a problem with writing about a culture not my own.

I recently finished a part of a WIP that was set in a Gullah township. Post apocalyptic in case your wondering. I found as I was writing that I didn't really like anything I wrote about their culture. its an incredibly vibrant culture that has affected and influenced mainstream US, particularly southern Culture for well over a century.

in the story, they were actually recovering better than many other places including setting up a commodity Currency and having an excess of food and goods that allowed them to establish a small business community and practice other skills such as boat building and making musical instrument instead of just growing food to survive.

In the end, I focused on the leaderships drive, past and present to preserve their culture, while trying to move beyond the past and build a better future for themselves.

In the end I feel like the character's didnt really sound Gullah. But I was glad the characters and their township didn't come across as stock, stereotypes either.

so if any one has any suggestions on how to add any little touches that could add flavor with out seemingly or in reality pander to stereotypes I would be thankful.

C. Eldon Gammon said:

How has religion evolved since the Apocalypse? That could be a great starting point. Did they maintain the same structure of government? If not, how can you demonstrate how the new government is affecting their life?

Just some thoughts.

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the way I am handling religion is complicated. some people have pitched the religions they grew up with, others have adapted old beliefs to the new reality. some just created whole new ones.

In the story, the Gullah Township is actually run by the board members of a fictional Gullah historical society. they were elected as whole by the people because they were the ones who saw what was coming and started preparing and organizing for it.

Part of the problem of showing Gullah and religion is that to some it might sound like a stereotype or racist if I included the ring shout and other traditional Gullah religious activities, hymn's and such. when my attempt is really to show the richness of the culture they have and are fighting to preserve.

there are elements of traditional supernatural belief as well such as painting door and window frames blue to keep out evil spirits like the Boo hag.

Do you remember the Briar Rabbit stories, that a decade or so ago were declared racists and offensive and have pretty much vanished from schools and everywhere else. Those were Gullah trickster and Morality stories amongst other things, collected and printed in the book "Uncle Remus".

thanks for the suggestions C. Eldon Gammon, I appreciate it.

thanks for the reply Patsky. I might just do what you suggest when I go back to do a rewrite. Right now I dont even want my dog reading it