it, read a story similar in content by the race to see if your writing feels and sounds genuine. I hope this helps.
10/03/2012
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by Penzi Erotica
Yes. You can start by reading short stories by the race you plan on writing about so you can get an idea of dialect, references, history, etc. Also, you can do a bit of Google Research on the age group and region of the people you are writing about. ... more
Those are excellent suggestions! Remember also that regardless of where we come from in the world we are all still human and some ideas, feelings, aspirations transcend race, color, or creed. I highly recommend reading up on the real life experiences of the culture you are planning to write about. I also recommend getting really comfortable with writing about what you know, your own color,race, creed ect. Get really deep into what makes you, you. Dig deep and explore all the dark areas of your own experience and then you can branch out much more easily and write from a place of deep understanding rather than stereotype. Keep in mind that stereotype also has it's place and not all stereotypes are abusive or meant to hurt.
10/03/2012