Poc Representation - Tumblr Posts
Just rewatched the netflix show "Hollywood" and it's simply one of the best tv shows i've ever seen. I love how they tackled such relevant topics like race and sexuality and at the same time showed really simple things, like love, friendship, family and that dreams can come true. I feel like this tv show has a lot in common with the book seven husbands of evelyn hugo, and i've been longing to see such an extravagant story on tv (lets hope netflix adaptation of the book also fullfill the expectations
One of my favorite complaints that *those* white readers, movie, and tv watchers have is that there is too much represnetation in media now. That they don’t see themselves in media anymore, and therefore cannot relate.
(Which is such a load bc white ppl have literally created a system where it’s just them, them, them. You can find a full white casted movie, tv show, and book much easier than you can with marginalized group rep. At least rep that is truthful to our lives and not romanticized and dramatized to spare white feelings.)
And this complaint is so funny to me as if I, a black girl in america, didn’t grow up watching and reading white stories over and over again. Stories I didn’t relate to or see myself in.
Now that’s not to say there wasn’t any representation. Of course there were the token poc characters that got three lines if they were lucky. And those token poc characters were written only to help the main white characters realize that the world isn’t as it seems. And “yes Jennifer, my skin color does in fact affect the way people perceive and treat me. Even you!”
The point isn’t about relatability. It is about the lesson. That’s what stories are. But with actually casting, hiring writers, directors, and producers who are from marginalized groups the lessons become life and it makes it real.
WritingWithColor FAQ: How do I start writing a character of color?
First, be mindful that no race, culture, or ethnicity makes one inherently predisposed to certain emotions or personalities, despite what stereotypes or TTRPGs may suggest. We are all humans who share the same range of emotions and ways of thinking, even if we have different values.
Understand that there is no single template for a good [race, ethnicity] character. A person’s social, economic, and geographical background influences their life and values just as much as their race, culture, or religion. Consider: a Black American boy who grew up in a California mansion versus a Black American boy who grew up on an Illinois cornfield versus a Black boy who grew up in an apartment one city over. All three will have very different privileges, disadvantages, and outlooks on life.
Further reading (WWC x NaNoWriMo):
The Do’s of Writing PoC
Properly Coded: Creating Characters of Color
3 Ways to Show a Character's Culture
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This Q&A is an excerpt from our General FAQ for Newcomers, which can be found in our new Masterpost of rules and FAQs. For more general resources on POC representation, check it out!
-Writing With Color
i’m sure i’m not the first to say something like this, but let me tell you about my poc-passing-as-white jay gatsby headcanon!!
for some background, in the 1920s there was an interesting shift regarding (white) skin tones. previously, tans were viewed as a sign that a person worked out in the fields, and therefore a trademark of the lower class. however, slowly after the industrial revolution, it increasingly became a representation of luxury, since the rich upper class would have the time to lounge about and sunbathe at their leisure.
i say all this to show that a poc gatsby would have the ostensible class and wealth for a tan, which would ‘excuse’ a slightly browner skin tone in the public eye.
(the 20s was also the setting of passing by nella larsen, so that’s neat.)
in my vision, he’s biracial (maybe his mother was black & his father was a german immigrant) with skin light enough to pass for white.
the fact that nick states that gatsby keeps his hair neatly groomed and cut might be to prevent it from curling up.
additionally, i think it could contrast tom’s white supremacy & his fear of poc social progress.
it would also create a deeper divide between gatsby and daisy, and once again the contrast between him and tom. in my mind, daisy wouldn’t know about it until the point where tom reveals everything about gatsby’s bootlegging etc. with jay revealing it to her in the car ride back (oops then she hits myrtle).
then, when she chooses tom and the life of comfort, wealth, status, etc that their marriage offers, she also rejects not only gatsby’s new money but also his race.
it’s a lot more thematically significant for the american dream as well—it’s still unattainable and essentially tainted by capitalism, and it also emphasizes that it’s restricted to the white upper class. social mobility only becomes available to gatsby when he disguises his racial identity.
similarly, it fits with gatsby’s identity reconstruction—the quintessential american is white, rich, and educated.
daisy and tom have that ticket into society because they have that inherent thing that he will never have—pedigree, in both class and race. that’s something that even nick has.
(in my mind, he tells nick all about it the night before he dies & nick understands as best he can and doesn’t think less of him, because it further highlights the differences between his & gatsby’s relationship v. gatsby’s relationship with daisy; namely, the transparency -> acceptance give-and-take that he and daisy never had. because of having to hide himself from daisy in order to maintain her affection, he builds an expectation that he must be someone that he is not as well as developing a transactional definition of love (he gives, and people love him as long as he can continue to give) in order to be loved. therefore, nick’s immediate curiosity and fascination with who he truly is is foreign to him. not to get too into their dynamic lmao i just think it’s really interesting.)
finally, the very last part where nick is sitting and looking at the bay and thinking about the first immigrants and their dreams and how gatsby embodied the purity and naivety of those dreams is further exemplified by his racial ‘otherness.’
and there’s,,, technically nothing in the book to explicitly refute this from what i remember!
(n.b.: it has been a hot second since i’ve read tgg, so lmk if i’ve got anything wrong!)
Muslim Dark Academia
- always wearing a dark coloured hijab
- long tweed coats, untucked blouses, loose plaid/suit pants
- trying to memorize as much of the Qur’an as possible
- studying the Golden Age of Islam
- learning about Abbas Ibn Firnas, Al-Jabr, and all the others who made breakthroughs that are now attributed to Western scholars
- studying your favourite verses of the Qur’an
- dreaming of visiting the different mosques around the world
- owning more copies of the Qur’an and it’s translation than you can count
- staying up late to study and praying qiyam in your study breaks
- listening to different tafsirs and lectures and taking your own notes on them
- dreaming of someday being able to visit Makkah and Madinah
- the scent of itr leaving a trail behind you to announce your presence
- memorizing great Muslim poetry and trying to write your own
- listening to Qur’an while you study and getting so wrapped up in the recitation you forget that you’re supposed to be studying
- debating the pros and cons of different reciters
- trying to learn as many dialects of Qur’anic arabic as you can
- falling asleep to your favourite recitation of Surah Mulk
with a lack of focus on poc in dark academia, i figured i’d provide some content with what i know best
Chapter 24
Elijah looked into the room where Rebekah was taking care of a sleeping Vienna, she turned away and made he way downstairs, “How is she?” Klaus asked from his spot on the couch.
“She’s still resting but Rebekah says she gonna be okay.” He steps closer, Klaus nodded.
Marcella glared into the fire as they continue speaking. Tyler, Stefan, and Alaric left to take care of some business leaving the rest of teens at the manor. An dark cloud came over Marcella as she felt someone sit next to her.
“Hey...” Hayley says softly, removing a piece of hair from in front of her face.
Marcella grunt in response to Hayley presences, the young werewolf sat there awkwardly as they both watched the fire crackled in silence. “How are you doing? Considering what happened in the last ten minutes.”
Marcella glanced towards Hayley, she stared blankly into her eyes causing the young girl to look away uncomfortable. “Great...all things considering...” she responded taking a sip of her drink.
Hayley nodded, they sat in silence again.
