Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

Things have finally calmed down a bit. I've had a chance to write some stuff. wink I really want another notebook, my usual ones are almost full! eek I need more so I found the place that makes my favorite notebooks and I'm going to try and get some for my birthday. It feels really good writing in them, and they protect the pages very well. I have a few problems with some of what I'm writing, specifically, I'm worried about book two of the MW series. The main character is an African American, and she grew up near gang territory. There, that's the root of my problem. I can't really change her ethnicity because "black identity" is part of her life, and I can't change the place where she grew up because it's central for her growth and motivation. Grr...
You know, if we lived in a perfect society I wouldn't even have to worry about this. emotion_eyebrow I mean, it really shouldn't be an issue. Her personality, background, and where is grew up, shouldn't be stereotyped. I don't want to add to the stereotype! What do I do? cry
I guess I could change her ethnicity, and make the rich arrogant guy African American, and her... I don't know... Latino American is another stereotype. I already have two "white" characters, and she just doesn't seem Asian, and even if she did that might be yet another stereotype.

SO STUPID. stressed

Gah! Come on! I just want to write a book! It shouldn't make me question myself. My bloody characters. Whether or not I'm being prejudice because of it. COME ON!

This is so frustrating, and on top of that, I am being totally selfish. These are major problems, and I'm just ticked about them messing with my book.

...I'm a horrible person...
But at the same time I'm not because I am very concerned about it, and a few people wouldn't even think twice.

Add to that, I'm very worried that I won't be able to do her experiences justice. You know? I know I can get her character, and her feelings, but her experiences? That's got me worried.

Hm, and that's the rant I've been trying to write for days... I wonder if I should ask some of my friends of different ethnicities what I should do. Because I really am quite worried.

Edit: I can't change her like that... It's disrespectful to her character. I did find this article online, so maybe with the guidelines... Or... I just don't know. cry

Quote of the Day: "Technology gives us knowledge but not wisdom."