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After laughing my ass off with my mother, I had to explain to her that I do not have a pet camel, have only visited the pyramids once, and my desert survival skills were just as shitty as hers. I could have further shocked her by mentioning that the nearest Starbucks is a 10 minute walk from where I live, and that the genius invention of auto vehicles had reached our distant Arabian land. Quite frankly, at first, I took it as a laughing matter. Ha ha. Those foreigners think we're nomads. How funny! But then, I realized, holy shit those foreigners think we're nomads! I became self conscious of whenever I'd introduce my self as an Egyptian. I realized I wanted follow it up by saying "I also happen to live in a metropolitan city. Please don't look down on me."
Now, hear me out, I don't blame the girl for her misconception. If I'd watched Mission Impossible, and saw how Tom Cruise magically managed to run from Burj Khalifa to a deserted village in a few seconds, or saw how Arabs were comically stereotyped in Transformers 2, I'd be fascinated with how an Egyptian got hold of a computer too.
The reason I started writing this article, is because even though the lack of diversity in YA always irked me, yesterday, it reached it's maximum point. I was trying to recall how many books I read had an Arab-or a character from a different ethnic group for that matter- and the result? Only one. Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian. And while this was a thoughtful look on Arabs, and you could tell the author did her research, it was still not enough. I tried Googling YA books with Arab characters, and yup... nothing.
And here's the thing, writing about a culture you don't know about is tricky. Unless you do portray them spot on, there will be people who are offended. Which brings me to another question: Would I rather read about an Arab character portrayed incorrectly, or none at all? I think.. I'd rather go with the first one. As much as it sucks to not be represented in a book, it sucks even more to be stereotyped. It's due to those stereotypes that my brother almost got deported in London because his middle name sounds similar to those the "bad guys" have. And you know what, I don't mind reading about an Arab villain. Bad guys are present in all cultures and countries. But if you're going to dumb down your characterization to a bearded, women-crazed, angry man, then sorry buddy, but a few thousand others beat you to it. That's not how characterization is done, or writing for that matter. Don't dehumanize a villain just because you have a stereotype of them in mind. Give them a back story, a motive. If their nationality and ethnicity is their only reason for being assholes, then.. not only is this racist, but a one dimensional, poorly constructed story.
You know, I'm being quite hypocritical here. As we speak, I'm working on a book. A book with a white, English speaking MC. I know what some might be thinking: Instead of bitching about the lack of diversity, why don't you do something about it? Here's the thing: there are a LOT of books featuring MCs from all ethnic groups, and backgrounds Those books are currently gathering dust on the shelf of unpublished. And this isn't because publishing houses are controlled by evil super villains who don't want no diversity (atleast I hope not!), but it's because the authors happen to live in a far, far away land like the one I live in. Should I ever decide to write a book with an Arab character, it would still sit on that dreaded shelf. Why? Well, because even self publishing is not an option for me, as both Kindle and Nook publishing is only allowed in certain countries. There are always exceptions, I know, but all in all, international authors have the odds against them. American authors have trouble finding a house to publish their books, let alone one who lives two continents away!
I'm sorry if I focused solely on Arab representation. It's just that for once, I'd like to be in a book. I'd like to have my culture represented fairly. I'd like to read about an Arab who ISN'T a terrorist. I know it sounds trivial, but even the simplest things- like Laini Taylor mentioning shisha in her book- makes me happy. I'd like to Google "diversity in YA" and be bombarded with a list of books with characters that are different. Asian, hispanic, african, fat, skinny. Characters dealing with disabilities, chronic illness, mental illness, or anorexia. Red heads, brunettes, bald, or a spider with a human head.
.. okay maybe not that last one. Yikes.