“Look I know you don’t know me as well as the others and I don’t do teen drama. So what’s your problem with me?” She spoke turning fully towards the hybrid, Marcella looked down as she swish her drink around.
Hayley scoffed, stood to leave. When Marcella spoke up, “Its not what you did that is the problem, it’s what you going to do that will be a problem.” Marcella backed the rest of her drink and left to see Vienna. Hayley stood looking after her confused. After she shook it off, she grab her belongings and left.
Keira and Azalea drives into town and parked the car in front of Ice Cream Parlor.
“Any request?” Azalea asked as she turns off the engine and grabs her wallet.
She thought for a minute before smiling. “Surprise me.”
“Okayyy.” Azalea snickered and got out of the car, Keira put her shades on as she grabs her headphone from her bag and relaxed in the car listening to her music.
“Keira”
Keira snapped her eyes opened moving one of her headphones from her ears and looked around the car quickly. She looked out the window to find anyone out of place but only saw civilians go about their day-to-day life. She shook it off and relaxed back in her seat and turned up her music a bit more. As she slowly begin to relaxed again, static starts blaring through the head phone causing her to throw them of her head.
Keira heart starts to beat rapidly as she gets out the car, she makes her way toward the door of the ice parlor.
“Keira”
She turned around quickly, sudden pain shot through her head making her stumble away from the door. She looked around dizzy, and makes her way toward a bench under a tree. She puts her head in her hands as the voices start getting louder.
“Keira”
“Keira”
“Keira”
“KERIA”
“KEIRA”
“KEIRA”
“Hey...are you alright?”
The voices stop as she look up with tears running down her face, the guy in front of her looks at her concern.
“Yea-yeah just got really bad headache.” She sniffles as she glanced away from the guy to wipe the tears away, he stood in front of her digging in his bag.
“Here.” He handed her a napkin, she looked at him and then at the napkin before grabbing it.
“Do you always carry napkins around in your book bag.” She breathed, wiping the stained tears away.
“Only when I see pretty girls cry.” He replied jokingly, she stared stolid at his his comment.
“I mean- uh i work at the ice cream shop over there, and I have really bad allergies which cause me to have nose bleed. So my boss allows me to take some home before I leave. “ Keira grimace at the mention of his circumstances, making the boy panicked.
“oh god...sorry tmi, i didn’t mean to gross you out. I leave you alone now.” He says awkwardly, moving away before getting stopped by Keira.
“no,no, it’s okay. Stay. It happens to the best of us.” She reassure him, they both grew silent as Keira finish wiping away the tears and the boy standing there awkwardly.
“I’m Elliot, by the way...” the boy reach his hand out in front of him for her to shake, “...Elliot Thompson.” He smiled as she shook his hand.
“Hello Elliot Thompson, I’m Keira Jean but my friends call me, Kay.” She smiled letting go off his hand. “You want to sit down?” She gestured to the empty seat next to her. He smiled and nodded.
“You new to Mystic Falls?”
“Uh no, I actually I lived here before. I moved away couple months ago for personal reasons.” She says.
“How long have you stayed here?”
“I just moved here, two months ago with my mom and younger brother.” He says
“How you liking it, so far?”
“Ehhhh...Let’s just say being the new kid at new school sucks. I thought I be use to it by now.” He says sadly adjusting his book bag. Keira nodded.
“Yeah, me too.” She whispered, he looked at her for a bit before noticing her necklace around her neck.
“Ahem, eyes up here buddy...” she said, catching his attention. Elliot started to blush and gulp, he opened and closes his mouth trying to get words out. “I wasn’t- I mean I was but not for what you think. I was just admiring your locket.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, “I swear I’m not some kind of pervert...” he said, she looked at him up and down before speaking, “..Mm-hmm...” She hums before getting up as he follows.
“We cool?” He asked nervously.
Keira thinks about for a bit, “...Yeah, we cool..” she smirks, he sighed and smiles at her. Before either of them could speak, Azalea called for Keira.
“Uhhhh...I gotta go but, it was nice to meeting you Elliot..” she smiled, walking away from the boy.
“It was nice meeting you too, see you around.” He waved as she got in the car and drove away, and went to opposite direction smiling the whole way home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“So are you gonna tell me about the guy, you were talking to?” Azalea ask driving down the road, Keira rolled her eyes, “There’s nothing to tell, he was asking for direction and one thing leads to another, we just started talking.” She replies nonchalantly.
“Uh-huh...” she took a sip from her milkshake before speaking, “...you think Klaus mind that we took his black card, to buy all this stuff?” Keira looked in the backseat to all the bags they brought well out, “The man is thousand years old, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind us spending a bit off money. ”
Azalea nodded her head in agreement, she and Keira sat in comfortable silence as the music plays through the car. After an hour, Azalea pulled up to the manor and helped with being the bags inside.
As they enter the house they saw broken glass and flipped over furniture in the living room. They looked around in shock to find Klaus and Elijah, along with Damon beaten up badly.
“What the hell happened here?” Azalea asked sitting the bags down on the floor, “That demon bitch, you called a sister is what happened..” Azalea ignored Damon and helped Klaus’s up as Keira just growled at Damon.
“What is he talking about?” Keira asked turning her attention away from Damon to Bonnie as she helps Yasmine with her wounds, “I don’t know, one minute she’s fine, and then next she starts attacking everybody. ” Bonnie whispered the last part, still in shock from what happened earlier.
“I got her to calm down from now, but I don’t know how long I can keep her like that-oh girls you home early. “ everyone looked at the women come down the stairs towards them, “I thought you be home much later?”
“Uhhh...yeah, we had to cut things short. Do we know each other? You seem very familiar.” Keira asked the young woman before her.
“Oh! Yeah, sorry. I’m still getting used to the fact I’m not in my body. Well, Marcella’s body...” Azalea and Keira looked at each other confused.
“It’s Vienna..” Elijah comment. Both girls looked surprised at the women who claim to be their “sister”.
“How?” Azalea asked confused, “I don’t know, but all I can remember was being locked in a dark room and then being blinded by a bright light. Next thing I know I was here, not in Marcella’s body anymore. “
“Wow...” Keira says walking around Vienna, “...weird enough this body fits you...” Vienna giggled, making Kiera smile
“She’s, Vienna, “ Keira thought.
“As sweet as this is. I want to know what the hell are we gonna do with that thing you have upstairs?” Damon hissed as he glared at Klaus.
“That “ thing ” upstairs name is Marcella...” Vienna defended Marcella as she glared at him.
“Whatever...we need to do something fast before she wakes up and try again. “
“What’s wrong with her?” Azalea asked.
Vienna looked hesitant at first, “She doesn’t have a soul..”
“Called it. “ Yasmine announced, smiling from the floor.
Vienna rolled at her eyes and continued, “The spell that was casted took away her mortality from her body making her soulless.”
“So her humanity is off, all we need to is turn it back on.” Bonnie says as she and others start talking among themselves.
“That’s not what I meant-“
“I vote sister dearest should go first, maybe if we lucky we can see a cat fight break out.” Damon smirked as Yasmine gave him an sarcastic smile.
“That’s won’t work-“
“She’s right. We need someone who can bring her back, like Keira and Azalea or Klaus.” Bonnies said cutting off Vienna.
