Subverting tropes with complexity: Strong and positive Black man who may be pushover
Sonicspade asks:
Hello WWC, I have one of my four POV characters is a black man from a fictional world. He's not my only black POV character and certainly not the only black man in the main cast, he's a very positive character who cares very deeply for the people he considers to be family. However i am worried hes could come off as a doormat next to my other characters, especially to the half chinese half white woman he considers to be his adoptive sister. I want him to be a positive force and hes very stong physically and emotionally please can you help me to see how i could be making an error in his characterisation and the potholes i may be falling into. Thank you for the time.
Hello!
Based on your description, this character is:
A Black man (but not the only Black person or Black man POV)
A positive force [in the story overall? Or mainly for his loved ones?]
Cares deeply about his sister
Strong physically and emotionally
Possibly a doormat
You have listed his traits but not specific actions or relationship dynamics that would indicate if you’re avoiding or subverting these.
Based on the above, the main tropes/stereotypes to watch out for would be:
Sacrificial Negro
Magical Negro
Strong Black Man
Later In this answer, I'll be referencing Barret from Final Fantasy VII (+) as a characterization example.
Is my Black man character a doormat?
Hard to say. You would have to tell me!
You say he is “strong” physically and emotionally which doesn’t indicate being a doormat. Being strong and secure in himself would lead me to believe he sets boundaries and defends himself, actually.
But perhaps
His deep care for others and need to be a positive force counteracts with that, and he’s overly giving.
Maybe he allows the people he loves to mistreat him or push his boundaries, even if their intentions aren’t malicious, and they know they can get away with it.
If that’s the case, well yes, he might be a doormat.
Although I will say, a Black male character who is a doormat is a rarely portrayed character. Particularly if you’re portraying a soft, gentle, possibly insecure character who lets people get away with too much, without being totally self-deprecating or sacrificial.
That’s where you have the making of a complex character that would be interesting to explore. Not perfect, and not needing to be treated like fragile porcelain in your story to avoid offense, which is not what we want you to feel like you must do.
Trace your logic: The reasoning behind traits matter
This is where exploring your intentions and having some explanation for why they are, the way they are, matters. Those underlying motivations guide the way you write that character and lead their arc.
For example:
Say he is a doormat and lets people get away with too much.
Why?
Poor reason #1: “Because I see him as dispensable in the story. His goals aren't worth the time and effort to develop as much as the other characters.”
STOP! This is a Sacrificial Black character.
If you don’t think his life matters as much as the non-Black characters, you will neglect and sacrifice him in the story in a way that’s too familiar, and quite stereotypical. Do not place him in the story only to make him disposable.
And if he’s not meant to be a villainous person, there’s no reason why his life is treated as being worth less than others, even if he happens to play a small role in story.
What to do: Avoid this. Remember, every character is the hero of their own story. Making him sacrificial of his time, boundaries, or whatever it may be, to support the arc of others is lazy, stereotypical and harmful writing.
Poor reason #2: “I’m using him as a plot device to solve peoples' problems and get them what they need. He is a positive force meant to spread joy to others.”
STOP! This is a Magical Negro.
Such a reasoning uses Black characters as a plot device to fix the troubles of others. Also, Black characters need not be jesters, an overly optimistic presence meant to cheer up everyone else, like some dancing caricature.
The Magical Negro: “Solves white characters' [and non-BIPOC] problems like a magical force, and using actual magic. Usually undeveloped and there to offer sage wisdom or save the white character from a situation. They often only appear in the story when it's time to offer their services.”
-Ask: Infantilization of white characters (At PoC’s expense)
What to do: Avoid this. This is one where there’s no point in subverting it, in my opinion. Rather, I'd write away from the stereotype by developing their character. Do not make them valued only if they’re saving others.
Poor reason #3 “He lets people get away with things because he’s just so strong. He can 'take' the emotional and/or physical burden.”
CAUTION! This is a Strong Black Man.
This stereotype usually leans more towards physical strength for men, but can apply to the emotional side of things for men too.
It lacks acknowledgement that he has feelings. It’s toxic masculinity to the point of denying him humanity.
Slight sidenote: Recall that it’s not a compliment for Black people (especially women) to be described as strong! That strength comes from necessity and survival. We should be allowed representation that includes softness, too.
What to do: This reasoning isn’t utterly unredeemable, but requires deft exploration. Where does his strength comes from? What got him to the point of needing to be this strong, physically and emotionally? Show us he is human and is not simply strong. Also, ensured that people care and support him in return.
Reasons (not necessarily) built on stereotypes
Perhaps some of these reasons for his characterization can get you on the right track.
Childhood upbringing (boundaries that were too loose, or too restrictive)
Cultural mannerisms and values (Note: this reason may have a connection to race, ethnicity or nationality.)
Having a desire to be respected
A fear of rejection or conflict
Having a soft nature and empathy (although not to the point of sacrificial)
How to avoid these stereotypes