"or a spider with a human head" TOY STORY FLASHBACKS, TOY STORY FLASHBACKS, AAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
This is such a great post, all spider jokes aside. I didn't even realize how fucked up popular culture is re: Arab people (and, like, anyone who looks like they're from the Middle East) until a year ago and it was such a shock to realize OH MY GOD THESE MISCONCEPTIONS ARE EVERYWHERE. And I didn't notice til I got out of my safe little box and started talking to people online because nobody tells you that's wrong or offensive, it just sort of... exists and since it's everywhere you never question it. ):
You know that I've talked about Diversity often on my blog and I was so happy to read your post Reem. I've encountered the misconception surrounding countries in Africa, Asia and even South America. People are really under the impression that third world countries don't have internet, electricity and other things that make our lives easier. And it's disappointing and it makes you go "You do realize that the history of some of these countries are around 2500 years old right? While Europe was in the dark ages, the Arabian peninsula was flourishing along with Asia .(Sorry my South American History isn't very good)". When I visited Sri Lanka two years ago, among family and friends my mom. brother and I were the only ones without a cell phone and their phone plans are SO MUCH BETTER than the ones in Canada. I'm not even kidding. Another thing which misinforms people is the media I think. When the media shows violence all the time I do think that people believe that "this place is not safe to go to." Sure there is going to be violence in some places, but it doesn't mean an entire country. You can't judge a place just by the reports you read on the news.
I think when stereotypes are presented people often take them at face value and just ignore the rest of a group. Sure stereotypes have some truth to them, but not everyone adheres to it. Even I wonder if there are going to be books written about Indians, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis, people from Bangladesh and other countries. I don't mean people who have migrated to the West, but people living in those countries and what their lives are like. It's unfortunate. I'm trying to broaden my horizons by reading books by authors from different countries- not necessarily YA, but other fiction as well. I do agree with you though, international authors do have a hard time with publishing. Hopefully that will change in the future.
Once again Great Post Reem :).
Oh God, you're so right! The world is focused so much on a single ethnicity that others get looked over or crumpled beneath feet simply because they fail to live up to it. There are so, so many misgivings about how we live, what resources we have and the conditions we live in that whatever the media portrays us to be is so truly shocking and believeable at the same time.
As much as it is frustrating when one goes in the search of YA books featuring a Pakistani or an Egyptian (in you case), I always have to hold my breath because I've no idea if the author would gloss over the details, make the main character do stuff that is sinful and looked down upon, set the book in an abnormal setting; just about be anything but how a normal, real person would act and be. I've found some and I've read a couple and they were exclusively by Pakistani authors.
However, it is tiring to constantly read about certain ethnic groups portrayed in a certain way every single time. I understand doing the research is hard but it's hard for any book. And unless the authors take upon themselves to write a kick-ass book about different ethnic groups, it's a lost cause because, like you said, they'd probably be 'gathering dust on the shelf of unpublished.'
Ooooh, Reem is pulling out the serious guns. Go Reem! It's all very true though. I mean, I can't personally relate to this because I'm just another stupid white American, but I do wish there was more diversity in YA. I mean, just recently I read If You Could Be Mine, and even though I didn't love the story I loved the perspective it provided because it was my first time reading a book that involved Iranian culture. I think publishers need to realize that many readers are interested in reading diverse viewpoints these days, especially because of the Internet. It's strange to be talking to someone from a different country and have NO idea what their life is like. You're sort of forced to rely on those media representations you know, just because you barely have anything else to go off of. I think as the world gets "smaller" through the Internet, people want to be able to understand those that they're talking to. Yeah, that girl may have had wrong beliefs about what your life was like, but she wanted to know. She wants to learn. I think a lot of us are like that. If publishers started giving us the chance to read diverse material and learn about these different cultures that we are likely to run across online, it'll be better for everyone I think.
Of course, I'm still pretty disappointed you do not have a pet camel ;)
What a great post! Its amazing how little we seem to know about how other cultures live. I find myself very confused when I see people planning for a trip. I tend to pack light with the assumption that I can buy anything I need abroad or ask around for help finding something. However, it seems most people I know assume all non-US places are third world countries bare of any modern day luxuries and they need to plan (and pack) accordingly. I wonder where this misconception stems from.