“If you haven’t notice, witch. She almost grudge my eyes out, I’m out of the question.” Klaus says
As Vienna tried to say something, she another person interpreted her. Getting fed up, she put her whistled loudly catching everyone attention.
“None of those are gonna work, you can’t turn on her humanity if it’s not there anymore.” Vienna huffed
“What are you talking about, it’s not there anymore?” Elijah asked.
“I’m talking about me, as long as I stay here. She won’t be getting any better.”
“Wait! I don’t understand, Marcella told us you were her sister. Are you telling me she been lying?” Rebekah said.
“Yes, but-“
“If you not our sister than who the hell are you?” Keira said moving away from her. Vienna stared hurt at Keira action.
“I’m still me. I’m still the sister, you know and lived with all these years.”
“I beg to differ..” Keira snapped, surprising her family, “..I mean, how can we believe anything you or Marcella say. All you two ever done since we got here is lie to us over and over again. “
“I know and I wish i’d didn’t have to, but-“
“But what ? You didn’t have a choice or we ‘re you doing it to “protect” us?”
Vienna bit her lip in shame at the excuses, she made in the past to her sisters. For years she been trying to take care of her sister, but whenever things felt like it’s was getting too domesticate. Marcella would always find a way to pull back, which would make Vienna send Keira away to stay with her brothers. So, she wouldn’t hurt her.
“You right..” she croaked, Keira looked unfazed as her sister kept talk, “...I lie and make excuse, I been lying to you since the day you woke up. I been lying to all of you for so many years, because I always thought I was keeping you safe or didn’t want get hurt.” She glanced at Klaus for a second.
“Then tell us, no more lying. Just tell us the truth. The whole truth.” Azalea pled.
“Okay...” Marcella nodded, “...the truth to matter is everything you think you know isn’t true. Every since Aisha’s death, I been using my powers to manipulate you minds for centuries. Which mean the memories, you think you have may not be really but fake.”
“Wh-what?” Keira stuttered, Yasmine looked taken back at the confession Vienna made, “what the hell, v!” She exclaimed.
“I think I’m gonna be sick.” Keira said dizzy as she sit on the couch.
“How many times? How many times did you do it?” Yasmine hissed pissed, that her mind was being tampering with without her knowledge.
“Only a few times, here and there from my knowledge..”
“From your knowledge?!? What the-“ Yasmine bite her tongue as she try controlling herself, “It was her wasn’t it. That egocentric bitch!” She shouted.
“Yasmine, please-“
“No! For centuries, We let her control our life and push us around. And she wonder why her family hates her so much and rather you over her. “ she hissed again.
“That’s not true. I know deep down you love your sister and that you care for her-. “ Yasmine started laughing at Vienna’s words.
“You are either really naive or really dumb to think that we actually care about her....” Klaus narrowed his eyes at the young girl tied up as Vienna stared doleful at Yasmine, “...The only reason we haven’t gotten rid of her yet is because of you. If you weren’t here she be caste aside in a heartbeat. Cairo and Avery couldn’t stand her always belittling them, because they were human and not like her. She tortured me and Luka by sticking us in that tomb for ages because we were happy well she was miserable. “
“...so you see,V. It’s impossible to love a utter monster like her, when all she do is destroy and manipulate people who try to show her any form of love.” Vienna stood grimly.
“It’s not her fault..” she said defeated.
“God, how many times are you gonna stick your neck out for her. How can you not see , she’s using you too. Like the rest of us.” She huffed and walked into the kitchen with Rebekah and the girls follow behind her.
“Damn, and I thought your family was bad.” Damon looked towards Klaus and Elijah as he whistle leaving to check on Elena.
Vienna looked at Klaus and saw the anger and hurt in his eyes. When he stared back at her, he knew that he was like the others.
“Klaus..” he passed her, “..wait, please. Let me explain.” She grab his arm.
“There’s nothing else’s to say, love.” He pulled away and walked out the house. Vienna felt the tears roll down, she felt like her whole world was slowly falling apart.
She felt Elijah’s hand on her arm, “I talk to him.” She gave him a small smiled as he squeeze her arm before leaving after his brother. Now alone in the living room, Vienna starts to breakdown.
“Awww...poor little V, I always warn you about them. I told they were gonna leave sooner or later, but did you listen No of course not.”
“Shut up..”
“...Because perfect Vienna always has to make everyone like her. How did that kool-aid taste going down?” Vienna cringe when she hears Marcella laughing echoing inside her head. Vienna towards the kitchen before looking up the stair, her hands clutch together tightly making her palms bleed.
“Oh-oh, someone’s anger.” Vienna started slowly walking up the stairs towards Marcella temporary room. As she twist the door knob, she saw Marcella laying in bed motionless. She turns towards the stairs before closing the door behind.
Sweet Baker Lady (Tommy Shelby x Black!reader)
(y/n) was rolling dough in the back when she heard the bell to the door ring signaling a customer, “ I be right with you.” she shouted, she wiped her hands on her apron and went to the front of the shop to greet the customer only to be met with three men, Felling worried she plastered on a smile as she walked up to the counter, “Hello, Welcome to Queenie’s Bakery. How can I be of service for you today.” The man in the middle walked up closer to the counter.
“We like to speak to the owner of this establishment.” he fished out a cig from his pocket making (y/n) grow nervous.
“Yes, that would be me. You mind not lighting that in her...” (y/n) deadpanned as he stared at her, she gave him a look making him chuckle and put his cigarette away.
“My name Thomas Shelby, this is John and Arthur.” He pointed at an older and younger guy.
“ (y/n) ..” she shook his hand
(y/n) glanced at the men walking around the shop looking, “ Can you be careful with that it’s very rare.” she told the man with a small flower teacup in his hand, he ignore her as he continue to messed with the tea set. (y/n) turned her glared to the man in front of her.
“If your not here to purchases or pick up anything, I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.” She turned towards Thomas as he checked her making her blush a little.
“I’m here to offer you a proposition.”
“A proposition? What do you have that I want?” she asked crossing her arms.
“Your place of management have been broken into, vandalized, and almost burned to the ground countless of time in the last five months since you been here.” (y/n) looked looked peeved at the man.
“I still don’t see how that got to do with you?” Thomas peered at her.
“It doesn’t but since we heard you good at what you do, I’m welling to charge you half on protecting this place.” He planted his palms on the counter leaning in to the women making her moved back a bit, “How much are we talking?” She asked curious.
(y/n) eyes bugged when she heard the price, “Are you mad, I can’t afford that I can barely afford to pay rent to this place.” She watched as the man thought for a minute before speaking again.
“Okay, I lower the price. If...”
“If what?”
“If you allow me and my brothers...” the two man walked up, “to do business in your shop, nothing illegal. All we need is to store our cargo in your cellar and that’s all. ”
“How long?” She asked
“Until we can find ourselves a buyer, so do we have a deal?” (y/n) looked at him wearily and thought about it, she nodded slowly.
“Good, we bring the cargo here tomorrow morning.” He said
“What? So soon?” She asked baffled.
“Yes...” he turned around and tilted his cap towards her before headed towards the door with his brothers, “I’ll send my men soon.” He said leaving the shop with his brothers in toe, (y/n) huffed as she went back to work.
