I'm writing a story with a very diverse cast and I want to make sure I represent them all well. I also want to avoid hurtful stereotypes. I also want to make sure lots of types of people (in both appearance and personality) are shown. Can y'all tell me what you wish was represented more in fiction and/or advice on writing different racial and religious groups?
Some good advice that I found is to google "how to not write [insert minority] characters." It sounds weird, but it's a good way to find out what hurtful stereotypes people belonging to those groups are sick of seeing that you may not have been aware of, as well as some other helpful pointers.
As for what I'd like to see done more is autism and epilepsy, but actually done right. Autistic characters tend to fall into stereotypes that aren't even 100% accurate (and I don't even feel like I'm alone in saying that I'm sick of seeing these stereotypes). Autism is something that can vary wildly from person to person, so actually do research and talk to multiple autistic people (which is advice that can really apply to a lot of disabilities).
Epilepsy is just something I'd like to see more of in general. Most times I see it's just kind of something that's used to spice up the plot by a conveniently timed seizure and the character is basically treated as being able bodied for the rest of the story. Show me a character who is actually inconvenienced by the fact that they have epilepsy for once.
I just have one request, more Indian characters. Like, in all the stuff I have read, there's been Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, African Americans, and characters of other ethnicities and races. Basically, everyone but Indians. If there ever is an Indian character, they're super stereotypical or super sarcastic and b*tchy.
I second Starfast, I'd really like to see more autistic characters. Especially autistic women, because we often either don't get diagnosed or get misdiagnosed. As for other groups I feel like I don't see often, I'd like to see more arospec and ace-spectrum characters. I'd also like to see more trans guys, since I feel like most trans characters I see are trans women, if I see any trans characters at all.
Hey, as a fellow diverse cast writer, I feel you! my highest recommendation is to write down lists about your characters of things you already know about them, and then write down lists of things you've researched that should NOT be put in one of those characters, and just continually compare the two as you develop the characters. Keep it simple bulletpoint, so it's easy to refer back and forth from, and really, and I mean really do your research as to what stereotypes are utter nonsense, and which ones might actually have some truth to them, but be vastly exaggerated/misunderstood.
For example, the myth that asexuals are all virgins who are innocent and have no sex education is obviously complete bs, but I actually fit into that category fairly well. But the reasons are different than what's usually written.
I ain't nieve, or whatever else, and I am educated to the degree I see fit. I get the gist, and the reason I don't know more, is because I'm repulsed by that stuff, and I never plan on doing it, so there you go. I'm the stereotypical ace. So make sure you're aware of stuff like that. Just be sure you know why the stereotype exists, and where it came from.
Good luck!!
As a writer with tourette's, I'd like to see more characters with the disability. I know it's unrealistic for every piece of literature out there to contain people with disabilities, but just like one or two good representations of tourette's would be cool.
Stereotypes to avoid
Not every case of tourette's involves people making weird noise and/or yelling out curse words.
Ticking doesn't happen all the time and, in some cases, it can even be stopped at will (sorta like repressing a sneeze).
and that's about all the stereotypes I can think of lol
I have a tick disorder (not Tourette's though) and I can confirm, they are the worst
I second Starfast, I'd really like to see more autistic characters. Especially autistic women, because we often either don't get diagnosed or get misdiagnosed. As for other groups I feel like I don't see often, I'd like to see more arospec and ace-spectrum characters. I'd also like to see more trans guys, since I feel like most trans characters I see are trans women, if I see any trans characters at all.
and second on the trans thing, usually when I see a trans character, they're there for sexual purpose, and if they aren't they're in an LGBT book. I just wanna see more trans characters in other genres!!!
Tips for not making it icky are:
Trans people usually don't talk that much about being trans, unless they're with people they trust, don't make them mention they're trans for no reason other than to make it clear they are
Trans people are not always depressed people or suicidal. For some they are really dysphoric, but it comes in waves (as I've noticed in my case)
I second Starfast, I'd really like to see more autistic characters. Especially autistic women, because we often either don't get diagnosed or get misdiagnosed. As for other groups I feel like I don't see often, I'd like to see more arospec and ace-spectrum characters. I'd also like to see more trans guys, since I feel like most trans characters I see are trans women, if I see any trans characters at all.
and second on the trans thing, usually when I see a trans character, they're there for sexual purpose, and if they aren't they're in an LGBT book. I just wanna see more trans characters in other genres!!!