I totally get you - not enough diversity in books. There's always the American heroine and the foreign sexy guy with the accent (British and Russian seem to be super popular.... AND SCOTTISH hahah :D). Anyway, like I said, I get you. My father is from Jordan and I've lived there for two years and when I came back, my friends were asking me all kinds of stupid question (it's as if they can't Google "Egypt" or "Jordan" and see pictures of modern civilization). Although I wouldn't want to see the country I live in now (Bulgaria) in any book. I live in it and I know how horrible it is; I read the books for distraction.
But it does get on my nerves when the heroine is always American. Like, wtf, people? Is she going to get lynched or deported if she's not American? It's like, asians and african-americans can only be the dumb perky side-kicks. Can't have them stealing the spotlight. I can't recall a single book where the female main lead is african-american (as for asian, Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian - one of the girls, Lillia, is asian and cool).
It'd be nice if authors started aknowledging other ethnicities in books. I recently came across a book that is pure racism yet the author keeps claiming the book is "anti-racist". Mhmmmmmmmmmmm. Sure! Because people are stupid enough to believe it.
Anyway. Speaking of your book. WRITE WRITE WRITE SO I CAN READ OKAY? :D But, as always, no pressure or anything :] ;D
Ahhh, this happens to me too and I'm from Texas. Everyone who's NOT from Texas (or has never been here) seems to think that we're all ranchers and ride horses everywhere instead of driving cars. One time I went to Canada to visit a friend, and this girl was talking about her horses and she looked over at me and said "Well, you know what I'm saying, right? I mean, you're from Texas." And I was like UM, NO. -_-
The stereotyping sucks, I agree. When I got married, I took my husband's last name which has a pretty distinctive Arabic look and sound, and I did worry about how it would change people's perception of me -- especially since I have olive skin and dark hair/eyes, etc.
But yes, I really wish there were more books with Arab characters in them, too. Like, I don't even see many SIDE characters who are Arab. As well as other diverse types of people! And I don't know if I'll ever be in a book either. I'm this weird combination of black and white. I can't fully identify as white, but I identify even less as black. And any time there's a mixed girl in a book, she usually gets stereoyped as more black than white. Blah. Anyway. Great post.
I totally understand you, but first of all,
To that girl who thought you didn't have internet etc.: wtf!? SERIOUSLY? LIKE, ARE YOU FOR REAL? You're THAT innocent with the world? Holy cow. Open your damn eyes girlfriend! *pops the bubble you're living in*
Ok back to the diversity topic.. YES I understand you 100%. Like, where are the Japanese, the Mexicans, the Puerto Ricans, the French, the Dutch, the Filipinos, the Indians, where are the popular girls with black hair? The popular guys who doesn't bully others?
What I think is that..it all depends with the author. Just for example..I'm Filipino and I literally lived half of my life in the Philippines and half in the U.S. So let's say one day I wanted to become and author.. and I'll most likely write about either someone who is American or someone who is a Filipino because I'm mostly familiar with those two race. I think that's why there's not really a diversity because it all depends with the author and their background. I really like how some authors let's say an American author writes a YA Japanese story (Ink by Amanda Sun)..but if the author doesn't know anything about the Japanese culture then he/she will have to do extra research. Maybe the authors doesn't feel like doing research? or maybe they want to write something they're familiar with. Great topic :D
Leigh
Little Book Star
OMG! I am cowering from your rage now, Reem. There are plenty of stereotyping nowadays and it's even happening IRL. I am a Filipino and I live in the island of Mindanao. If people--the ones mostly residing on the other Philippine islands--hear that, their first reactions were: "Aren't you afraid living in that area? I've heard that Muslims are pretty barbaric there and that they bomb anything that gets in their way! What about terrorist attacks and kidnapping? Life must have been pretty hard for you! I am afraid to go in your place. What if the Muslims will be after my ass?" And the list goes on and on. Or they can have it the other way around, "You're from Mindanao? Err-so you're a province girl? Isn't it awkward? Then looks at me like I just sprouted horns" OMG! WTFery is that!
