Describing diverse characters

Since I love reading, it was a pleasure to be actively contributing to the Frankfurt Book Fair this year. A good crowd joined at the Authors' Stage on Saturday October 19, where we had a vivid conversation about diverse characters in books, and how to avoid prejudice and self-censorship as an author. Visibility and representation of minorities is important in the book world and in business because only then an open society can be further developed! It’s all about learning about minority groups and developing empathy for those who are different than yourself.

How to avoid stereotyping?

• Ask questions! Find out as much as possible about the character before you start writing. If a main character in your book is e.g. a person with autism, talk to people who are on the autism spectrum. Sounds like a no-brainer? Sad but true, it doesn’t always happen.
• Consult experts! When you have completed your text, let an expert read through, a service offered by e.g. Sensitivity reading.
• Don't force yourself to include all kinds of minorities in your text if it doesn't fit at all or if you don't have any know-how about this group. But if you do want to include diverse characters, make an effort to write and describe them as authentic as possible.

What does this mean for business? Having a diverse mindset is very important e.g. for employees in the marketing and communication departments! They decide who gets visibility within an organization, how different groups are described, and what pictures are chosen for campaigns. And as a matter of fact: Customer services, product development and collaboration in general works better if employees have a high level of empathy.

To develop and cultivate empathy, offer your teams possibilities to get to know eachother better, also across different dimensions of diversity - and across hierarchies and departments! Activities can be small thinks like cross-mentoring, going for lunch with someone from a different generation/culture on a regular basis, supporting a social project - there is so much you can do! For more inspiration check out my Diversity Bingo challenge for HR/managers and teams. 

Thanks to Thorsten Simon from Books on Demand for the invitation and Alexandra Schwarting (author) and Victoria Linnea (Sensitivity Reading) for the great discussion and sharing your insights!