Reflections on Authoring Cross-Cultural Protagonists in Science Fiction

Many questions arise when discussing the representation of diverse characters in literature. Specifically, the debate whether white authors should write black characters as protagonists is both complex and multifaceted. Considering the story itself over the author's background is crucial, but the challenge remains: how can an author authentically represent a culture they may not personally belong to?

Debating Authorial Credentials

As an author who identifies as of European descent and does not adhere to the modern narrative of being politically correct in terms of race and identity, I often find myself at the center of this debate. My perspective is often dismissed, as I am told I should not write certain genres or characters. These voices, often referred to as “woke,” believe that only members of a specific racial or cultural group should write those characters. This belief is based on the assumption that only those with lived experiences in a particular culture can authentically represent it. However, this view overlooks the richness and diversity of storytelling.

The Woke Agenda

The term “woke” is used here to describe a hyper-sensitive reaction to any representation of race or culture that is perceived as misrepresentative. This mindset views the mere presence of an author from a specific racial or cultural background as a foul offense that must be corrected by purging the author from the narrative. This is a hyperbolized and somewhat absurd position that doesn’t account for the many talented and adept authors who can navigate multiple cultural landscapes.

Challenges in Cross-Cultural Representation

Consider a science fiction protagonist who is a Tswana farmer in Botswana or an Indigenous person from Australia. How is this character taking away from the representation of African Americans? What about a character from a completely fictional culture, such as a person from the Kuiper Belt who is a descendant of French Canadian and Welsh settlers? The portrayal of such characters does not necessarily mean that African American voices are being stifled.

This question becomes even more complex when a character is described as having a black skin tone but with specific features and history that do not align with any particular culture. For example, a character with light brown to blonde hair, pale-coloured eyes, and very dark black skin who has undergone gene therapy to adapt to higher radiation environments on Mars. Does the skin color minority alone dictate that this character must be African American?

Cultural Misrepresentation

Cultural misrepresentation is a real concern, but it is not as simple as assigning characters based on skin color. The portrayal of a culture should be done with respect and accuracy. This involves thorough research, understanding, and a willingness to adapt and evolve the narrative to stay true to the characters and the setting they inhabit. The example from the author's own work, where a Metis protagonist was changed to an African American, demonstrates the problematic ways in which these changes can be made without due consideration of the story's essence. Such alterations can feel forced and tone-deaf, ultimately undermine the author's message.

The Nature of Diverse Representation

The idea that the “other” must always be an African American is a deeply rooted belief, especially in mainstream media and publishing. However, this belief is not reflective of the diverse and complex demographics of the world. In Canada, for example, Indigenous peoples and black Canadians constitute only a small portion of the total population, yet they are consistently overrepresented in media and literature.

The true goal of diverse representation should be to authentically capture different cultures and experiences, rather than fitting characters into predetermined categories based on race. The author’s work in creating a culture for a Mars-bound protagonist with unique traits and histories shows the complexity and necessity of such efforts.

Breaking Down Constraints

There is a tendency to force authors, especially those from the majority, into narrowly defined roles and subject them to micro-management and stringent rules based on identity politics. This approach not only stifles creativity but also fails to address the underlying issues of representation and inclusion. It is essential to promote diverse voices and experiences, but this should be done without micromanaging content and without assigning roles based on superficial criteria.

In conclusion, the debate over who should write what characters is a nuanced and complex one. It is important to focus on the story itself, the authenticity of the representation, and the respect shown to the cultures being depicted. Authorial credentials should not solely be based on race or cultural background. Instead, a willingness to learn, adapt, and authentically represent a culture is what truly matters.