Four boys busted into the shop sweating and out of breathe, (y/n) looked up from cleaning one of the tables at the familiar young man.
“Billy?”
“ Hi, Miss (y/n).” the boy said out of breathe, “Billy, who are your friends.” She looked at the other red face boys breathing hard.
“Oh. this Adam...” he pointed at the ginger who tipped his hat at the women.” Hello, ma’am.” (y/n) smiled shaking his hand, “...the quiet one right here is Samuel, but we call him Sammy,” the boy gave her a small wave making her smile, “Hello, dear.”
“And this is Wallace.” The lanky boy in front of her smiled at her which she returned, “Hello, it nice to meet you all..” she said towards the boys and turn back to Billy, “ I’m go out on a limb and say Thomas Shelby sent you..” He nodded making her shake her head in disbelief.
“Alright, any of you know how to bake?”
“Mr. Shelby didn’t say anything about baking” Adam said looking at Billy who looked as confused as him, “I know, but I’m a man done and I need help fixing up some cupcakes for preschoolers soon.” The boys looked at each other before Billy spoke up.
“Three boxes of strawberry filled muffins with twelve fudge cookies for our services...” the boys smiled behind him as he told her his terms, (y/n) narrowed her eyes at him, “ One box of strawberry filled muffins and eight carrot cake cookies because I don’t need you to go on a sugar rush and shut down well protecting my shop.” Billy looked at his boys and back (y/n).
“ Two boxes of your strawberry filled muffins and we try your new “healthy” cookies to give our criticisms.” (y/n) thought about it for a moment before speaking, “ Half of box of my muffins and I throw in some cupcakes for your criticism for you my new invention.” Billy smiled shook hands with (y/n) and they got to work.
(y/n) with the four boys waited by her side as she locked up, she turned to the group of young men, “Are you sure you don’t want one of us to drive you home, Miss (y/n) .” She shook her head giving them a smile.
“No, it’s okay, but thanks. Here..” she reached in her purse to giving Billy the key to the shop, “And I can’t stretch this enough. Do. Not. Lose. These. Okay?” He nodded, she exhale before bidding them all goodbye before walking down the street.
She walked passed the Garrison as she made her way home, she heard laughing and talking coming from the tavern. She wrapped her coat around her body as the wind blew, she heard footsteps behind her making her grip her pistol. She turned around quickly pointing the gun at the person's abdomen as they grab her, “You have five second to remove your hand..” she hissed looking at them, she felt them removing their hand from her arm, she backed up as they kept their hands up. She stepped back, “And here I thought you were a sweet baker, I guess there is more than meets the eye..” she lowered her gun as she recognized their voice.
“Mr. Shelby?” He stepped into the light, (y/n) put away her gun as Thomas lower his hands, “ Why didn’t you say anything earlier, I could of shot you.” he shrugged as he got out a cigarette, “I wanted to see what you have done.” she rolled her eyes
“ I would have shot you dead.” she sassed turning on her heel and started walking home again, he walked up beside. She ignore his present as they walked together, “So are you gonna ask me or what?” she spoke up as they made it to her building, “Ask what?”
“Me on a date?” she turned to him as they stood on the steps, “I don’t know what you mean-” she cut him off.
“I think you do with the longing stares and following me all the way home and such.”
“ I’m not following you.” she grins.
“Really, so you telling me we didn’t walk pass your house three blocks down ten minutes ago?” She raised her eyebrow at him, he stared at her.
“Who’s following who now?” She rolled her eyes.
“Everybody knows where the infamous peaky blinder leader lives, it’s no secret. ” she turned to her door opening it and stepping in, “If your not gonna ask me, than I bid you a goodnight Mr. Shelby.” His foot stopped the door from closing.
“If I were to ask you on a date, would you say yes? Would you put yourself in danger like that for a man like me. “ she stared into his ocean eyes and muttered.
“Yes.”
I Got You
warning attempted rape
Faith with her siblings talked amongst themselves as they waited for their father to show, “What you think he called us in here for?” Faith asked her brother, Jordan.
“No idea, but I heard he been in a mood lately. ” He said inhaling the cigarette, Reina waved the smoke away from her as she sat in the leather seat between Jordan and William, “I thought the whole point of you working with daddy was to watch over him, all this time you been around him. You have no idea what going on?” She asked.
“Yeah, well it’s hard to make sure his okay if he always sending me off to do something else. And when I do try to follow him I always end up losing him, that man really knows how to throw people of his trail....” Reina rolled his eyes at her brother excuses.
“Maybe it’s good news this time?...” Will said fixing his glasses, Reina gave her brother annoyed look, “There’s never good news, when your a Shelby.”
“I wouldn’t say that....” Jordan put out the cigarette as him and his siblings stood up as their father stood by the door with a lady by his side, Tommy walked to his seat behind the desk with Grace by next to him. He waved his children to seat as he linked his hands together in front of him, he watch as they slowly took their seat.
Faith elbowed Reina as she was giving Grace the third degree, “How have you been, daddy? It feels like we haven’t seen you in days. ” Tommy smiled.
“It been a busy few months. But I’m fine, sweetheart.” Before faith could ask her father something else, Reina cut her off, “Daddy, who is this?” She stared the women up and down with distaste.
“This is Grace. Grace these are my children, my oldest Jordan and Faith...” Jordan tipped his cap towards Grace with a smile, as Faith smiled.
“Hello...” Grace shook both of their hands, Tommy looked towards Reina and Will, “These are my youngest Will...” Grace watches as Will stood up on crutches, making her stare at his legs. Will shuffle in his spot as he felt her staring at his bad leg making Grace look up apologetic.
“I-I’m sorry-.” Will shook his head as he shook Grace’s hand as he balance on his crutches, “Don’t be people always stare at it, I’m use to it...” He chuckled fixing his glasses, Grace smiled apologetic again as she turned to the girl, “...And Reina, she baby of the family.” Reina brows snapped together the way her father called her “the baby of the family”.
“Now that we all meet and got acquainted, I have great news. ” Thomas laced fingers through Grace’s making her lean in to him, “Me and Grace are getting married. She gonna be your step-mom.” He looked at her fondly as she does the same, Faith and her brothers looked shocked at the couple well Reina looked disgusted.
“I’m sorry, what?” Reina said, making her father and his fiancé turn toward her, “ I thought I heard you say you gonna a marry her.” Faith looked nervously between her father and sister.
“I did, me and Grace are getting married.” Faith spoke up before her sister could say anything stupid, “Don’t you think you moving too fast, dad. I mean we barely know her.” Jordan nodded in agreement, Thomas sighed.
“You all are still young, it’s complicated..” Will glanced towards his sister as she glared daggers both at their father and Grace, “...But It would mean the world to us to have you all be part of the wedding.” Grace quickly says, Reina tried not to roll her eyes at Grace trying to play perfect wife.
“ Is this really what you want, daddy?” Faith said, Thomas asked himself the same question since his wife died, “Yes..” Faith knows her father like the back of her hand and even through his answer wasn’t convicting, she care too much about her father ‘s happiness to call him out on it, “ If you’re happy, we’re happy. Right?” She look at Reina with a hard stare, making her roll her eyes, “Right..” Faith gave her that look that only mothers can conjure up.