First and foremost, I would just like to give them the finger and bitch slap them that people shouldn't be judged according to their religion and from where they come from. And yes, I've been pretty much spending 15%-25% of my life explaining to these oatmeal-brained people that life in Mindanao is a bliss, that I have two lovely Muslim bestfriends and that I spent high school in a school pretty much dominated by Muslim students. And it's one of the most memorable part of my life. And that I wouldn't dream of living in any other island than Mindanao.
On a global perspective, Filipinos are also looked down by some other race. There was even a hollywood actress who called Filipinos whores. Or some would assume that we are barbaric and uncivilized just because we live in a developing country.
So yes, I deeply sympathize with you, Reem. Anyway, enough of that. Back to the bookish topic, I would pretty much enjoy diversity in books. I would like to look at other cultures aside from Caucasians. And this is one of the reasons why I love Harry Potter,Memoirs of a Geisha and the Kane Chronicles. I don't know if Rick Riordan was able to portray the Egyptians correctly with the latter though since I'm really lazy when it comes to research. But all I'm sure is that, I was pretty fascinated with Egyptian mythology ever since I read the Kane Chronicles. And Reem, one of the heroines in the series is an Egyptian. <3
If you ever write a book about an Arab character, I'd certainly read it as long as you write it with your brand of humor because you never fail to amaze me. <3
Excellent post! :D
AGREED! One of the reasons I don't accept ARCs is because it's 99% books that feature one ethnicity. Those are the books with the marketing budget, ans if 90% of bloggers solely blog about these books - then that's what we'll see. I personally, have been making a conscious effort to diversify my reading - not only with books that feature other ethnicities but that are also set in other countries. I need to do better, and WILL. There are quite a few lists floating around with many YA books that feature characters of color, so don't give up. And let me not even get into the fact that even when you do find YA books with characters of different ethnicites - then the cover still doesn't reflect this. Sigh.
Tanya Patrice
Girlxoxo.com
There has been a lot of discussion on lack of diversity in books especially YA. But the thing is, these books are written in English, usually by a Caucasian writer possibly living in a native English speaking country and who probably come from a town that has no people or very few of an ethnicity other than theirs. So it's really no surprise when the fictional world they create has no diversity. They write what they know right?
Want diversity? Just read books by other international authors or those that are of other ethnicities.
Amazing rant, Reem <3 I honestly believe that YA book publishers and authors really need to consider more diversity in their books--especially in YA books. They are marketing to a younger audience that are really trying to understand themselves and the world around them. I remember being a naive child (still kinda naive now), and be initially shocked at the cultural differences between myself and the people I know. The initial feeling of shock really just comes from my lack of exposure and knowledge of someone's culture or lifestyle. I come from a pretty culturally diverse community, however there are so many cultures and walks of life I that I'm unfamiliar with and unaware of. Having more diversity in YA books can really help kids, teens and even adults get an understanding of different kinds of people and get rid of those misconceptions.
HA! I didn't think about it, but I guess Toy Story had one of those creepers!
I had the same problem with other cultures too! It's sad really, when you realize that the world is so opened nowadays, and those misconceptions still exist!
I know! It was one of the things I noticed first about your blog. It looked like you were interested in all those different cultures, and I loved the diversity in your blog!
And yes, I think there's a huge misconception about third world countries. While don't blame the girl, it still saddens me that people have such a wrong conception about my culture and my country. That;s why iI think the worst that can happen is if a book portrayed a character or a culture incorrectly, because then they are carrying on with this stereotype that will be hard to shake off, you know?
I think it;s a wonderful thing that you are reading about different cultures, and it is something I want to start doing soon.
I know right?! And the thing is, I don't blame the authors. The author will always right about what they know best, because otherwise is takes a LOT of research. I just think that maybe the publishing houses should make things easier for authors abroad, so they could have books and materials from all over the world. Also, there are MANY books with MCs from different ethnicity that get white washed on the cover. I read this a couple of days ago and it absolutely frustrated me.
BAha! Do you know how hard it is for me to write a serious post? Little jokes were creeping in everywhere, but I got them under control ;)
and yes, one of the reasons I wanted to read If You Could Be Mine is because I want to know about the iranian culture. Even though I live relativly close to Iran, there is SO much I didn't know about it. (I actually thought Iran was an Arabic country, so...).
