If you don't mention the race of every character in your book, I don't wanna read it. I'm done with things that reinforce the white default.

There are a few exceptions. Like, in fantasy, you can't call someone Asian if there is no Asia, and so on and so forth.

But race still needs to be VERY clear and unquestionable, and mentioned more than once in that case.

If your story takes place in the real world, no excuses.

No shade—well, maybe a little— but if you don’t know how to mention a character’s race, you’re not reading enough books by BIPOC.

Y’all....look. If you describe me using beige skin, hazel eyes, and curly dark hair, you would not get the same “oh she Black” as you do by looking at me. Describing Ariana would not tell you she’s white. Shit be ambiguous. Just say the character’s race!

It’s not bad. It’s not a negative thing. It just is.

So many people are bent outta shape about this thread. Just admit you don't have the range, aren't interested in pushing yourself and elevating your craft, and go.

Seriously, if you can't manage putting a character's race on the page, the fuck are you even doing this for?

CAN writers manage to display race without saying outright white, Black, whatever? Yes, but it requires an understanding of coding and contextualizing most people don't even try to acknowledge let alone employ.

Folk aren't even comfortable with SAYING Black out loud, you're not

not gonna be able to "describe" the character in a way that gets it across. So just say it. There's nothing wrong with just saying it.

Saying it does the heavy lifting, it provides background that a description wouldn't, there's weight to the words.

The reader doesn't have to spend extra time trying to tiptoe around your discomfort and ready between the lines. Their imagination power is able to draw in and utilize other details about the scene to paint a more complete picture. It's faster, smoother.

They're with you, you're with them, everyone is not only on the same page but the same letter in the same sentence. We're all good, now GO.

The best artists are able to do more with less.

Same goes for writers.

If you need a whole paragraph to tell me a character is Black, when the word Black is right. there. that tells me all I need to know about your ability as a writer.