“Happy wife, happy life.” she said sarcastically, Faith rolled her eyes.
“Close enough..” She smiled towards Grace, “Welcome to the family, Grace.” Grace happily pulled Faith into a hug catching her off guard, Faith looked over Grace’s shoulder to her dad smiling at them.
A knock came from the other side of the door making them break apart, “Come in..” one of the maids walked in telling them the food was almost finished and the rest of Shelby’s have arrive, he nodded telling her they be out, making her leave. He held out his arm to Grace as they made their way out the door with his childern following behind.
William lean against the door frame of his father office making his family stop and look worried at him, “You go without me, I’ll catch up with you all soon, I just need to rest for a bit..”
“Is your leg bothering you again?” Thomas asked walking towards his son, Will nodded with pain written all over his face making his father rub his hair, “Why don’t you stay in my office for a bit and we call you when the food ready.” Will nodded.
“I’ll stay with him..” Reina offered moving towards her brother, “Are you sure, I can watch over him...” Reina waved her sister in dismissal.
“Yeah, its fine. Consider it a sorry for earlier.” she said to her sister, making Faith look at her suspicious, “...and I kind of don’t want to be anywhere near Aunt Pol, when she finds out dad’s getting married.” Faith grimaced at the idea of her great aunt might cause a scene at the news, Thomas kissed the top of Will’s head before moving to kiss Reina temple as he walked back to his soon to be wife as they walked down the corridor with Jordan and Faith in toe.
Reina helped Will inside their father office, closing the door behind them. Will sat down in the leather seat as Reina went behind her father desk, “ Hurry up! I don’t want anyone coming back and finding us snooping through dad’s stuff.” Reina looked at the paper on his desk before moving to opening his draws.
“Who knew you were such a good liar, you could be the next Chaplin. “ Will ignored his sister was he looked through folders that his sister passed to him, he never liked lying to his dad expectably about his condition.
“Damn it...” Reina slammed the draw closed, making Will glare at her, “Try slamming it a little harder, I think everyone didn’t hear you.” He hissed.
“There’s nothing, here.” Reina said putting everything back, “Well, we tried..” Will shrugged.
“Maybe it’s at the betting shop.” William shook his head as he saw the wheels turning in his sister head, “Nia, no!”
“Why not, I’m telling you that women rubs me the wrong way. I don’t trust her.”
“You don’t trust anyone that isn’t part of this family.” Reina folded her arms in defeat.
“I’m telling you, Will. Something just ain’t right with her.” Will could tell this new of their father getting married isn’t taking a good troll on Reina.
“Nia, I love you. I really do but, you have to get over it. Dad is going to marry Grace and she gonna be our step mom, that is that. All we can do is be their for dad.” Reina played with the necklace her mother gave her, she hated when her brother was right. She sighed and nodded.
“Your right...”
“I know I am.” He smirk
She rolled her eyes as she helped William up as the bell ring signaling the food is ready, they closed the door behind them before walking to the dinning room. Everyone was there waiting on them, “Hope we didn’t keep you all waiting.” Will said as he sat next to Arthur, he laid his crutches against the table.
“Nope, you actually on time.” Thomas said as he watch his brother mess about with son, Reina took at seat between Faith and Finn.
“Did I miss anything.” She asked watching Faith take a sip of her wine, “Only Aunt Pol ripping Tommy a new one.” Fine said digging in, she gathered as much as Polly glared daggers at Grace.
“At least I’m not the only one who hates her.” She whispered turning to her food.
“So Tommy, when is the wedding?” Ads asked taking a sip of her wine, Thomas cleared his throat.
“In three days...” Polly slammed her glass down on the table making everyone freeze, “Why so soon?” She asked.
“You know with the business growing fast, why not do it sooner rather than later.” Polly scoffed before going back to her food, sending glares at Grace and Tommy every now and then.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“There’s no way in hell, I’m wearing this..” I looked at myself in the mirror, trying to adjust the dress.
“What’s wrong with it?” Polly asked. I walked out of the bathroom and stood in front of my aunts and Faith. I watched my sister cover her mouth, “Everything...” I groan as I walk the crystals poke me.
“It poking the shit out of me, and I look like a goddamn chandelier.” A giggle escape from Ada and Faith making me glared at them.
“Well...” Polly walked around me, before glancing at me, “It’s not too bad, we may have to close the church windows. We don’t want you blinding the guest, now do we.” The women bust out laughing as I glared angrily at Polly.
We glanced towards the door as my father walked in with his suit, I couldn’t tell if he was surprise or happy. When he saw me in the dress his wife picked out for me.
“You look-umm shining.” He joke making Faith and Ada giggle behind me, I grab the nearby pillow on the couch and threw it across the room at them making them giggle even more, “Daddy, I can’t wear this it doesn’t fit and it keeps poking me.” He walked up to me and examined the dress. 
“The wedding starts in a few hours, maybe you can wear the other dress she brought you.” I looked towards Faith.
“I thought you said she only brought the one.” Faith shrugged.
“ I thought so too, I guess she had a back-up. Just in case...” I look back at my father.
“I take it...” my dad left calling for the maid to bring the dress, “It can’t surely be worse than this one, right?” The ladies in the room wrinkled their nose at the chances of the dress being even worse than the one I got on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I clenched my jaw as we rode in the car to the church, I pulled at my dress for tenth time since i walked out of the house. My head feel against the window as a familiar song came on making me close my eyes and remember a memory with my mother.
I remember walking into the kitchen to find her cutting up potatoes and carrots for supper, she was swaying in her blue dress as the music from the radio plays.
Goodness knows what the end will be
Oh I don't know where I'm at
It looks as if we two will never be one
Something must be done:
She swirl around the kitchen like a princess, singing along to the tune.
You say either and I say either,
You say neither and I say neither
Either, either neither, neither
Let's call the whole thing off
I adore her beauty from where I stood, her dark skin shining from the sun coming through the window. Her beautiful black curls bouncing as she dance, sometimes when you stand very still it’s feels like time stops.
You like potato and I like potahto
You like tomato and I like tomahto
Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto.
Let's call the whole thing off
I giggled as she use the wooden spoon as a microphone, she stopped and looked at me. She covered her face in embarrassment and laughed as she got caught, she waved me over making me run into her arms. She picks me up and swirl me around, I remember giggling as I held ion to her tightly. She sat me back on my feet as our favorite part came on making me sway to the music like her.
You like vanilla and I like vanella
You saspiralla, and I saspirella
Vanilla vanella chocolate strawberry
Let's call the whole thing off
We sang together as she held my hands in hers as she swirl me around and dip me, all in the while my father walks in on us. He watches us in amazement as we try to hit the note like Ella, as I continue dancing I didn’t realize my mother stopped and notice my father. Her smiled lured him into her hold, he danced slowly with her.
I smiled as I saw the love in their eyes, the unbreakable bond between my father and mother. I stood off to the side as they had their moment together, trying to spend as much time as they can before my father would be pulled away for work.
For now we know we need each other so,
Let's call the whole thing off.