I think it all goes back to publishers and what they're willing to get out on the market. If there is diversity in the setting and the culture, this problem would be solved.
I do too!! I mean yes it surprises me when someone had such wrong conceptions of my country, but that doesn't mean I don't have the same wrong misconceptions about other countries! I think it goes back to the media and how they choose to represent certain regions or cultures.
Ohh, I didn't know you lived in Jordan! That is so cool!
And yeah, I don't blame the girl for having this wrong image because quite frankly, any movie that features egypt focuses on the desert and what not.
And you know what's worse? When she is from a different ethnic group and gets white washed on the cover. Like WTF?! I read a whole article about how common this was and it frustrated me!
YES! I'm gonna need that encouragement :P
Ha! It must be really tough dealing with that, huh? I don't think anyone can tell I'm Arabic from my looks. Even though I have REEALLY dark black hair, my skin is pretty fair, so I didn't have the experience of someone quickly assuming that I am Arab from my looks, but I've heard some other not so nice stories about that.
There was one John Green book with a Palestinian sidekick, but some of my friends still were not happy with the representation.
Glad you liked this, Kelley! <3
HA! I was surprised at what she said, but I honestly don't blame her. f I didn't live here, I would have thought we were a desert as well. It's just how we are protrayed in the media.
I do agree it depends on the author, and whether they want to go into something they don't know much about. You know, I don't think it's fair to ask for diversity while we don't have enough diverse authors, you know? :D
Have you read "If You Could be Mine" by Sara Farizan? It's set in Iran and told from the perspective of an eighteen-year-old girl.
Oh, wow! I didn't know there were that much Philipino Muslims but that's awesome! I think stereotypes are hard to break and it either takes a good example like your best friends from school, or books and media that represent us fairly. Another thing that surprises me is that people think that ALL Arabs are Muslims.
I think it's awesome that you are trying to change that stereotype tp some people! I haven't read the Kane Chronicles, because I don't think I'm into Rick Riordan, but if I ever DO get to read one of them, it will definitely be the Kane Chronicles. I LOVE books that focus on Egyptian mythology because sadly we didn't get to read about them much in school.
Thank you for the AWESOME comment, Charllote <3
You do have a point, but the thing is, when I googled books with diversity, I didn't ask for diverse authors so to say. There are a lot of books with characters with different backgrounds and ethnicities, but these are really hard to find because they don't get as much publishing and spotlight. Authors WILL write what they know, but I think it's up to publishing houses to broaden their spectrum.
Exactly! If you break those wrongly conceived ideas and stereotypes from an early age, things would be much easier! I think misconceptions grow with time, and are harder to change as long as you have them.
I did hear about it, and was talking to Asti in one of the comments below about it. I REALLY need to know more about the Iranian culture.
Yeah, I went into further research right after this, and found some articles. I think if people like you marketing such books, publishing houses will be encouraged to publish them.
Yes. X 1,000000000000000000. And yes to what you said about Laini Taylor.
The only book I've seen is If You Could be Mine" by Sara Farizan - but others have already commented with it and generally the comments I've seen on that book are mostly shock about the gender laws. It's good to have out there for the diversity on both fronts, but it'd also be nice not to have the majority of a book's value placed on its ability to shock, which I feel like is how a lot of people have reacted to that one. (Not saying that's a bad book or a bad thing either--just want more.)
If I'm ever published, I hope to include Middle Eastern characters. I live wanting someone to know how awesome Arab culture is - I live wanting not to be sick at the way there is at least one movie per year portraying Arabs again and again as terrorists... or dangerous....
And after you get published, that first book, I hope you'll have enough freedom as an international author to include tidbits of Egyptian culture as well :).
I don't have a lot new to say... just that I kind of want to draw hearts around this entire post.
I've heard about If you Could Be Mine, and I honestly want to know more about the Iranian culture, but from what I've gathered, people didn't enjoy the book itself, so I don't know.
