So as some of you may know I wrote a script a while back about the 19th century Zulu king Shaka, I then went on to turn said script into a comic book series. The first of which is complete and set to launch on Kickstarter in the near future. In line with that I started a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter page to promote the book last August and in that time have grown my audience from nothing to over 20 000.

Most of that audience, especially on Facebook are South Africans, with a large portion of those being Zulu.

The overwhelming response has been positive and people do seem genuinely excited about the book, we will see how well that translates to sales though.

But... there is one criticism I keep receiving with varying degrees of anger, and that is the fact that I am I white guy telling a black guys story. Over the cause of the months of promotion I have been called an uncultured swine, I have been told it is disgraceful what I am doing, I have been told I have no right, I have been questioned about who will be receiving royalties, I've even had insinuations of harm upon myself.

It's worth pointing out that I am South African, I might not be black and I might not be Zulu but I do have some link to the story, but does that even matter because of the colour of my skin?

I love this story and have told it, in what I consider to be, a very respectful way.

Anyway... what are your thoughts on one race telling another race's story, are we just not allowed to do it in today's PC climate, do people just need to tack a chill pill?

I'm interested to hear your thoughts.

Have these people read the book? If not, you might just have to wait to see what the reaction is afterwards. If you did a good job and told the tale with respect, I don't see why anyone should complain. It might just be a lot of skepticism because they know your white.

I write primarily from a male POV. How dare I when I'm not male??? Steohen King writes from ANYONE's POV. How dare he when he's a liberal elite white male??? And so on, and so on... A good story is a good story. I know you can tell a good story, so just wait and see what the reception is after people have read it.  Good luck with this!  

This is the thing that bugs me the most, no one has seen the book, well a few SSers have but none of the people commenting on social media have. I do wish they would give it a go and I am more than happy to be judged on the story and my telling of it.

The issue here is that some think that just because I'm not Zulu I have no right, and as mentioned they can get quite upset about it.

Thanks, I'm hoping it all works out, but I must admit I am terrified

I also forgot to mention that for this vocal minority it is also unacceptable that I wrote the story in English. I try explain that it can reach a wider audience that way but nope, just not allowed.

It is a touchy subject... people are very sensitive nowadays. I wrote a script for a white director about urban life with a black lead character. Now, I'm not black. But I am a person of color who's been around black folks my whole life and have lived in the inner city for the better part of 15 years now (split between Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and now the South Bronx). But, afraid of the backlash, this white director decided to dump the project all together. Which is a shame because it was a very poignant script.

If you have a great story to tell, I believe no matter who you are, it should be told... as long you're treating the material with respect.

To all the people ganging up on you, just tell them an old white guy created "Black Panther". I know, it's a fictional character, but the film itself was a very important one for the black community, both in content and for getting made and achieving the acclaim it's achieved.

-- Michael

It's political correctness gone barmy.

So technically none of these films (below) should have been told and made?

Rolf de Heer - Dutch-Australian. How dare he make these:

The Tracker (2002), Ten Canoes (2006) and Charlie’s Country (2013)
... Dutch-Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer has directed a stunning triptych of films in tandem with Aboriginal screen icon David Gulpilil and it rightly deserves inclusion here. Each of the films investigates a very different facet of Indigenous culture and De Heer has said of this unofficial trilogy that he sees himself as the conduit through which Gulpilil’s stories are told.

https://lwlies.com/articles/essential-indigenous-australian-films/

Walkabout (1971) Nicolas Roeg
The Last Wave - Peter Weir
Thomas Keneally writing Schindler's Arc?
Bryce Courtenay (not a fan, btw) but...

I could go on... Aren't we about two-hundred years on from the era you've written about? Who's then suitably qualified to write historical fiction and non-fiction? Only the descendants?

I'd better leave it at that.

Tell them that you self-identify as black.

All kidding aside - fuck em.  I write about women - I ain't one. I won't a script with nearly an all black cast - I ain't black.  I've had lesbians. homosexuals, atheists and priests in my stories - not being any of them.

Would they agree to bar a black writer from writing about a white character??? This is just madness.

Strategically what I would do is craft one very nice as poignant as you can be canned response and have it at the ready to cut and paste to each inane comment you get and move on.