The car door slammed closed jumping me from my dream, I looked out the window to see the church. I sighed before getting out of the car before the man could open it and shutting it, I walked up the steps of the church with my heels clicking with every step I took. The moment I walked in I felt all eyes were on me, men in uniforms with their wife’s stared at me, walking further in I saw Grace talking to one of the men in uniform.
I guess Grace’s side of the family, they looked at me shock and with distaste probably thinking I was the help that walked through the wrong door. Only if those fool’s knew.
Ignoring them I continued my walked to my seat with my family, Faith held Esme’s baby in her lap as Esme dealt with one of john’s youngest. Finn handed me s pile of paper asking me to pass it down, I looked at the other side of the room to Grace’s family as they look annoyed at us. All things considering we were the loudest in the church, I looked at my father as he looked agitated at us which only made me try not to smirk.
As the Organ starts playing we all got up with the help of Ada we got William up so he can see. We all watch as Grace walked down the aisle with her father, we sat down as the minister starts to talk after about what felt like hour my father kissed Grace making her his wife. I clapped as everyone around me got out of their seats and cheered happily, they walked down the aisle to the church doors. After congratulation were said for both side, we gathered around and took a picture.
Faith stood next to me as we got our picture taken with my dad and Grace, after pictures were taken. Everyone got in their cars and went to the ceremony, dad wanted me and William to ride with him and Grace since we were the youngest. The whole car ride there was spent with silence, Grace would try start a conversation with me but I would reply with short answer making it quiet again.
The ceremony like the wedding was the bore, the only entertainment was hearing Arthur and John tell stories of dad in his baby years or teen years. Luckily the ceremony ended early so the real fun can start, this time dad wanted to ride with William and Jordan as he wanted to talk them. So i was riding with Faith.
“How was the car ride with dad and Grace?”
“Awkward. She kept trying to start a conversation with me, but I wasn’t in a mood. ”Faith side eye me as she sighed.
“Nia, I know you don’t like her. You made that clearly on several occasions but she’s-.”
“It’s not that...” I played with my necklace, “It’s not that I don’t like her, it’s the fact that it feels like he trying to replace mom with her.” I looked down at my hands.
“I had another dream about her, y’know. This time she was dancing around the kitchen with that blue dress she loved so much, and dad walked in on us. As a child I never knew how much two people can love each other until I watched them danced slowly in kitchen. ” I looked up towards Faith hearing her sniffle she had tears falling down her cheek.
Her smile didn’t reach her as she looked at me, “Mind handing me a tissue.” She chuckled as I pulled out a couple from her purse, giving it to her. She thanked me as she dab tissue under her eyes so she didn’t mess up her make up.
“I remember that you know, you ran into my room like the house was on fire. You pulling me from my room with my camera and having me take a picture, but you wouldn’t believe how many similar pictures of them is in my room until this day. ” i was surprised to hear that she still have pictures of mom and dad, I thought e she hide them away in a dusty room like dad.
“You don’t have to worry about forgetting her, whenever you need a reminder of her love just come to me and I tell you stories you haven’t heard it. If you need a reminder of her beauty like I said my door is always open and I show thousand among thousands from pictures of her with us.” I moved closer to Faith laying my head on her shoulder, she rest her head on mines as she drove to the party.
We finally pulled up to the reception, the moment we walked in Faith was swish away by Grace to meet some of the women in her family. Leaving me to roam the place until one of my father’s man told me he wanted to talk to me and lead me to the kitchen, couple of men stood around talking as they waited.
I leaned against the shelf away from the entrance, I watch Isaiah walk towards me .“I don’t think I ever seen you in a dress before Nia, it looks good.” Isaiah said getting all in my personal space, “But it looks so much better on the floor of my room.” He whispered close to my ear and smiled, I move my hand up his chest before giving lopsided grin and muttering.
“Or mines...” I winked before moving away from him as my family came into the area, I stood next to Michael. My dad started going on a rant about how everyone have to be on their best behavior since Grace’s family are here.
“ I can’t stretch this enough. No fighting...” I rolled my eyes as he told everyone of his men and brothers what they can’t do or say. He turned to me and pointed, “And no back talk, their gonna be part of this family. So you treat them with the same respect you give me and your uncles, you hear me?”
“Got it...” he walked close to me making Michael move out the away, “I mean it, Reina. I want you and your attitude in check, today is important to Grace....and me.”
“I said I got it.” He stared down at me as if I was a child, he huffed in frustration before finally telling everyone not fuck this up for him. I glared at my dad as he pushed waiter on the floor leaving the man to pick up the broken the glass. After the last man got out of the kitchen, I helped the server up and apologized for my father action trying to help him with the mess. “It’s alright, you should go enjoy the party.” I apologized once again before leaving out of the kitchen.
I walked into the main room towards the mini bar, I tapped on the counter catching the bartender attention, “ Whiskey,” He nodded putting a glass in front of me and pouring my drink, I thanked him and down it without a thought. I gave him a tenner for the whole bottle which gladly oblige, not too long I was joined by Jordon, Finn, Isaiah, and Michael.
We spent hour and half taking shots and laughing at the bar at one point I’m pretty sure I was dare to drink from the bottle but I can’t remember, soon we ended up almost drinking the whole bottle. We kind of had to cut things short since Finn couldn't hold his liquor for shit, me and Jordan watched in disgrace as Finn was carried away by Isa and Michael to the car.
“And he call himself a Shelby.” We chuckled as we turned forward again taking another shot, before can take a second William limped behind us, “Have any of you seen, Faith.”
‘“Not since she was dragged away by Grace.”
“Why? You ready to go?” Jordan asked taking a shot before getting off the stool, we looked at each as we saw the worried all over William’s face as he looks around the room for Faith.
“She was suppose to take me home, but she had to go fetch her purse. That was thirty minutes ago.” I got off the stool and stood next to Jordan, “She’s probably just got lost, come on we look for her.”
“Shouldn’t we tell dad first just in case.” I looked around the room to find my dad talking with some of Grace’s family with her by his side, “No, we don’t want to worry him on his special day.” I walked to the stairs with William and Jordan in toe as we looked around, we looked through every room upstairs and didn’t find her.
“There’s like a hundred rooms in here, there’s no way we be able to find with only three of us.” Before we can go and tell our dad we heard a crush from down the hallway, we ran and down the hall and took a right before we heard sounds coming from a room.
“Get off of me!” Without thinking Jordan kicked the door down and making the man and Faith look towards the doorway giving her a chance to knee the bastard in his nuts. She pushed him off her making him fall to the ground, Faith got off the bed and went towards into my arms.
Jordan ended up tackling the man to the ground making him drop his gun, we watched as they brawl around over the floor. I looked in fear as the man got on top of Jordan beating repeated in the face, scared I couldn’t stop William in time as he swung his crutch at the man knocking him off Jordan. William kept repeatedly hitting the man, until he got kicked in the stomach knocking the air out of him. Faith held us behind her was the man started walking told us.
“Don’t you fucking touch them..” He grits out clenching onto the man pants leg making the man kick Jordan in the face causing him to spit out blood, the man grabbed Jordan by the collar and started hitting him again.
I quickly grabbed the looked at the gun under the bed, I clocked the gun and pulled the trigger without a second thought. I dropped the gun in shocked. Jordan holster the gun and kicked the body to see if he was still alive, he moved to the bed and took the putting sheet over the dead body.