I would LOVE to read about a middle eastern character that is represented differently! It seems like Hollywood can't imagine an Arab character simply being a neighbor or a friend. He HAS to be the bad guy.
I would love to write about the Egyptian culture! Ooooh, maybe I can write about a belly dancer :P That will surely be a winner! ;)
So glad you liked this <3
Dude, I love your posts. I've only read two, but they've been awesome.
We have a bit of a different perspective. See, I read a book that had a Persian dude with a notable Persian girl name and it drove me insane (oh yeah, I'm of Persian origins although I live in Canada). I end up being so picky when anything Iranian is mentioned incorrectly.
I also may have the unpopular opinion that an author should write the world as they see it. So if they see a world full of white people, that's completely unrealistic of our world, but it's their story. I think the bigger issue is why don't people consider other ethnicities and cultures when writing books?
I don't ever read a book JUST because it's diverse or because it features a different culture. I read about stories I like, regardless of where they come from. I'd love if my stories had some Arabs and some Persians and some Koreans, etc, because that makes it more realistic to me. I don't want this to overwhelm the actual story though. Basically, I don't want diversity in YA just for the sake of it being diverse. Write it honestly.
The other side to my opinion is that I live in a REALLY multicultural area. Like, most of my school is either an immigrant or a first generation immigrant. Islam is super popular in my area with the majority of my friends following it. Maybe because of this, I (maybe wrongly) feel like most people of reasonable intelligence realize that the rest of the world is developed, just in different ways.
So when I read the typical YA, it's very different from my own life so I feel like I am reading diversity, just because I'm not white and although I've grown up in Canadian culture, there's a lot I don't know too.
The other thing I believe is that the teens right now are exposed to much more diversity than the previous generation. Sexual diversity as well as racial diversity are much more prominent now, and I think they're now the way we see the world. People often write what they know about and with more information, I bet there will be more diversity.
The only issue I can think of is if someone decides not to write about diversity because it won't sell or if some publisher says a character must be white. Also, incidents like the Stardoll thing (I had a Stardoll. Not my finest hour) show that there is still a lot of misinformation around. Maybe it's my optimistic nature, but I truly believe we're getting better.
I probably could write more, but this is long enough. I also realize that my opinion is probably a minority one just because it's based on the experiences I've had throughout my life with some incredibly tolerant, respectful people. Thanks for the post!
-P.E.
Ugh, so sorry if I haven't been commenting lately! Life has been super hectic for me and I've only been able to comment on a few blogs a day. Anyway, I totally agree with this! I'm an aspiring author living in Southeast Asia, so I know it's virtually impossible for me to find a publisher unless I somehow manage to move to the States... which is both likely and unlikely. While the fact that most YA books are set in America, and the protagonists are white don't really bug me, it would definitely be refreshing to see more diversity in books. I'm Chinese, but of most of the books I've read featuring a Chinese protagonist - or even an Asian one - I've been SO disappointed because all these MCs are really quite annoying. Most notably would be The Weight of Souls by Byrony Pearce. I was super excited that the MC was an Asian in London, but she turned out to be someone who grated on my nerves so much that I just had to give up on it.
I think the problem is what you mentioned: none of these American authors really know much about other races, so they feel it's safer for them to write from a perspective that they're familiar with. And now I'm stuck with this question: Would people still find it appealing to read about stories that aren't set in the West and DON'T have white protagonists? Some people would, I'm sure, but I can't help but think that others would be less than thrilled. I'm not trying to call anyone a racist here, but I live in a pretty small and unknown country, not like Egypt at all, and I just can't get rid of the feeling that if I wrote a book set in my country, it would somehow feel... less important than other books set in the West. Am I making sense?
I kind of strayed from the topic (and probably talked your ear off with nonsense), but if you couldn't understand anything from what I just said, then: I agree 100% with your post! I don't even care what race it is - just something different, for once. We need originality! We need to open our minds to different cultures! And of course, great post as always, Reem. :)
This is something that I want to see changed too, the lack of diversity in YA is upsetting. I think it's incredibly important to branch out and embrace that diversity, the world does not only consist of a certain race and that train of thought cannot go on forever. I do think a part of it is that publishing houses have the mindset that they were reaching out to a certain demographic and are more interested in books that would pertain to this certain demographic but they need to stop and realise that they should try to publish books that would pertain to anyone.
