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@hope-ann, @urwen-starial

This is a nuanced question, to say the least. It’s too easy to go to one extreme or the other – being obsessed with inoffensiveness to the point of stifling, or so crassly out of touch that one ends up as the poster child for “those views we don’t hold anymore” in three generations or so. But I’ll try my best anyway.

Part 1: Perspective

“There are neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek, slave nor free; in Christ, all are one.”

While the context of that quote places it squarely on unity within the body of Christ, it should also inform our attitude towards all peoples, our own and others. The most important aspect of character therefore is their humanity – there are some things that are common to all of us, even as there are many things which make us drastically different – things which run far deeper than the color of our skin or the accent of our speech.

If your priority is to create an authentic human being whether despicable or heroic, that will steer you well.

 

Part 2: Do Your Research

Whether modern, historical, or fantasy, do your research.

Whatever culture or nationality you’re including, learn about them. Read about their culture and history, customs, modes of speech, accents, both their own as well as outsider perspectives. As true as Part 1 is, people are different.

As a VERY GENERAL example, “Western Culture” – that is, common values of (western) Europe and the United States – generally expects children to earn their own way and do as much on their own as possible – pay for their first car, work through college, moving out with the first job, etc.. From the Western perspective, parents ought not expect their children to pay them back, so to speak – to place such a burden on one’s children would be morally irresponsible.

“Asian Culture” – a mindset that is common not just to Pacific Asia but many other collectivist cultures – instead holds that children do owe a debt to their parents, as parents pour their sweat and blood into raising their children and preparing them for success – to the point of paying for the first car, paying for college, housing and supporting their children through their first jobs, and so on. From the Asiatic / Eastern perspective, it would be immoral if children did not reciprocate the favor as adults, taking care of their aging parents after they have finally ‘made it.’

Summary:

Do your research. Someone might still get offended, but all you can do is be truthful.

 

Part 2a: Stereotypes

Don’t depend on stereotypes and subjective feelings, except when you’re intentionally trying to depict a culture through the lens of outside stereotypes.

For example, I had a historical fiction piece set in the 1910s with a Chinese secondary character; doing my research, I didn’t shy away from depicting him in a derogatory or even racist manner when he was seen through the perspective of other White American characters. Yet because we are dedicated to authenticity, not political point-making, those moments of racism often didn’t get vindicated, certainly not directly. Wrongs exist, and sometimes we just have to bear with them.

More important than being inoffensive is being authentic and truthful. We can’t hide the evil in the world, nor should we; instead, we ought to expose that evil to the light, though never bluntly.

Furthermore, we are not moral relativists; every culture has its virtues, its flaws, and its blatant atrocities, and we should not be two ways about it when it comes to defining what is good and evil. Being “ethnic” does not entitle me to special treatment; just because I’m Chinese doesn’t mean that I deserve coddling, or that the negative aspects of my culture need to be glossed over. We needn’t necessarily bluntly condemn evil in an anvilicious, preachy manner – let sin’s natural consequences, “karmic justice,” do the convicting.

 

Part 2b: Be Careful With Accents

Accents are typically the most pettily annoying part of ethnic depictions – even if they are “accurate,” accents for any nationality can be very difficult to read, and that’s before we get to overly sensitive readers whose sensibilities are offended – not to discount the genuineness of their offense. Try to be sparing with the method of Intentional Misspelling to convey an accent; lean more into slang (research!), body-language, and grammar if you really need to convey an accent. Also see the thread “Those Posh-Sounding Characters” (linked below) for some more detailed responses from other writers on accents and dialogue.

 

There’s probably more I could say (and more concisely and sensibly) but I can’t think of it just yet.

 

Hope this was helpful and not merely confusing. 😛