“We have to wrapped the body up.” he said before grabbing a another white sheet from a chair.
“We need to get dad.” William said as Faith help him up, “ He know what to do.”
“With uniforms downstairs, no way. They arrest us before we can even get a word out.”
“You don’t know that..” Jordan threw down the sheet and looked towards us, “ You right I don’t but what I do know is there are four black kids and a dead white man on the floor. You do the math.” He went back to pushing the person onto the sheet.
“Not if we leave and pretend that none of this ever happened.” Jordan rolled his eyes.
“Yeah how are we suppose to do that when my face is busted up, Reina has blood all over her clothes. And Faith arm is bleeding.” I looked at Faith and now noticed her arm, she looked down.
“Oh shit...” he said just before he helps her sit on the bed, William took his tie off and wrapped it around faith to stop the bleeding, “I didn’t even feel it.” He looked at her.
“You were in shock.” He was he stopped the bleeding, by the looks of the wound it wasn’t deep cut. She got luckily. Somewhat.
“We need to be quick before they come, there’s no doubt someone heard that gunshot. “ he finished wrapping up the body, “Nia...” I look at him.
“I need your help with carrying him down.” I nodded, he turned to Faith and William, “Faye I need you bring the car around the back near the alley, alright.” She nodded as he handed her the keys, “Wait...” Jordan stopped her at the door putting his jacket around her making sure not to touch her arm and wiped the stained tears away.
“Be careful.” She gave him a weak smiled as he kissed her cheek, Jordan turned looked at Will.
“I need you to be our look out make sure the uniforms or any of our people, don’t suspect us.” Will nodded as he grabbed his crutch and limped towards the door looking down both hall ways, Jordan have me nodded and we left the heavy bastard. We walked out to the hall and we went for the stairs, luckily we didn’t run into anyone and got out of there unnoticed.
“Wait, hold on.” Jordan and Will stopped as I dropped the body, I took off my heels and gave them to Will. We walked out to the alley towards the car, we threw him in the back of trunk Jordan went to the driver seat. We hoped in the back seat and pulled off, I looked Faith as her head leaned against the window.
“Where are going to dump the body?” Will asked.
“I know a place.” I sat back as I replay what happened in the room, my heart beats fast as I remember the gun going off. I couldn’t help the tears fall as the image of his blood splatter all over the room, I can’t even imagine how Faith feels right now. I dig my nails into my palms to stop of myself from imagining what would have happened if we didn’t get there on time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The car came to the stopped as Reina looked out the window finding their were at the canal. They all got out of the car, she looked around at the stables and mill. Her and Jordan started to put rocks into the sheets and pockets of the man, after Jordan keep it was enough her and others pushed him into the waters.
They stood there as the sun was slowly raising, Reina looked at Faith as she started to sob before her legs can give out Jordan caught her slowly being her to the ground. The moments from before started took a troll on her, she cried in her brother chest as the horrid memories flooded back.
“I got you, it’s okay I got you. His gone, okay. His gone.” He repeated, she rocked her as she held on tightly to him. Reina and Will join them on the ground as they wrapped their arms around each other.
“It’s alright we got you.” Reina whispered.
Secrets
Hey Guys this is my first blog so I am kind of new at everything so please be patient with me 🙃
You guys can call me Levi’s Bae 😉( jks) Bubbas or Bub or anything related to Levi works
I am in my late teens, a pisces ♓️, though I feel a lot like an Aries, personality type is INTP.
As black girl and being a black reader in Tumblr, I wanted to start this blog because I felt that poc readers more specifically black readers aren't written much about. So I thought I should do my own fics and more but also promote other poc writers.
I am also looking for moots and new friends so happily msg me 🙃
I am not really sure what else to add here but if you have any questions or what else I should add feel free to ask I'll most likely reply.
Make sure to read RULES before doing anything
Thank You for reading this and I hope you enjoy class. 💅🏽
Back to Navigation
WELCOME MY STUDENTS
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☽ Secrets (about me) ☽ Substitute Teachers(Reccs)
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Recents
TR boys helping you when you are stressed (drabble)
Knb boys as your boyfriend (headcanons)
Change the game and player(pt 2 Sukuna Fluff)
11:38pm napping with Suna (time stamp)
Bubba's is...
Thinking about. . . Dyeing my hair ginger
Interested in... Code Geass
Listening to... House of Cards -BTS
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200 Followers event {For the Records}
Looking for moots so don’t be afraid to pop up
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all content belongs to @levisblackbabe do not copy, plagiarise, repost and more on other social media platforms.
WELCOME MY STUDENTS
Navigation
☽ Secrets (about me) ☽ Substitute Teachers(Reccs)
☽ Pre-class Studies(rules) ☽ Sign-up Forms(requests)
☽ Lesson Timetable(masterlist) ☽ Extra Learning(prompts)
Recents
TR boys helping you when you are stressed (drabble)
Knb boys as your boyfriend (headcanons)
Change the game and player(pt 2 Sukuna Fluff)
11:38pm napping with Suna (time stamp)
Bubba's is...
Thinking about. . . Dyeing my hair ginger
Interested in... Code Geass
Listening to... House of Cards -BTS
Notice Board 📌
200 Followers event {For the Records}
Looking for moots so don’t be afraid to pop up
Inbox Open/closed Taglist Form
all content belongs to @levisblackbabe do not copy, plagiarise, repost and more on other social media platforms.
Secrets
Hey Guys this is my first blog so I am kind of new at everything so please be patient with me 🙃
You guys can call me Levi’s Bae 😉( jks) Bubbas or Bub or anything related to Levi works
I am in my late teens, a pisces ♓️, though I feel a lot like an Aries, personality type is INTP.
As black girl and being a black reader in Tumblr, I wanted to start this blog because I felt that poc readers more specifically black readers aren't written much about. So I thought I should do my own fics and more but also promote other poc writers.
I am also looking for moots and new friends so happily msg me 🙃
I am not really sure what else to add here but if you have any questions or what else I should add feel free to ask I'll most likely reply.
Make sure to read RULES before doing anything
Thank You for reading this and I hope you enjoy class. 💅🏽
Back to Navigation
WELCOME MY STUDENTS
Navigation
☽ Secrets (about me) ☽ Substitute Teachers(Reccs)
☽ Pre-class Studies(rules) ☽ Sign-up Forms(requests)
☽ Lesson Timetable(masterlist) ☽ Extra Learning(prompts)
Recents
TR boys helping you when you are stressed (drabble)
Knb boys as your boyfriend (headcanons)
Change the game and player(pt 2 Sukuna Fluff)
11:38pm napping with Suna (time stamp)
Bubba's is...
Thinking about. . . Dyeing my hair ginger
Interested in... Code Geass
Listening to... House of Cards -BTS
Notice Board 📌
200 Followers event {For the Records}
Looking for moots so don’t be afraid to pop up
Inbox Open/closed Taglist Form
all content belongs to @levisblackbabe do not copy, plagiarise, repost and more on other social media platforms.
