This is something I've had trouble with at times, and I could use some advice.
First, in general, what are some good methods for choosing names for characters from cultures or ethnicities whose names you aren't that familiar with? For example, I have a few Chinese and Indian characters, and while they have Western first names, I worry about choosing surnames that are common, but won't come across as stereotypical or cliched.
I also have a specific question. I really like the name Latoya, and I wanted to give it to an African American character I have. It feels like it fits her, and it seems like a plausible enough name for her--she would have been born in the '80s when it was popular and Latoya Jackson was famous. But I worry that giving her a typically African American name might make her seem stereotypical, especially since there aren't a lot of other POC characters in the story. But purposely avoiding African American names also makes me a little uncomfortable. Where do you see the line between realism and being stereotypical?
I really appreciate input on this. I try to be sensitive, and welcome advice.
First, in general, what are some good methods for choosing names for characters from cultures or ethnicities whose names you aren't that familiar with? For example, I have a few Chinese and Indian characters, and while they have Western first names, I worry about choosing surnames that are common, but won't come across as stereotypical or cliched.
I also have a specific question. I really like the name Latoya, and I wanted to give it to an African American character I have. It feels like it fits her, and it seems like a plausible enough name for her--she would have been born in the '80s when it was popular and Latoya Jackson was famous. But I worry that giving her a typically African American name might make her seem stereotypical, especially since there aren't a lot of other POC characters in the story. But purposely avoiding African American names also makes me a little uncomfortable. Where do you see the line between realism and being stereotypical?
I really appreciate input on this. I try to be sensitive, and welcome advice.