Yeah, what I do is make is more casual representation, I guess? Because we all are people, so just don't make it a big deal? If that makes sense? Obviously, it's a big deal to those being represented, but if you don't make it their entire personality, or bring it up all the time, that helps. Also, just doing your research like with religions (in one case I researched a lot of Muslim beliefs and rules) so you represent them accurately.
Yeah, I’ve felt like that. But I still try to include representation when I can, because having your cast of characters be ALL white/able-bodied/neurotypical/cishet folks is gonna be really excluding.
Here’s some tips:
1. Don’t make the character’s entire life and personality revolve around their “minority trait.” Show it, but don’t make it all their is. EX: If you have a POC character, then their entire life should not revolve around their skin color or race. People of color have hobbies and goals and dreams, much like any other person.
2. Research negative tropes and cliches, so that way you DON’T include them. Sometimes you may put in a cliche that you don’t know is offensive (bc it might not be blatant) but many people consider it to be. Do your research. - Yes, this can apply even if you are part of the minority group. Ex: I’ve had to research harmful tropes about lgbtq+ people, even as an lgbtq+ person; that’s definitely saved me a couple times.
2.5: Didn’t know if this constitutes as a whole new tip, but who cares? If you don’t understand the minority at all (but still want to try and represent) then go beyond researching just tropes and whatnot; research the WHOLE THING in general. I guess that should be common sense, but hey, common sense ain’t common for some folks.
3. If it’s possible, try to get someone else who is part of the represented minority to read over your work. They can point out to you if there’s anything wrong about it.
4. DO NOT VILLAINIZE. If all the representation is pushed onto your villains, that’s gonna send one big bad message to your readers: you’re a bigot. It’s OK to have a few villains be diverse, but make sure some of the heroes are diverse too!!
4.5: to build off of what I said before — don’t go killing all your representation either. There’s a reason why the “bury your gays,” “black guy dies first,” “fridging a woman” (and so on) tropes are heavily despised. If you killed off all your, say, neurodivergent characters, it’s going to rub all your readers in the wrong way (even if you don’t hate neurodivergent people.) I’m not saying you have to keep every single one of your diverse characters alive, but don’t make all of them die, AND don’t make them the ONLY ones to die! (EX: even if you only kill, say, a few POC characters, if they are the only ones to get killed off, then that’s a problem.) Play it equally.
BONUS — if you are going to show discrimination spewed from other characters, don’t glorify or justify it. You can point out that discrimination is an issue through your plotline, but don’t ever imply it’s “right” or “deserved.”
thank you!
I will also do tjat! This was really helpfull! Thank you!!!
Here’s some tips:
1. Don’t make the character’s entire life and personality revolve around their “minority trait.” Show it, but don’t make it all their is. EX: If you have a POC character, then their entire life should not revolve around their skin color or race. People of color have hobbies and goals and dreams, much like any other person.
2. Research negative tropes and cliches, so that way you DON’T include them. Sometimes you may put in a cliche that you don’t know is offensive (bc it might not be blatant) but many people consider it to be. Do your research.
- Yes, this can apply even if you are part of the minority group. Ex: I’ve had to research harmful tropes about lgbtq+ people, even as an lgbtq+ person; that’s definitely saved me a couple times.
2.5: Didn’t know if this constitutes as a whole new tip, but who cares? If you don’t understand the minority at all (but still want to try and represent) then go beyond researching just tropes and whatnot; research the WHOLE THING in general. I guess that should be common sense, but hey, common sense ain’t common for some folks.
3. If it’s possible, try to get someone else who is part of the represented minority to read over your work. They can point out to you if there’s anything wrong about it.
That’s about all I’ve got; hope these helped!
4. DO NOT VILLAINIZE. If all the representation is pushed onto your villains, that’s gonna send one big bad message to your readers: you’re a bigot. It’s OK to have a few villains be diverse, but make sure some of the heroes are diverse too!!
4.5: to build off of what I said before — don’t go killing all your representation either. There’s a reason why the “bury your gays,” “black guy dies first,” “fridging a woman” (and so on) tropes are heavily despised. If you killed off all your, say, neurodivergent characters, it’s going to rub all your readers in the wrong way (even if you don’t hate neurodivergent people.) I’m not saying you have to keep every single one of your diverse characters alive, but don’t make all of them die, AND don’t make them the ONLY ones to die! (EX: even if you only kill, say, a few POC characters, if they are the only ones to get killed off, then that’s a problem.) Play it equally.
BONUS — if you are going to show discrimination spewed from other characters, don’t glorify or justify it. You can point out that discrimination is an issue through your plotline, but don’t ever imply it’s “right” or “deserved.”