WELCOME MY STUDENTS
Navigation
☽ Secrets (about me) ☽ Substitute Teachers(Reccs)
☽ Pre-class Studies(rules) ☽ Sign-up Forms(requests)
☽ Lesson Timetable(masterlist) ☽ Extra Learning(prompts)
Recents
TR boys helping you when you are stressed (drabble)
Knb boys as your boyfriend (headcanons)
Change the game and player(pt 2 Sukuna Fluff)
11:38pm napping with Suna (time stamp)
Bubba's is...
Thinking about. . . Dyeing my hair ginger
Interested in... Code Geass
Listening to... House of Cards -BTS
Notice Board 📌
200 Followers event {For the Records}
Looking for moots so don’t be afraid to pop up
Inbox Open/closed Taglist Form
all content belongs to @levisblackbabe do not copy, plagiarise, repost and more on other social media platforms.
Developing Diverse Characters...
...is hard. About a week ago, I started doing character development for a series I really want to write. The trouble with this is that I have been trying, with some difficulty, to invent a plethora of ethnically and sexually diverse characters. As a white, formerly sheltered, bisexual young woman, I've realized just how hard this is going to be for me. A few issues I've realised are:
I am white, which means I don't have a full grasp on what it's like to be a person of color in 21st century America, let alone a queer person of color in 21st century America.
I'm only halfway out of the closet. I've told some people about my sexuality (they were all, thankfully, very accepting) but I still hesitate to tell others. Because of this, I have not experienced the same criticism and hate that other members of the LGBTQ+ community have and therefore, I will likely get it all wrong.
I grew up in a very sheltered home and I mean sheltered as in, wasn't allowed to watch anything but Little Einsteins, Bob the Builder, and VeggieTales (bit of an exaggeration but you get the point). Despite the blinders having been removed in recent years, I'm still figuring some things out.
Then there's the issue of asking myself the question of if I'm including too much diversity. Nearly every character I've worked on so far is included somewhere among the LGBTQ+ community and while my aim is to cover a broad spectrum of sexual and romantic orientations, ethnicities, and lifestyles, the worry that I'm doing too much still creeps up on me.
And those among many others.
While it may stand to reason that, with enough research, it is possible to portray a mostly lifelike representation of everything I'd like to include, I always strive for the utmost accuracy in my writing. That, and I know I fall spectacularly short of the mark sometimes. All that being said, my goal would be to spread awareness while simultaneously not misrepresenting or offending any group or private individual. Of course, I do recognize that someone will get offended, no doubt. And I recognize that no one is perfect in any sense of the word.
Still, I hold to my claim: developing diverse characters is hard.
Time to message Hoyo about the colorism...
This is the text I prepared to send to Hoyo, to their emails ([email protected] | [email protected]), feedback, eventual surveys...
Feel free to copy paste and send this exact thing as well. Feedback is appreciated before I send anything.
Shorter version below, and imo it's better.
-----------
Subject: [Constructive Feedback] You can and should darken the skin tone of Natlan characters
Regarding the skin color discussion started by the reveal of Natlan characters:
We fans understand that the world of Teyvat is fictional, and that the Nations and characters are informed by different real cultures that end up being mixed to create a fictional setting. But it's also undeniable that some Nations in the world of Genshin are primarily inspired by some cultures more than others, and that character traits tend to reflect the main countries the Nation they inhabit is based on.
There are no consensus amongst fans regarding how accurate outfits are, and we know very little about the Nation itself, but it's undeniable that Hoyoverse researched and put a lot of effort into designing Natlan. Which is why it's a shame that all that effort is being drowned by the obvious racism and colorism reflected in the designs.
After Sumeru, Natlan was the only chance Hoyoverse would have to prove they were not afraid of designing characters with darker skin tones. Many people had hope, and the people of some of the cultures Natlan were based on hoped to see themselves represented. Even if you do not care about representation and respecting your fans, you should care about not bastardizing all of the good things that the new nation has to offer, and having at least some characters with a darker skin tone was the bare minimum that made sense.
YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIX THIS. Darken their skin tones. Significantly. Even Chinese fans are mocking you over your decisions, you're running out of excuses.
Hoyoverse has proven capable of change and adjusting their values over time - for example, your early depiction of female characters in Honkai Impact 3rd paled in comparison with the great writing of current female characters being put out, to not call it sexist. So me and many still want to believe you can recognize your mistake and fix it. You are a company that heavily supports fan and fan works, and who constantly invests in things that have a positive impact in society, which is why many people like to support you, and why this is so disapointing to see.
Do not let this taint your legacy. Tech otakus were supposed to change the world, remember? And perpetuating colorism is not how you should do it.
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Shorter version:
Regarding the skin color discussion started by the reveal of Natlan characters:
We fans understand that the world of Teyvat is fictional, and that the Nations and characters are informed by different real cultures that are mixed to create a fictional setting.
But it's undeniable that different Nations are inspired by different cultures, and that character traits tend to reflect the main countries the Nation they inhabit is based on.
With so much clear research put into the characterization of each nation, Natlan included, it's a shame to let those efforts be drowned by designs that reflect colorist and racist views.
It would make sense to have characters with significantly darker skin tons in Natlan, and many fans hoped for that.
Hoyoverse has proven capable of change for the better - for example, your early depiction of female characters in HI3 leaned on sexism and paled in comparison with the great writing of current female characters.
There are other things that the company does right, and you can do it again. Tech otakus were supposed to change the world, remember? And perpetuating colorism is not how you should do it.
So don't let this taint your legacy. Even Chinese fans are mocking your decisions.
Darken the skin color of the Natlan characters. You still have time.
Helloooooo yet again!! Thank you for the big amount of notes it may not seem like a lot to some people, but for me I am very grateful for them. Anyways, on the topic of writing, in the current story I’m doing I’ve decided to make my characters relatable and representable for certain communities, but not to the point that is unrealistic and harmful to the readers. So here are a few characteristics for specific characters and feel free to give feedback/criticism on how they should play out:
For my main character, Hideki, he’s a reserved and quiet guy who values his space and privacy and doesn’t really do well with making friends. He’s doesn’t have social anxiety or anything like that, but due to the unintentional negligence of his parents and the constant moving, he’s grown to be distant with others even his own sibling.
Next is Shun. Shun has ADHD and is in fact medicated for it. He occasionally has difficulty with multitasking and tends to get overwhelmed. His character is still on the works and yes I am doing my own research in the topic.
With Yui, she has separation anxiety due to her parents splitting up and her mom leaving her and her dad. She’s fine on her own, but when it comes to friends, the constant anxiety of them leaving her looms over her. It is later addressed in the story and the club tries to help her in anyway they can. The topic of separation anxiety will also be researched on and is important to learn.
This next character in the story doesn’t have much to do with mental health or anything of the sorts, but instead race. I’m remaking Kaito and making him a POC character either black or blasian, still in the works. I absolutely love how some POC characters are represented in shows such as Craig of the creek, That’s so raven,etc. Even in anime like Jjba, fire force, hunter x hunter, etc. It would be nice to have more POC characters represented rightfully and obviously as mentioned before, this topic will be researched and will be played out with diligence.
Anyways, that’s all the ideas I want to include in my story sorry for the long post lol. If needed please address anything that can be added to these characters or how they can be tweaked for better representation. Like mentioned before, the subjects covered will be researched and handled with the seriousness needed. Anyways, I’ll leave this here, good whatever time your reading this.