I do get that authors mostly want to draw from their own experiences so if they haven't been around a lot of people from other races, they wouldn't have a lot of knowledge about them and might be less likely to write about them. I want to see authors go out of their comfort zone and actively try to include more POC in their characters. Exploring other cultures is always so fascinating to me.
Fantastic post Reem!
Yaaay! Glad you like them. Like, seriously! :D
I'm always between two choices here: on one hand, I understand where the author is coming from. Most authors don't want to write about something they don't know about, you know? I mean, it's not the authors I'm adressing.. mainly anyway. It's the publishers. If they realize that people WANT to read diversified books, then they'll publish them. It's all about what sells, you know?
But then again, I don't know how I'd feel if an author tries to portray a character, and get their facts wrong. I thing I might be offended, you know? And that's the thing about going into a culture you don't know about: you can piss off some people!
I think you got it right with writers including characters because they want to, not just for the sake of diversity.
Thanks for the VERY thoughtful comment! I really appreciate it!! <3
I've missed some Meg-awesomeness around here, so I'm glad you're back <3
You made a really good point here: Would people want to read about diverse books?! I mean, if it all goes back to the publishers, then they'll only publish things that sell. If people like us make sure to remind them from time to time that we do want to read such books, then we'll get out point across.
I face the same problem with my writing too! There's no way I can publish, or even self-publish, while living in Egypt. My only option is going somewhere more accessible, so.. fingers crossed!
I've seen many people wanting to read about diverse characters, so that's a really good start! It's all abou the publishers, like you say. If they see that people want to read diverse cultures, they'll publish them.
This was an epic post. Being a black Latino , especially one who is choosing my first book to have a white mc, it's a difficult medium.
I loved this post XD I think what I liked most about it was that someone directed me to it from something I actually reposted from someone else XD
Means people are really paying attention to each other on this World Wide Web.
What's weird is that I wrote Arabic cultured characters into what I'm choosing as my first release. I guess because I'm a person if color who is under represented, I don't even think about it, I just include as many ethnicities as my characters will allow.
This post is fantastic! I agree with you on all points. There really does need to be more diversity in YA. I stared at my shelf after reading this and realized a good 98% of them have white MC, more specifically white female MCs. It's even weirder because most seem to be American, excluding fantasy based worlds. The funny thing (or not funny..depends) is that stereotyping goes as far as region for Americans. I'm from Georgia, in the southern US (I feel like I have to say this because Georgia is also a country and when I don't say it people think I'm from Europe, lol). Anyway, almost all of the characters I've seen from GA are extremely southern. They have the southern drawl of an accent, the suntan and love of being outside, the uber friendly southern hospitality, etc. Sometimes i just want to yell and tell these people that there are really pale people, who have lived here their whole lives and still don't have a thick accent, and don't like inviting random people into their homes for sweet tea and pie. I love your post and I'm definitely subscribing to your blog!
What a great post! I'm not featured in books either, but that's because it's a bit boring here (Dutch, but we get stereotyped a lot too!) Some more diversity in books would be great. Doesn't matter what it is, but I like to have some originality.
You're absolutely right, Reem. Publishers and authors should work on adding diversity to the YA genre. The target audience of YA, teens, come from many different cultures, and I think that should be payed attention to.
Also, stereotyping sucks. I remember that there was this one guy in my class who was Muslim and it took about half the school year for some people to stop focusing on his religion and actually focus on his personality. (He was sort of an annoying person but far from the stereotype.)
Oh, I think I worded something wrong :P
I meant that it took people half a year to stop focusing on the Muslim stereotype... Sorry about that..
Glad you like this, Blanca <3 And wow, I'm really amazed someone actually forwarded this! :P
I think the best way to deal with is is like you do, write them for the sake of writing, not just because you want your novel to be diverse.
