A friend pointed out to her the annoying frequency of references to coffee and chocolate as racial color analogies. Humans have been treated as commodities in this hemisphere s recent past. The connection to slavery was subtle, but disturbing, and Zettel has done what she can to reverse the trend. So let s review how you, too, can make your universe an equal opportunity employer. First, get to know your subjects.
Primary sources are best.
When telling your story from any character s viewpoint, be true to their take on the situation. Allow minority characters to speak with their own voices, even if only in a brief comment. Contrasts between multiple viewpoints produce both diversity and depth. Show how race and prejudice figure in your setting. Remember that difference is in the eye of the beholder.