1. Ms_Tex

    Ms_Tex New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Deep in the Heart of Texas

    Prejudiced character?

    Discussion in 'Character Development' started by Ms_Tex, Aug 11, 2012.

    Briefly, my main character is a young woman who finds out that she's adopted. Which would be stronger? For her to think she's white/black and adopted by a black family and then find out she's white/Indian? Or for her to be prejudiced against Indians and then find out she's half-Indian?
     
  2. Thornesque

    Thornesque Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2012
    Messages:
    452
    Likes Received:
    71
    Location:
    Michigan, USA
    The latter. Either way, she's finding out that she's something she's not, but in finding out that she's some part of the race she's most prejudiced against, it would screw with her head more. She'd have come to terms with her own heritage.
     
  3. writerwannabe13

    writerwannabe13 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2012
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Western PA
    I think she doesn't know she is Indian--You mean Native American or actual Indian from India? Either way if she/he hate that which they are makes a more powerful story in my humble opinion.
     
  4. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    There is nothing simple about prejudice. How much any particular factor affects a character is one of the many choices you have to make, and to fid a way of showing.

    What does being black mean to her? She could be so light skinned that no one other than a racial purist would even think of her as black, but she could feel that a single ancestor of color makes her feel tainted. If she is Indian, does it matter exactly which ethnic group(s) from India is in her heritage? Or is she more upset that her parentage has been concealed from her?

    It is all about perceptions, and therewfore is also relative to who is perceiving. Were her adoptive parents ashamed of their child's true parentage, or perhaps smugly proud of how liberal they were? Was it a point of contention, or of silent resentment, between them.

    So many choices! But isn't that part of what makes writing so exciting?
     
  5. E. C. Scrubb

    E. C. Scrubb Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2012
    Messages:
    411
    Likes Received:
    26
    Location:
    Southwest US
    I agree completely here... Had a good friend in school that was as pale as pale could be. It was quite surprising to see her biological father, who was very dark skinned-black. Personally, I always loved that contrast.

    One issue however, with the OP. Just because someone finds out that they are a part of something they don't like, isn't a reason for them to change their mind. If anything, it can cut the exact opposite way. She can rationalize and/or reinforce the racial bias and stereotypes with the information as well. Something along the lines of, "See, I was right all along. My own biological mother had to give me to a white person because she couldn't raise me."

    I'd make sure that I had a different reason other than just being genetically related for the changes to happen. The human mind is way too adept and rationalizing for that to be the only thing that pushes a transformation.
     
  6. NuttyStuff

    NuttyStuff New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2012
    Messages:
    23
    Likes Received:
    0
    She should be prejudice to whatever race she finds out she is, but her adoptive parents shouldn't know what race she is either. In my opinion the adoptive parents should be the ones who made prejudiced against the race; that way she feels betrayed and has self hatred at the same time. This is just my opinion though, you should do what you think is best.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice