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hi if you aren’t black, but writing a black character in your WIP, you might wanna check out this thread so you don’t accidentally write something offensive! /gen
HAIR
just a reminder, in the pictures below, these are *not* dreadlocks, these are locs. White British people gave what black people call locs the name “dreadlocks” because they perceived naturally curly hair as dreadful. If you want to refer to them, call them locs.
just a reminder, in the pictures below, these are *not* dreadlocks, these are locs. White British people gave what black people call locs the name “dreadlocks” because they perceived naturally curly hair as dreadful. If you want to refer to them, call them locs.
and it seems obvious, but it’s really surprising how many people don’t know this, but characterising afro hair/coily hair as unmanageable, or ugly, or a nuisance is, in fact, anti black 
it’s literally just hair. Just hair.
it’s literally just hair. Just hair.
SKIN TONE
I think it’s better to steer away from comparing to darker skinned people to food. So instead of saying your black character has “coco” coloured skin, here are a few alternatives:
- copper
- mahogany
- sepia
- sable
- russet
- umber
- sienna
I think it’s better to steer away from comparing to darker skinned people to food. So instead of saying your black character has “coco” coloured skin, here are a few alternatives:
- copper
- mahogany
- sepia
- sable
- russet
- umber
- sienna
ya and that’s it 
just remember that black culture and African culture are very different. So if you want to make them black, but not African American, you should probably do some research into the country’s culture 
just remember that black culture and African culture are very different. So if you want to make them black, but not African American, you should probably do some research into the country’s culture
Also just to add, don’t forget about the angry black girl stereotype! If all of your black female characters are constantly depicted as “strong” and “warriors” it contributes to the stereotype that black women can take anything, and stigmatises issues around our mental health 