Weird enough, I didn't know Georgia was in Southern U.S.A. I mean, I like to think I'm atleast familiar with the states and cities in US, but nope! :P But I totally understand what you mean. For a looooong time, I had the same idea about southerners in the US, until I started reading books that portrayed them in a different way. Now, because I know better, I can't stand the books that stereotype them, just like you said: Friendly, heavily accented, and into really sweet sweet food.
Although the food part is really cool!:P Thanks Michelle <3 Really glad you liked this!
HA! Don't worry, I totally understand what you meant. And yeah, the thing is that people will focus on the stereotype, and THEN on who he really is, and sometimes, books do the same thing!
WOW! This is such an awesome comment! I'm really glad someone forwarded this post, too.
I actually encounter the same indentity issue now, even when I'm living in Egypt. You see, all the books and TV shows and stuff that I watch, are English. I've become so immersed in the western culture, yet still I live far, far away. This kind of confuses me, you know? I mean on one hand, I am 100% Egyptian, but I ... don't feel like it. I find myself objecting to soo many things in my culture. I've actually seen a TV show dealing with Arabs in America, and how they suffer from this identity issue. On one hand, their native country considers them to be "Americanized" and on the other, they're not REALLY american, you know? I actually dread this thing is if I ever choose to move to America.
You know, while writing this post, I was trying to decide who's to blame. I mean, sure, the media is further encouraging this stereotype of an angry, violent Arab, but.. what if they don't know better? I mean, what if the sterotype has been done sooooo many times, it has become a fact? Like, if they portray a normal, sane Arab, people will feel like something's missing? And don't get me wrong, I'm not just pointing fingers at the western media here. Americans are also ridiculously stereotyped in Egyptian movies, to a point where I stopped watching them.
It's really great that you wrote an Egyptian character! I would love to, but the book I'm writing is in a medieval fantasy world, so.. yeah. There is some diversity there, but I think I'll be able to diversify my characters more if I'm writing a contemporary.
I'm totally going to check your blog right now! And that would be awesome, thank you!!
I think I might have read about a Dutch character, but ugh.. I have a terrible memory. Anyway, I think a change of scenery is wanted regardless. And hey, the dutch are pretty cool! :D
Well said! *claps* I agree with all the points you made. Have you read Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson? I found that pretty darned fantastic but honestly, I think there is a huge reluctance in the minds of North American people to consider Arabians as anything other than villainous. The men, at least. The women are objectified as sexual objects or poor oppressed ones. Yes, I have rage.
I know this feeling...I've googled many times for ENGLISH books that are set in Portugal, or with Portuguese characters. I got nothing. Nope. Nada. I want a character that when I find out they're Portuguese, I can go: "YESSSSS" but, that day still hasn't come....
I've read quite a few books where the characters were non-Western (books with Asian, Mexican or black characters), but I don't think I've ever read or even heard about a book with Arab main characters. Though I never searched for one either so... So yeah, the "blame" is totally on us US/EU readers. If we demand it more louder maybe it would reach the publishers, because I for one definitelywould love to see Arab MCs and generally more diversity in books. AWESOME post! Good luck with your book!!! :)
Love this post!
I'm checking it out on Goodreads, but yes, I agree with what you said. The stereotypes have become so common, going outside of them will make some people critical of the portrayal. Get an Arab who does is a normal guy, and eyebrows will be raised.
I actually love reading/watching Portuguese/ Brazilian or Hispanic characters. I think they are more common in movies though, which is kind of dissapointing.
Yeah, even though I won't call my bookshelf diverse, I have read a lot of non-western characters. Only one book had an Arab character, and the author sent it to me, probably because of where I come from.
Thank you<3 glad you liked this.,
That's awesome, Erika <3
That's really cool! I wish I could see more of these characters in books... :)
Well said! *claps* I agree with all the points you made. Have you read Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson? I found that pretty darned fantastic but honestly, I think there is a huge reluctance in the minds of North American people to consider Arabians as anything other than villainous. The men, at least. The women are objectified as sexual objects or poor oppressed ones. Yes, I have rage.