Does the Race of a Character or the Book’s Author Bother You?

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Does the Race of a Character or the book’s Author Bother You?

Traci Kenworth

 

I know this is a very delicate topic but in light of the recent ugliness that evaded certain postings about The Hunger Games movie regarding the casting of black actors for the characters of Thresh, Rue, and Cinna, I felt it necessary to discuss this. I think it’s a shame that this occurred. Hopefully, if we can talk about this issue, we can bring light into the darkness for all. In the book, Rue is clearly described as being black and Thresh is said to be as well. I will admit to not remembering how Cinna looked, but it doesn’t bother me a bit that any of them were cast black in the movie.

I write multi-cultural in my own books. From Native American to black, Latin, Asian or white, all the colors are in there. America is called “the melting pot” for a reason. I choose to believe it’s because we can all come together, put aside our differences, and forge together for a brighter future. That’s what I’ve based my Akara characters on. The majority of the village are Native Americans, but other shades are mixed in. I have to say, I love the idea of this. Under our skin, we all beat human. Together, can we not break down the walls that keep us apart?

I’ve had a friend express her concerns about only being able to write to a black audience. I think this is a shame. Reading about someone else’s story gives us perspective into how another of the same race may feel. It can bridge gaps, open eyes into seeing ourselves connect with that other person.

We need each other to stomp out the darkness. What would happen if we all worked against it? Peace would prosper. Love would come to reign. This is the foundation of what my Akara people stand for. With the old: truth, love, justice, and the American way thrown in. I’m proud to present my characters to the world, no matter what their race is. I don’t see why it’s still an issue in this day and age. As I’ve said, people are people. We should celebrate each other. Only then, can we truly be: all that we can be.

Any thoughts?