Fictional races and fictional racism
Possibly related questions:
- Should I add racism in my book's world or have my world have no racism?
- Is accurate human nature required for good writing, even in fantasy scenarios, or with fictional species?
In fantasy, we've become accustomed to having a lot of different races; let's think about all the familiar elves, orcs, trolls, goblins, dwarves and whatnot. All share in common having two legs, two arms, one brain and the ability to use it to some extent. The classic definition of fantasy race also implies human-like sentience.
Admittedly, most of the times all those races could be summarized by "it's human, but with those x additional characteristics". Elves are prettier humans with longer lifespans. Orcs are sturdier humans with greenish skin. Dwarves are smaller humans who dig holes ... you get the point. As cliché those races might be, it can be fun playing around with the concept.
I was experimenting with a short novel - a third fantasy, third thriller, third steampunk thing - and I stumbled upon the issue of including racism. My setting is a industrialized capital where a lot of racial types coexist, not without conflict. I wanted to have a noir, gritty atmosphere; my main character being a bit biased himself. I wanted to portray prejudices.
It makes sense to have racism in this setting. It felt realistic, it added depth to the characters, and it helped getting the story going and giving the reader a good grasp of the worldbuilding.
All well and good, until one of my beta-readers said, as a compliment:
"It's somewhat similar to Bright, only a lot more times better."
Now if you're not familiar, Bright is a Netflix movie where orcs and elves live among humans in a modern Los Angeles. It has been heavily criticized for a variety of reasons. It seems that the movie is trying to draw a parallel between the in-movie racism and the real-world racism.
This ends up poorly, and what a surprise. Making parallelism between a fictional fantasy race and a real, ethnic group of humans comes at the cost of misrepresentation (at least), offending someone (probable), bad writing (likely) and gross justification of racism in general (at worst).
Yet talking about racism in a fantasy setting is still worth it; it's an interesting theme, and still has potential to grow.
All considered, my question is:
How can you treat fantasy races without making parallels with any ethnic group in the real world?
2 answers
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People will draw parallels between racism in your world and actual racism, because both you and your readers live here and now. It's not just that it can't be helped, it's part of why we write. We interact with the real world because we are the real world.
Any style of racism you describe will already exist. Only the details differ. Who, why, and how.
If you want to avoid readers finding parallels with specific instances of racism (oh this is like China or this is like blacks in America) you'll need to be cognizant of the details of racism in our world. Then change it up.
If a particular group in our world is stereotyped as being a particular type of criminal or bad person or unskilled at something, etc, make sure you don't match the stereotype with beings that look at all like the group in question. Don't combine the myth of controlling the media with large noses. Don't make the lies about people with dark skin be they can't control their sexual urges. And don't create extremely sexist societies only among people who cover their hair in public.
Then ask your beta readers. If one person draws a parallel, let it go. If 4 out of 5 do, it's a problem.
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Fantasy racism is normal
In my experience of fantasy works as well as in my own writing racism does exist between the various races. Tolkien's Elves and Dwarves are the most obvious example. Dwarfs and Orcs in D&D lore traditionally don't get along.
Have reasons for racism
Usually the reason for this is some past slight rather than inherit bigotry. See Why don't Elves like Dwarves? for the Tolkien lore. In my world a long and bloody war between Dwarfs and Orcs is the reason for mutual hatred.
If you can link the behaviour to an in universe reason readers are less likely to draw a parallel to real world racism.
Avoid real world terms or scenarios
Try to avoid using referring to other races or group with the same terminology that is used in the real world. Make sure your research an derogatory terms you use and understand their connotations before including them.
You should also avoid behaviours or actions similar to real world situations. Segmented bathrooms or schools will always be seen as a parallel. As will racially biased law enforcement. Educate yourself on what the pain points in racial discrimination are, and avoid reflecting these in your work.
Get feedback from multiple ethic groups
This it possibly the most important point. As a member of one race I can only give you advice from my perspective. While I may not find parallels to real world racism in your book, members of other ethic groups may. Try to diversify your test readers as much as possible. If you intend to send the work internationally or put it online get feedback from the countries it will available in. Racism looks different in different places and you should be prepared for that.
Add a disclaimer
This is a work of pure fiction set in a fantasy world. Any parallels to real world cultural groups or events are unintentional. The author respects all races equally.
Adding this sort of message to the appendix of your work is never a bad idea. It won't stop people from making them, but should reduce the backlash if you do make a mistake.
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