Whenever we pick up a book, we have our own questions, expectations, and reserves as readers. We might ask ourselves, “Will this be a good read?”. However, there is an increasingly vocal sector of our society that also asks: “Does this book feature diverse characters? Are they handled properly? Am I going to see myself in this book?” Many readers – and, really, anybody that doesn’t know much about the subject – can be a little confused about what this means.
Putting it simply, when we talk about diversity in literature, we refer to the variety of characters that are shown. We’re talking specifically about representation: it covers themes like gender, sexuality, race, culture, class, subcultures, amongst others. This article’s main point is to show why we need this kind of diversity in literature – and why it makes reading a lot more intriguing.
1. Variety is the spice of life
We all have our favorite tropes and plots but, at the end of the day, we dislike repetition, as in finding similar characters over and over, throughout literature. Seeing stories from all types of cultures and perspectives makes it interesting – it keeps us at the edge of our seat.
2. Open space, open mind
Being open to diversity lets you approach themes in more engaging ways and captivate different perspectives. Moreover, it makes you think of all sorts of ways in which any kind of situation might go. This not only makes it much more stimulating to speculate and theorize, it also nurtures an aspiring writer’s talent for storytelling.
3. Pick a trope, pick any trope
Sometimes, as we mentioned in point one, we have our absolute favorite archetypes and tropes that we wouldn’t change for the world. That’s totally fine – but how about mixing up your faves? Taking a classic and giving it a twist is not only a type of writing exercise, it’s also ripe for two of our favorite things: storytelling… and shenanigans.
4. Representation matters
When we read books, or consume any story in general for that matter, we appreciate seeing ourselves in it. Knowing that there are creators out there who know that people like us exist, that we are complex and unique, is a big boost to our self-esteem. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate positive representation. Along the same lines, it’s imperative that we be critical of bad representation. We need genuine diversity – not just hollow pandering or stereotyping.
5. Visibility matters
Just as important as seeing characters like ourselves is seeing creators like ourselves. There is a very real glass ceiling of sorts when it comes to writing and literature – there are tons of incredibly talented creators out there that simply don’t get the support they deserve because they aren’t seen by the general audience. Actively seeking diverse content and diverse authors boosts the visibility for both things in general.
Promoting diversity in literature enriches the medium as a whole. It opens up a myriad of options and spaces to discuss any and all ideas we, as creators and readers, might have. Being able to empathize and sympathize with diverse characters means that we as people are more open to understanding others in general. It is a crucial aspect to promote, more so in the time and place we live in today.