I grew up in the southern U.S. during the very volatile 60's and 70's, saw and learned a lot of things that made me determine NOT to repeat the mistakes of those around me.
As a fellow Southerner (though of the 80's/90's vintage), WORD. I think growing up in the South, you either become impertinent or indoctrinated as far as racial attitudes go. Because it seems like I've met a large amount of white people who buy into the racism, but I've also met a lot of white people who, seeing how things worked and still work to some degree, were absolutely disgusted and used that ugliness in the environment to become more sensitive to racial issues, to make sure they double checked their own actions and attitudes.
I know that because I've grown up in that environment, I'm always careful to make sure that I don't slip back into those hurtful Good Ol' Boy behavior and thought patterns - you know, the ones where you check around the room before telling a racist joke and then everyone laughs while assuring themselves they're not racist. *eyeroll*
My novels and short stories must, of a necessity, include a world of people because it is these people I see in my every day life.
I now live in NYC, and I can't imagine writing all white characters. I just can't. Because if you live in NYC, diversity isn't just a nice catchword, it's a fact on the ground.
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Date: 2009-02-19 10:57 pm (UTC)As a fellow Southerner (though of the 80's/90's vintage), WORD. I think growing up in the South, you either become impertinent or indoctrinated as far as racial attitudes go. Because it seems like I've met a large amount of white people who buy into the racism, but I've also met a lot of white people who, seeing how things worked and still work to some degree, were absolutely disgusted and used that ugliness in the environment to become more sensitive to racial issues, to make sure they double checked their own actions and attitudes.
I know that because I've grown up in that environment, I'm always careful to make sure that I don't slip back into those hurtful Good Ol' Boy behavior and thought patterns - you know, the ones where you check around the room before telling a racist joke and then everyone laughs while assuring themselves they're not racist. *eyeroll*
My novels and short stories must, of a necessity, include a world of people because it is these people I see in my every day life.
I now live in NYC, and I can't imagine writing all white characters. I just can't. Because if you live in NYC, diversity isn't just a nice catchword, it's a fact on the ground.