While I was writing in Mexico (Epcot’s Mexico, let me hasten to add), a very pleasant Hispanic Disney staffer came over to talk to me. He was curious about what I was doing. This was fair enough, since I looked curious—I wrote for 1 1/2 hours in a notebook and occasionally took pictures of unusual-looking people.
I explained what I was doing and he was very interested. Was I planning to write in a Latino or Latina character?
I started out with a quick “no,” but then stopped short. Well, why not? The Hispanic population is probably the fastest-growing segment in the South. Wouldn’t it be odd if I didn’t include a Latino?
I included several African-American blues musicians in the Memphis Barbeque book. They’re a vital part of the culture and talent base of Memphis and it doesn’t make sense, culturally, not to make them part of my book.
But I’ll admit to some discomfort. I always want to do a Good Job. I’m no expert on different ethnic and racial groups and I don’t want to write anything to accidentally upset anyone. Besides, the South doesn’t exactly have the best reputation for its sensitivity. I don’t need to make matters worse by sticking my foot in my mouth (hand in my mouth?)
So I’m curious. How many of you have ventured into writing about other ethnic groups? Did you feel you were successful? Were you especially careful to avoid stereotypes? How did you handle it?
That’s a really interesting question! I’ve certainly included characters in my novels who are from different ethnic groups, but I haven’t based a novel yet around someone from a very different group. I think that takes more careful work, although I certainly think it’s possible to do so: Tony Hillerman did, and did it beautifully. Thanks for giving me something to mull over.
I’ve been to a couple of workshops where character diversity was the topic. Tracy Montoya gave her thoughts (and really gets upset if the only Latino/Latinas are gardeners and cooks/maids, etc.
I grew up in Southern California, then moved to Miami, so there was a lot of ethnic diversity. I try very hard to avoid stereotypes, but then, if it’s a secondary character or walk-on, you need to be able to paint the character with very broad strokes. Sometimes that means picking a name that’s instantly recognizable as Hispanic, Asian, whatever. Some of my books are set in places where it would be strange to have nothing but white bread characters, so I try to mix it up.
The closest I’ve come to a main character with any sort of different ethnicity is an Aussie hero. And I did my homework, checking with contacts from Down Under to make sure I got things right. I’d do the same for any character.
I’m writing my 8th manuscript, and it’s the first one with characters that are actually of MY ethnic background. :-)
So far, my manuscripts have had a country setting (where ethnic minorities are still not very common in Denmark). I have written about transvestites recently, however, and I hope I have done so with respect. I read a number of articles and followed some blogs by transvestites before I felt I could do it properly.
On the other hand I agree with Terry that sometimes you´ll have to make do with a few broad strokes. Minor characters are minor characters no matter where they come from.
I don’t know about the rest, but I often have characters that I do not relate to personally (different linguistic/ social groups is what it would be in India, since we are all of the same ethnic group), but I’ve always based them on one or more than one people I actually know. Would hate to steriotype otherwise.
I’ve based my main characters on cultures I know very well. I do have several secondary characters (not stereotypical characters!) from a variety of cultures. I’ve only used cultures I’ve had lots of experience with. Several of my closest friends (current and from childhood) have been from cultures different than mine, so I’ve used those.
As a teacher, I’m exposed to a few cultures in the classrooms as well. This helps me with background. I would be really nervous using a culture I didn’t know fairly well. As everyone said, too easy to mess up.
Good, thought-provoking post!
I’m with Stephen King on this one – “Write what you know.” If you are well versed and famialiar enough with a culture or ethnic group to write them up realistically, then by all means USE that. If not, be careful – do some serious homework. I’m fortunate to have spent lots of time and segments of my life in the African American, Hispanic, and some Asian sub-cultures within the States so I have quite a bit of first hand experience to draw on.
I also agree with Margot that a minor character you can get away easier than a main character from a different culture than your own – without first hand experience or a LOT of study and research.
Marvin D Wilson
Good post idea and subject!
I’d already written a comment, but it seems to have disappeared! I’ll try to remember…
I have enough of a challenge writing in a setting of almost 70 years ago and in a country I don’t live in!