Quoted from spesh2k It is a touchy subject... people are very sensitive nowadays. I wrote a script for a white director about urban life with a black lead character. Now, I'm not black. But I am a person of color who's been around black folks my whole life and have lived in the inner city for the better part of 15 years now (split between Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn and now the South Bronx). But, afraid of the backlash, this white director decided to dump the project all together. Which is a shame because it was a very poignant script. If you have a great story to tell, I believe no matter who you are, it should be told... as long you're treating the material with respect. To all the people ganging up on you, just tell them an old white guy created "Black Panther". I know, it's a fictional character, but the film itself was a very important one for the black community, both in content and for getting made and achieving the acclaim it's achieved. -- Michael

Well I hope I have a great story to tell, I definitely think I do, and I don't think I could be more respectful. This has been a labour of love for the last 3 or so years, and a year for the comic, I put a lot of time, effort, and money (making comics isn't  cheap venture) into this because I genuinely love this story, I have since I was a kid in the 80s. Unfortunately all some of them see is a white guy trying to cash in on their history, funny thing is I'll likely never make my money back, I'd be lucky to break even and I knew that going in. I didn't do it for money I did it because I wanted to.

Anyway... rambling.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Quoted from LC It's political correctness gone barmy. So technically none of these films (below) should have been told and made? Rolf de Heer - Dutch-Australian. How dare he make these: The Tracker (2002), Ten Canoes (2006) and Charlie’s Country (2013) ... Dutch-Australian filmmaker Rolf de Heer has directed a stunning triptych of films in tandem with Aboriginal screen icon David Gulpilil and it rightly deserves inclusion here. Each of the films investigates a very different facet of Indigenous culture and De Heer has said of this unofficial trilogy that he sees himself as the conduit through which Gulpilil’s stories are told. https://lwlies.com/articles/essential-indigenous-australian-films/ Walkabout (1971) Nicolas Roeg The Last Wave - Peter Weir Thomas Keneally writing Schindler's Arc? Bryce Courtenay (not a fan, btw) but... I could go on... Aren't we about two-hundred years on from the era you've written about? Who's then suitably qualified to write historical fiction and non-fiction? Only the descendants? I'd better leave it at that.

Yes we are talking early 19th century. The historical details are vague at best. No reliable written records and a lot of word of mouth. I took the bits I liked, added a lot of my own and did a deep dive into the actual relationships which no one really knows anything about. Then Dave added his awesomeness and that was that.

But yes, some seem to think that it is a story that can only be told by Zulus at the very least.

Quoted from eldave1 Tell them that you self-identify as black. All kidding aside - fuck em.  I write about women - I ain't one. I won't a script with nearly an all black cast - I ain't black.  I've had lesbians. homosexuals, atheists and priests in my stories - not being any of them. Would they agree to bar a black writer from writing about a white character??? This is just madness. Strategically what I would do is craft one very nice as poignant as you can be canned response and have it at the ready to cut and paste to each inane comment you get and move on.

Thankfully I have a lot of control on the content that gets posted on Facebook. Even going as far as being able to ban certain words meaning a comment containing that word won't be posted. Some I've recently added "swine, racist, disgusting, piece of shit"

Funnily enough I had one slip through today, it read "beware the subliminal messaging", my bad for not realising someone would compare my comic book to subliminal messaging. WT actual F.

It's sad news when a decent story, about such folk, is turned around because of the colour of your skin.

and isn't that what they are trying to avoid. IE to have freedom and not be judged on such matters

I also assume the material is open source, so free for anybody to write about. so why don't they?

Finally, as others have mentioned, none of this is actually about the work.

best of luck

If you write about white male guys you will be accused of not supporting diversity and part of the problem. If you write about other genders or races you will be told you don't have the right and you couldn't possibly understand their plight.

In other words, someone will always complain whatever you write, especially if it is in any way successful. That's just their resentment and anger.

A storyteller's responsibility is to tell the truth in their stories. That truth may belong to someone else but it's your job to tell it. As long as do your research, try your best to tell the story and deliver the truth, that's all you can do.

It's an interesting question, Warren.

I must admit,when I saw Shaka on the Side projects thread, I thought : "That's a weird story for a white person to tell".

Without having read it, it's hard to give a particular opinion on it, but a quick look at the Wikipedia page on Shaka's history shows how divisive and problematic he is as a figure for anyone, let alone a white dude.

You're dealing with a figure who is inseparable from Nationalism, Black Nationalism, Africa, Imperialism, Colonialism and a figure steeped in a completely different culture, religion and race.

Whichever side you fall on, on any side of the issues, it's got the danger of being a strange look.

If you tell the story from the side of him being a great leader and leave out the cannibalism etc of which there is now archeological evidence then it will appear to be black nationalist propaganda, and people would wonder what the white guy's agenda is with it.

If you go with him being a bit of a villain, you're going to be deemed racist and a typical Imperialist.

The balanced middle is also a tough sell, as the good sides you show would be counterbalanced by the bad, and people would accuse you of damning with faint praise..that you may concede black people are capable of their own sovereignity, but don't forget they're also savages at heart.

What's the core theme of the story? What point are you trying to make about modern life and Africa?

