I’m writing a story where the main theme is about white privilege (and racism). The setting begins in a tiny midwestern town, with a population primarily white. It’s first person POV and when the MC (white) describes her friends and family there, she doesn’t use race/ethnicity. For her, white is the norm, so I don’t think it would be something she would note (example of white privilege).
My story progresses and the MC begins spending time with a diverse group of people. I’m cautious of the fact that as an author by noting their race/ethnicities, without noting the previous characters’, I’m playing into the “white is normal and PoCs are other” problem. I took out direct mention of race/ethnicity but that was confusing and it felt like I was going down a “color-blind path” which is not what I want. Race/ethnicity is central to my story, and I just want to make sure I get it right. What do you think is the best way to handle this situation?
Thank you so much in advance for your help!
My story progresses and the MC begins spending time with a diverse group of people. I’m cautious of the fact that as an author by noting their race/ethnicities, without noting the previous characters’, I’m playing into the “white is normal and PoCs are other” problem. I took out direct mention of race/ethnicity but that was confusing and it felt like I was going down a “color-blind path” which is not what I want. Race/ethnicity is central to my story, and I just want to make sure I get it right. What do you think is the best way to handle this situation?
Thank you so much in advance for your help!