We need more BIPOC characters! I want to go over how you can be inclusive with your BIPOC characters while not overstepping the boundaries of the BIPOC community. Yes, the reading community calls for more stories with Black and Brown people. We want more of us in fiction stories! However, since there are experiences only people of color will have to endure, there are certain stories that need to be told specifically told by BIPOC authors. So, when you hear someone say don’t write BIPOC characters, it more so alludes for non-BIPOC authors to take heed to their writing hugely emphasizing not acting as the voice of the community, not overstepping boundaries of the BIPOC community, while making sure to make the character believably gently highlighting the beauty of the culture. Let’s discuss how you can include BIPOC characters adequately while avoiding misrepresentation of BIPOC characters.

Choose a Character Arc that is Secondary/Morally Grey/Flat

For starters, do not put yourself in a position that inserts your opinion of an experience BIPOC communities face. It’s like giving a microphone to a lion to speak on behalf of the jungle experience of a zebra. There is only so much information he can provide before he starts guessing. In order to avoid a scenario like this during your drafting phases, incorporate BIPOC character arcs as secondary, morally gray, or flat. For instance, if the BIPOC character is a representation of a lesson, or if they have a flat character arc, their entire personality is already a given and the need to curate a thought process for them is non-existent. I know that may be tough to hear, but there is a reason as to why. Your diverse character does not have to be a main character to get this point across. This helps to avoid stereotypes along with getting out the unanimous agreement of a message that needs to be heard.  By this I mean, if your character is to represent the need for growth in your main character, it is good to assume they will play a role in why your character needs to develop or how your character develops. With this as a push point, your character can evolve around the needs or lessons from the BIPOC character. I feel I have respected authors more for merely stating important facts but not acting as a hero to that culture.

You Are Not the Voice of the Culture Just Because Your Character is BIPOC

Trust me, even though you are the author, it is not your job to be the voice of that character’s culture. Sure enough, as the author it is a very fine line regarding not overstepping as a non-BIPOC author but that’s what we’re here to solve. So, as mentioned in the previous section, with a certain type of character arc, there will be no need to create a thought process regarding certain matters. When you place the BIPOC character in a predicament that is outside of your realm of erudite comprehension of a specific matter you will then find yourself inserting your own opinions. So, with doing the due diligence of not making your character an MC you avoid the possibility of speaking outside your level of comprehension.

Furthermore, no matter how much research you do it is important to not place the exposition in the predicament to say how it feels to be a BIPOC. I heavily suggest looking into a sensitivity reader and ARC readers that are people of color. This is literally what they are for. To grant the author an opportunity to remove any offensive language and or scenarios through receiving honest and progressive feedback. You will not receive the feedback you need from people who are not of that culture. Remember my lion example in the previous section? Yeah, there’s no way to give a detailed and reliable opinion from someone who has never experienced the opposition due to their skin color/culture.  

Make Sure the Character Remains True to The Culture

Now just because you cannot be a voice for BIPOC characters does not mean there cannot be a representation of the culture. Representation means the person is acknowledged and seen but not spoken for. This can be achieved through certain mannerisms, traditional clothing, beliefs, or phrases used widely by said community. Simply because if it is a collective thing that shines light on the beauty of a culture, it can be appreciated. But a word of caution, use wisdom in not using words, events, or examples that can be deemed offensive to that culture. The new movie Oppenheimer is literally banned in Japan because it is a representation of a traumatic event the Japanese people are still suffering from to this day. There is far too much information in the world and various opportunities to avoid the mishaps we run into as long as research is done thoroughly. If you find yourself unsure of something do not proceed as you are taking a risk on your career and brand which will make you appear insensitive and inconsiderate.

Therefore, the characteristics of the BIPOC character should have just enough to add some seasoning to them which provides a natural experience of people who are from the culture or area. It’s like meeting a person from Baltimore. The moment they say blue, you, or too in that thick accent that enunciates the “ew”, we already know where they are from. Those types of identifiers are fun simply because accents are fun. Make sure to keep it light and tactful.

Conclusion

So, while BIPOC people love to be included we would prefer to take the reins on the main characters to ensure there is an authenticity behind the character. The only way to achieve this authenticity is not stepping into the space of the Black voice as if it were your own. Sure everyone faces opposition in their lifetime but the type of opposition BIPOC face in the manner they face has been and still is an experience only people who are marginalized will completely understand. So, please, if you have BIPOC characters make sure they can remain consistent in who they are to avoid speaking on a developmental experience. Let them be everything they are but do not speak for the culture. And finally, though you are not speaking for the culture, let the character maintain strong attributes of their culture to be a solid representation in the story.