Post History

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/34278
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Racism is a common flaw, both real and imaginary.

* * *

In _The Lord of the Rings_ there are plenty of "racist" comments, particularly between the elves and dwarves.

In the game _Valkyria Chronicles_ there is a race that is highly prejudiced against throughout the story, even being part of the gameplay. This is explored in the story, with one character changing their ways and losing that prejudice.

In the book _To Kill a Mockingbird_ the story is centered around racist culture and its effects.

* * *

From tiny slights and conversations, to a part of the story, to the whole story, there's nothing wrong with including racism in your story. The question is, how do you address it and what form does it take?

If you are simply adding racism to a character to add something "special" about them, then you have probably made a mistake, as is always the way with token traits or characters. If you are exploring your story's world or have something to say about racism and have a good way to get it across, then by all means add it to the story and explore that.

**It is best that any trait added to your characters helps drive your story forward.**

A racist character for the sake of diversity makes little sense. A racist character for sake of story and world exploration, can be done very well.

Original score: 6