Tackling controversial/taboo subjects

Don't we go through this discussion every six weeks?

ETA: Yes, we do

https://www.writingforums.org/search/44762184/?q=controversial&o=date&c[title_only]=1

And the answer is always the same: Yes, you can write about whatever you want. No, not everyone will like it. Yes, research will help, but there's always an exception that you didn't think about, and one (or two, or ten, or a hundred) people cannot be relied on to be "spokespeople" for their whole gender/race/religion/sexual orientation/dietary restrictions or preferences or whatever have you. You're always going to be taking a risk.

 

Sorry. I’ll do a search beforehand next time I have a question.

 

@Cilogical, my sincere apologies, my response was intemperate and uncalled for. From a regular member, it would have been unpleasant, but as staff I have to be even more careful in what I respond to and how I do so. I hope my outburst doesn't negatively affect your feelings towards writingforums.org in general.

 

I typically don't either because it just doesn't matter. If it's mentioned at all, it's only in passing.

 

100% this.

Though I do occasionally describe specific features that could lead one to make assumptions.

 

Race being taboo in the 21st century 'Murica is a bit cliche, but some people just want a fight or likes on facebook. The benefit I got from the LA bussing of inner-city blacks was diversity of black folk. I quote directly from one of many I had the pleasure of conversation, "You call me black. He black - I call 'im black. I ain't no Af-freak-kan. I ain't from Africa. I' black - you call me black." No embellishment there. Another 'black-girl' (her words) spoke like a gentrified Englishman. She was clearly south-LA, but she just talked that way. NYC black is different than Georgia black and so proud of it. I worked LAX with a black man from Chicago who said 'Chikaggy'. His voice was very sharp, and he would mimic the accents of other black folks he'd met, and it was hilarious. We all laughed. It was difficult to be serious when he was around. There are no homogenous black people - never been. Neither white, nor green, nor in a boat, nor with a goat.
I feel just fine writing black characters in my story, even a sex scene with my white MC. Just diverse folks with heavy or differing accents getting along in their own community. The story is about community - bringing it together.