I read around 50 books a year. so far, the only white author who has consistently correctly handled how to describe skintones from a non white perspective has been @neilhimself in Anansi Boys
#AmReading 1/6

he deliberately chose to only continually describe the skin tone of non Black characters, because the Black narrator saw Blackness as default. Black characters were described in other ways, painting full pictures that didn't rely on constant references to skintone

reminiscent of the groundbreaking lighting of #Insecure, which ignored the "rules" of cinematography and lighting, because the status quo is one that is white supremacist

Also reminded of a discussion on the necessary @FANTIPodcast about how to succeed in today's world is to be successful in terms of white supremacy

All this to say, we need to be comfortable breaking rules. The rules of writing, of media, of literature, of the CANON are made to support the status quo of white supremacy

it isn't enough to be diverse: the diversity needs to be continually supported and affirmed. as white people, we need to do more to be good allies and advocates. #ChallengeEverything #BreakRules #DecenterWhiteness

note: this thread I realized!! is even from a white assuming place. I am white tho and I can only speak to and regarding other white people when it comes to racism and diversity