Daily Open Thread: Can You Relate to Non-Black Characters?

Sure. The majority of stories are universal in nature. However, it’s always preferable to see Black characters as I relate to them more. The language and texture of the story will be different.

I like seeing black characters in books but I also like reading about people who aren’t black just to get a different perspective. One thing I especially like though are “non stereotypical” stories featuring black characters.

I think we’ve HAD to. Given the wealth of material geared to the mainstream I think it’s a non-issue for a lot of us to be able to relate to characters that don’t look like us. But it doesn’t seem to work both ways. For example, even with my two sons: They’ll read and enjoy and relate to characters such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Percy Jackson… but many white parents NEVER buy their kids books that star black characters. As a children’s book author and illustrator, I see that first hand. I also think that how you’re raised has a lot to do with it. I don’t relate to a lot of the Urban Fiction because that’s not my life. I don’t want to HAVE to relate outside of my race but sometimes there’s just more of an option. (And yes, I know there’s a lot more to our literature than Urban Fiction.)

Very interesting point. Do you think it has something to do with the minority/vs majority thing?

Absolutely. Even with publishers I get told “off the record” that they do not publish books for black boys because black boys don’t read. As a result, as far as books go, they are forced to identify with other cultures. That’s why even though it’s a financial burden, I have to publish a lot of my stuff on my own. Many of the white children who own my books have it because they purchased it themselves during a book fair when they had their own money to spend OR the school purchased it for the class. It’s almost never bought by the parents. Take a look at this panel from the Harlem Book Fair that aired on C-Span to see some other opinions on the matter. Thanks!!! http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294543-5

As an AA woman I read books that change me, entertain me and speaks to me. I believe that w/out diversity how can one be well rounded. So yes I can relate to all well developed characters who have a story to tell and growth to share.

I relate to human experiences. Sure, I’d like them to be shown more through eyes like mine, but if a story interests me, then that’s that. Also, other perspectives give me ideas for my own books, like how would a black man/woman react or handle this same premise. Like Ms. Howard said, I like non-stereotypical stories featuring black characters.