How To Write Black Characters

And we're back with more #BlackHistoryMonth content! I just want to keep it 100 with you guys and let you know that it has been a real struggle to make all this content while juggling the other 43,589,279,393 things I'm doing but I'm really passionate about sharing this with you guys so I could not be happier nor more miserable. Thanks for that.

Welcome to #BlackHistoryMonth with Matthew

For the entire month of February all my blog posts will be centered on celebrating my brothers and sisters. From touching on topics like Why Black Boys Don't Write to showcasing some amazing black content creators changing the game right now, I'll be pushing out fully black content all month long. Not to mention, for this limited time I'll be uploading twice a week instead of once. So, you need to get in on this. Subscribe below to never miss an update!

Now that I've rambled about how much I love blogging, let's back on topic. Today, in the era of woke, there seems to be somewhat of a debate around non-black people writing black characters which is wild to me so I'd just like to share my two cents on that first.

Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with non-black people writing black characters as long as they do it well (which is what I'll be getting into in a second) and I think its selfish and baseless to police who can and cannot write a black character. For the purpose of art and bringing people together, it shouldn't be a problem. The issue is: black people not writing black characters. I'll be touching more on that next week, but I think that's where the real problem lies. I can understand why we would be touchy about the subject considering the PTSD flashes we still have from the raping of our culture in the past but this is different.

An ally of a different race is our friend and them writing a black character isn't stealing our culture, it's embracing it and understanding it and demonstrating unity between race lines.

Avoiding stereotypes is key! Keep reading to find out how!

Which is why, this entire blog post is dedicated to our non-black allies. It's important to remember that many of our black superheroes sometimes have a white sidekick (that was a metaphor, please don't come for me). And although we aren't in debt to them and we don't owe them anything, they're still our friends and we can appreciate them enough to welcome them.

But also, let's not forget that many black writers, do write mainly white characters. I used to do it. Many others did. And I think it stems from the lack of representation of black characters in books and also a hint of ingrained subconscious xenocentric beliefs. So, if you are a black writer who wants to write more black characters, don't be shy. I got you. Keep reading and let's try to break that!

Before you begin though, I do recommend that you watch this YouTube video by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche because it will change your life. She's touches on the dangers of not writing authentic characters and I think everyone should at least hear what she has to say.

Alright, now on with the post!

Embrace The Culture

This one is directly for our non-black allies. The first thing that's important to adjust to when writing a black character is to fully immerse yourself in black culture. You're probably like 'lol what?' because you talk to black people all the time and see them on TV like they can't be that different, right? Wrong. If you're black you know exactly what I'm talking about, too.

The way we look at the world is different, I guarantee you that. From our parents to what we think is acceptable to our jokes, to how we carry ourselves and address issues are completely different. But don't go into it assuming either because not every black person listens to Drake, J Cole and Beyonce so it's important that you understand your character and try to think of who they are at their core. Then, ask your black friend 'what would this person be like in real life?'. They'll let you know. Or you can just spend like, a week on Black Twitter and earn your black card that way. Your choice.

Actively Try To Avoid Stereotypes

Throw away everything you think you know about black people and re-assess all of it. If it seems stereotypical be wary of it. Seriously. Though stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason (we adhere to some of it) most of it isn't true and if it is, that doesn't mean everyone is victim to it.

So, if your black character undergoes some black stereotype do not allow it to simply be. You need to explain it, justify it, make it real because if you don't it will come off as very lazy, poor and unrepresentative writing. You don't need that in your life.

So for example, you're writing a father-less black family. In order for it to not come off as another father-less black family try to demonstrate and show real emotion from the characters. Try to then not make the result a girl with daddy issues or a boy joining a gang. Make a compelling story by acknowledging that this is an issue and create a vivid and realistic storyline as to how your characters navigate that stereotype. Because when you have stereotypes in your writing, especially surrounding black characters, you have to make yourself hyper-aware of it so that it doesn't come off as a stereotype but instead a plain and simple issue.

Otherwise from that, if you want to make your life a lot easier you can just avoid stereotypes altogether and create more revolutionary writing. Sounds really intense and philosophical but it's literally just you writing whatever feels natural for your character and thinking out of the box to create a special and unique character. The moment you do that, you challenge a norm. So, either way black characters and stereotypes walk in hand in hand so whether you plan to include them or exclude them you still need to acknowledge, evaluate and a dress before you decide to craft your story. Here are a list of some cool and fun black stereotypes just off the top of my head that you can play with:

• The Angry Black Woman

• The Absent Father

• The Woke Friend

• The Feisty Girl

• The Misunderstood Black Boy (literally me but ok)

• The Aggressive Father

...and many many more!

Be Careful With Descriptors

Here's a challenge, stop using 'chocolate' to describe the colour of a black person's skin. It's hella overdone. Believe me, you are only a google away from discovering much more accurate words. Truly though black people are multi-faceted so when describing them its crucial that you don't do it the way its been done a bazillion times before. More representation means more accurate descriptions. Below I've linked a master-guide to describing black characters that I honestly use all the time. Check it out, you won't regret it.

Writing With Colour

Be Open To Problems Concerning Race

Now, many people like to argue that you shouldn't put race on a character, the character should be so well-crafted that they could fit into literally any other race and if they can't then your perpetuating racism and that's probably the worst excuse I've ever heard for lazy writing.

Sorry to pop that bubble but race issues are already being perpetuated and as creators it's our job to change the narrative and to not only make them as real as real life but turn them into something positive. With that being said, you cannot be writing a black character and ignore race. You just can't. I think it's impossible unless your writing science fiction or fantasy. If your character is black, I don't care which society (it could literally be in Africa) black people face black-specific problems. You can't just exclude them and then expect to still be telling an authentic story.

So, take into consideration your character's environment, their parents, their history, their personal outlook on race and really try to make them real. Perhaps, consciously, your character may not even know the're affected by race issues, that would still be accurate to real life so it's still necessary for your story to at least reflect that much. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying we should all write a race-centered books or make the next The Hate U Give, but what I am saying is that completely ignoring race is not the answer. Acknowledge it, perhaps address it, and show how your character/world is affected by it.

Here's another list of some funky-fresh and quirky race issues that you can include:

• Xenocentrism

• Ethnocentrism

• Colourism

• Racism

• Afrocentrism

...and many many more!

And as I conclude, here are some pictures of black people in their natural habitats just to inspire you and because I can.

Conclusion

Ah yes, that felt good.

Alright, so if you liked this post, found it helpful or thought it raised some good points drop a like! I'll be doing much more #BlackHistoryMonth themed content so be sure to subscribe by filling out the form below and you'll get an email notification every time I drop something new! Also, this is an open space and I love hearing from you guys so leave a comment! Let your boy know how you feel!

Lastly, don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram where I occasionally rant, share music and discuss the pains of being a creator. Oh, also, I share sneak peeks of my novel and new blog posts at times too, if you're interested in that. And that's all for this week, readers. See you next week with another #BlackCreatorsSpotlight!