My games, however, sell everywhere so I guess, for them at least, I do okay.
Elspeth
Rayna–That sounds like a smart way to go about it. I do have some Hispanic friends, which helps.
Margot–Great example! I’d forgotten about Hillerman.
Marvin–Good point. It would need to be a minor character, or else I might get in trouble with authenticity issues.
Terry–I didn’t realize there were workshops like that. I may have to search some out. It sounds like you really do your research…and then some. And you’re right–we don’t have all the time in the world to form well-rounded views of minor characters.
Dorte–That would be tough! Good for you for covering challenging subject matter.
Interesting challenge. It is incredible the amount of work that goes into writing a novel that accurately reflects social conditions.
The manuscript I’m querying is set in South Texas, where I lived. It would’ve been crazy to exclude Hispanics because they make up the larger portion of the population. The story is romantic suspense, and the hero and his father are both of Mexican descent. The father owns a restaurant, the hero is a fireman.
For me, the heart of the matter is remembering that all characters, no matter their culture, are still people at heart. They all have desires, loves, hates, fears, the whole ball of wax. But research is paramount, including talking to people of the culture you’re writing about if you’re not familiar with it. Lots of little details that have the potential to call you out as a fraud.
Great questions and responses! In my second book which is still a WIP, my main character has a small amount of First Nations heritage in her which becomes more important as the book progresses. She ends up living on a reservation. I did a lot of research but I need to do more before I’m happy springing this book from the drawer. I DID NOT plan this – it just went that way as I wrote it. I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable unless I got it as right as is possible. I have had Irish people though and Newfies. As to Stephen King, who’s work on the craft of writing I revere, I doubt he knows as many monsters and misfits as he writes about. Perhaps because they aren’t so organized that isn’t a problem!
Yes, it would be ridiculous to leave Hispanics out of a novel if your book is set in an area where a growing segment of the population is Mexican or Puerto Rican or Cuban.
I have a Latina secondary character in my first mystery. I let her enjoy behavior and language phrasing I had observed in South Florida friends and co-workers. I’d like to make her a protagonist in a spinoff, but I simply don’t know enough about Hispanic life in South Florida to do so.
Would I tackle even a secondary character from a culture I don’t know anything about? Sure, after a lot of homework.
Hadn’t really ventured too far into this. With a couple of characters involved in college and pro football, I included black characters. Another moved to New Mexico and I had a couple Hispanics. (I also used to live there, so I understand the diversity.) But focusing on a specific culture I have not.
Since this would be your first Hispanic character, I’d recommend you make him a minor character. Did you get this guy’s name and email? He could be a first reader for this character. If not him, you could find someone else to check the character and see if you had him right.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Jemi–As a teacher, I’m sure you are! You’re actually better-qualified than most, I’d imagine. Best of luck.
Jan–Isn’t it funny how characters take control? You’re good to do your research. I’ll admit that I’m nervous about committing my impressions to paper.
Elspeth–I can’t even imagine the research necessary for writing a historical piece. I wouldn’t go too far with cultural diversity then, either! After all, there wasn’t really any then ….or even equal rights for women then.
Diane–It’s tricky. Of course, for pro or college ball, it’s a must.
Warren–And such a sensitive issue. I think about how I feel when I see Southerners portrayed on TV as buffoons. It hurts my feelings. I wouldn’t want to do that to anyone else.
Helen–No, I didn’t. Shoot! But I do have a Hispanic friend I can ask to read for me. Otherwise, I’d be too tentative about writing the character.
Carol—Exactly. I worry over that. My daughter’s best friend was born in Colombia, South America. I’ve noticed that while I’m absolutely TIED to the clock, wild over the time, always looking at my watch…they have a slower pace that’s very appealing. I’d want to pass anything I write by them….they feel the same as I do, but their life events pass through a different prism. I just don’t want to mess up.
Patricia—I’m with you…I don’t have enough info to base a protagonist around (the homework is too daunting), but I’d love to have an authentic Hispanic accent in my books. I need to put my nose to the grindstone!
Carl–Very true. Thanks for stopping by.