Tips for not making it icky are:
Trans people usually don't talk that much about being trans, unless they're with people they trust, don't make them mention they're trans for no reason other than to make it clear they are
Trans people are not always depressed people or suicidal. For some they are really dysphoric, but it comes in waves (as I've noticed in my case)
Also can we stop using forced outing? In general, but especially for trans characters? I'm so sick of books where the ~big twist~ is that the love interest/side character is trans, and they're outed and face transphobia from the lead.
I second Starfast, I'd really like to see more autistic characters. Especially autistic women, because we often either don't get diagnosed or get misdiagnosed. As for other groups I feel like I don't see often, I'd like to see more arospec and ace-spectrum characters. I'd also like to see more trans guys, since I feel like most trans characters I see are trans women, if I see any trans characters at all.
and second on the trans thing, usually when I see a trans character, they're there for sexual purpose, and if they aren't they're in an LGBT book. I just wanna see more trans characters in other genres!!!
Tips for not making it icky are:
Trans people usually don't talk that much about being trans, unless they're with people they trust, don't make them mention they're trans for no reason other than to make it clear they are
Trans people are not always depressed people or suicidal. For some they are really dysphoric, but it comes in waves (as I've noticed in my case)
Also can we stop using forced outing? In general, but especially for trans characters? I'm so sick of books where the ~big twist~ is that the love interest/side character is trans, and they're outed and face transphobia from the lead.
^^^^^^^^^^^ Hear freaking hear. Less of this
And then the focus isn't on the trans character who's been publicly outed and facing harassment, it's on the MC going "oooh but they used to be a boy, so am I….a gay?!" for the rest of the book.
Honestly thoooo…..
Can we just have more really casual LGBT people where their orientation isn't the sole focus of the plot? Like, let's just treat it like no big deal, but still include it.
My advice to you in one word: Research! If hunt around online there are a LOT of good sources to use for helping create and depict a diverse cast of characters. I recently happened upon a VERY in-depth writing advice blog about diversity; so I’ll drop off the URL for you: https://writingwithcolor.tumblr.com/
If you need tips or info on how to have other kinds of diversity like people who aren’t neurotypical or LGBTQIA+; there are similar places. The trick is taking the time to comb through all the search engine links to uncover the proverbial gold here. 👍
Honestly thoooo…..
Can we just have more really casual LGBT people where their orientation isn't the sole focus of the plot? Like, let's just treat it like no big deal, but still include it.
YES PLEASE!!! I want queer folks whose jokes aren't just their identity!!!
Honestly thoooo…..
Can we just have more really casual LGBT people where their orientation isn't the sole focus of the plot? Like, let's just treat it like no big deal, but still include it.YES PLEASE!!! I want queer folks whose jokes aren't just their identity!!!
SAME. People are more than just what they identify as. I'm agender, but that doesn't mean that one thing consumes my whole life…
I'd just like to see more diverse characters who are characters first and diverse second. A person's sexuality, gender, race, etc. is not their personality.
I just have one request, more Indian characters. Like, in all the stuff I have read, there's been Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, African Americans, and characters of other ethnicities and races. Basically, everyone but Indians. If there ever is an Indian character, they're super stereotypical or super sarcastic and b*tchy.
Big agree. But also with Arab characters. And please do not make them Muslim. People seem to think Arabs can only even be Muslim. No. There are many Arab Christians. There are Arab Atheists. I am certain their are Arabs of every religion or have no religion. I just would like some more casual rep like everyone else.
Also if you want to watch a movie about Indians that I love, watch The Hundred-Foot Journey. Please. It's that good. I also feel a lot of connection to the characters so…
I just have one request, more Indian characters. Like, in all the stuff I have read, there's been Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, African Americans, and characters of other ethnicities and races. Basically, everyone but Indians. If there ever is an Indian character, they're super stereotypical or super sarcastic and b*tchy.
Big agree. But also with Arab characters. And please do not make them Muslim. People seem to think Arabs can only even be Muslim. No. There are many Arab Christians. There are Arab Atheists. I am certain their are Arabs of every religion or have no religion. I just would like some more casual rep like everyone else.
