[HPFGU-OTChatter] assumptions of race

[yael oren]

> So my question is what do we assume when race isn't given? The race
> of the author? Our own race? It's not always a clear cut question.

Usually, when I read a character's description, they remind me of someone
else and I adopt the race of that someone for the character as well. This
can cause quite a confusion. For instance, before Harry was cast in the
movie, I always pictured him as half Chinese. It went well with the unruly
black hair.

As for the minor characters, the ones that don't have any description, I
just don't think about it. I know this lacks some imagination, but I never
"see" them at all, and thus, don't need to give them a race.

I did have a bit of a surprise when an e-pal of mine sent me a picture.
Being a bit Prejudiced, I'm afraid, I assumed that a Jazz player from
New-Orleans, who's stories often have a theme connected to bigotry, was
black. I was in a bit of a shock to see a Dumbledore-type person smiling at
me from the photo.

At another occasion, I assumed that a kid who wrote to me about my
FanFiction was a girl. I assumed wrong, and I think I offended him a little.

Thanks, yael