Also if you want to watch a movie about Indians that I love, watch The Hundred-Foot Journey. Please. It's that good.I also feel a lot of connection to the characters so…
I agree with you as well and this also works vice versa. If you want to write a Muslim character, they don't have to be Arab. There Muslims from many different countries. Also please do your research when writing a Muslim character. I'll cringe reading books with Muslims doing things most Muslims wouldn't do. For example, I read this book where the main character, a Muslim girl, was making out with a boy. Most Muslims I know would not do that. Of course, this doesn't apply for all Muslims but if you want to have an accurate portrayal please do research. Another thing going off of the LGBTQ characters, it's annoying when the whole plot is revolved around the character being Muslim. It would be nice to see them represented in a more casual way. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
Honestly thoooo…..
Can we just have more really casual LGBT people where their orientation isn't the sole focus of the plot? Like, let's just treat it like no big deal, but still include it.YES PLEASE!!! I want queer folks whose jokes aren't just their identity!!!
SAME. People are more than just what they identify as. I'm agender, but that doesn't mean that one thing consumes my whole life…
I completely agree! In the book I'm writing on here called MAYDAY, and the main character is a Bisexual, but it isn't the main crux of the plot in the slightest. I ran the story past my friends prior, and they thought the secret he was harbouring was the fact he's Bi, but it's not. He's conscious of his family situation more, and the fact he's Bi rarely mentioned.
Honestly thoooo…..
Can we just have more really casual LGBT people where their orientation isn't the sole focus of the plot? Like, let's just treat it like no big deal, but still include it.YES PLEASE!!! I want queer folks whose jokes aren't just their identity!!!
SAME. People are more than just what they identify as. I'm agender, but that doesn't mean that one thing consumes my whole life…
I completely agree! In the book I'm writing on here called MAYDAY, and the main character is a Bisexual, but it isn't the main crux of the plot in the slightest. I ran the story past my friends prior, and they thought the secret he was harbouring was the fact he's Bi, but it's not. He's conscious of his family situation more, and the fact he's Bi rarely mentioned.
Right, same here. My main is pan, but I don't actually think it even gets mentioned in the trilogy directly. It's just talked about that there's another character (boy) he would have been with if not for his current SO (girl)
Also, I saw someone mention Arabs, and I agree with that too. I have a character who is Arabic, but not Muslim, she's an atheist. Let's start diversifying the diversity, please?
Also random but look at my baby isn't she so beautiful? https://s3.amazonaws.com/notebook-content-uploads/content/uploads/original/e46fc234-e079-4244-b901-31257ce2af53.jpeg?1575677264
I love her.
I just have one request, more Indian characters. Like, in all the stuff I have read, there's been Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, African Americans, and characters of other ethnicities and races. Basically, everyone but Indians. If there ever is an Indian character, they're super stereotypical or super sarcastic and b*tchy.
Big agree. But also with Arab characters. And please do not make them Muslim. People seem to think Arabs can only even be Muslim. No. There are many Arab Christians. There are Arab Atheists. I am certain their are Arabs of every religion or have no religion. I just would like some more casual rep like everyone else.
Also if you want to watch a movie about Indians that I love, watch The Hundred-Foot Journey. Please. It's that good.I also feel a lot of connection to the characters so…I agree with you as well and this also works vice versa. If you want to write a Muslim character, they don't have to be Arab. There Muslims from many different countries. Also please do your research when writing a Muslim character. I'll cringe reading books with Muslims doing things most Muslims wouldn't do. For example, I read this book where the main character, a Muslim girl, was making out with a boy. Most Muslims I know would not do that. Of course, this doesn't apply for all Muslims but if you want to have an accurate portrayal please do research. Another thing going off of the LGBTQ characters, it's annoying when the whole plot is revolved around the character being Muslim. It would be nice to see them represented in a more casual way. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.
Big agree. Though having a person who is Muslim be gay is highly inaccurate as Muslims are very anti gay. And understanding the male and female culture is important. And this is probably more to do with ethnicity than religion, but it's important to understand is that they would look at things differently than one would expect. For instance, I am not a hardcore Arab, but I definitely support arranged marriage and am sympathetic to no separation between religion and state. (Though I don't support it.)