All stories, wherever or whenever they are set are about now. So you need to be really careful with the final message you leave. It's a very fine line, and you're brave to attempt it.


On a side note: I wouldn't block people who disagree. Better to engage them respectfully, address their concerns and send them a free digital copy imo.

So... I understand both sides on this issue. But, in the end, I think: it's a creative endeavor. That is, you took a blank page and created something out of nothing. Your writing of the story in no way hinders/blocks/stops anyone else from writing the same story... or, writing the same story better.

If anyone believes the story should be written by themselves instead of you, they can just go do it. And, according to their logic, it should be better received, better told, better connected to the audience and history. So, they should go do it.

This isn't a situation where, for example, a director is hired onto an existing project. In that case, there is one opportunity.

In the creating of the script... literally everyone has the same opportunity. Any single person in the entire world can sit down with a pad and paper and write a script.

The same is true for the comic. You didn't take a slot on an existing project. You went out and created a project from nothing.

I would tell any naysayers to feel free to write their own Shaka comic and/or script. (And, I would say it sincerely.)  The more the better. If they believe, like you, that this story needs telling, you certainly aren't going to stop them. In fact, you could even offer advice, should they ever need it.

Good post, PK.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw If you write about white male guys you will be accused of not supporting diversity and part of the problem. If you write about other genders or races you will be told you don't have the right and you couldn't possibly understand their plight. In other words, someone will always complain whatever you write, especially if it is in any way successful. That's just their resentment and anger.

"Cultural appropriation" appears to be the racist accusation du jour. If it wasn't, there would be some other complaint because some white guy somewhere offended them and you have the misfortune to be the same race.

Quoted from PKCardinal I would tell any naysayers to feel free to write their own Shaka comic and/or script. (And, I would say it sincerely.)  The more the better. If they believe, like you, that this story needs telling, you certainly aren't going to stop them. In fact, you could even offer advice, should they ever need it.

This is an excellent idea, especially if you have some research that you ended up not really using.

Suppose you found out that someone was writing a movie based on the history of your family in the 1800s. Just some random person who had heard about your family, developed an interest, and felt like they had a lot to say about your great great etc. grandparents. They'd take some key facts, build their own original story around it, and release it to the public, with your family's real names splashed across the cover next to images of your family based on old portraits, etc.

I'd be pretty touchy about it. Wouldn't you? Personally, I'd prefer they not do it.

Anyway, there are two different elements in this thread. One is the general/philosophical question of writers depicting other cultures. The other is the specific/concrete question of a white writer depicting Shaka. I don't think they should be conflated.

Quoted from Heretic Suppose you found out that someone was writing a movie based on the history of your family in the 1800s. Just some random person who had heard about your family, developed an interest, and felt like they had a lot to say about your great great etc. grandparents. They'd take some key facts, build their own original story around it, and release it to the public, with your family's real names splashed across the cover next to images of your family based on old portraits, etc. I'd be pretty touchy about it. Wouldn't you? Personally, I'd prefer they not do it. Anyway, there are two different elements in this thread. One is the general/philosophical question of writers depicting other cultures. The other is the specific/concrete question of a white writer depicting Shaka. I don't think they should be conflated.

Shaka meets anyone’s definition of a historical public figure. The general response to families (let alone countries) wanting to be left alone has been “get over it.”

Quoted from FrankM Shaka meets anyone’s definition of a historical public figure. The general response to families (let alone countries) wanting to be left alone has been “get over it.”

This has generally been the response, yes.

Quoted from Heretic Suppose you found out that someone was writing a movie based on the history of your family in the 1800s. Just some random person who had heard about your family, developed an interest, and felt like they had a lot to say about your great great etc. grandparents. They'd take some key facts, build their own original story around it, and release it to the public, with your family's real names splashed across the cover next to images of your family based on old portraits, etc. I'd be pretty touchy about it. Wouldn't you? Personally, I'd prefer they not do it.

Don't forget, we're talking about an historical figure, here. So, it happens all the time. How many movies have there been about Lincoln? Other Civil War figures?

I don't really think that's the point of discomfort.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw If you write about white male guys you will be accused of not supporting diversity and part of the problem. If you write about other genders or races you will be told you don't have the right and you couldn't possibly understand their plight. In other words, someone will always complain whatever you write, especially if it is in any way successful. That's just their resentment and anger. A storyteller's responsibility is to tell the truth in their stories. That truth may belong to someone else but it's your job to tell it. As long as do your research, try your best to tell the story and deliver the truth, that's all you can do.

100%

The screenplay for Malcom X was co-written by Spike Lee and Arnold Perl - an old white guy that Spike brought onto the project. I can only conclude that:

Spike Lee is a racist and had no right to bring Perl on.
Perl is a racist.
Malcom X, therefore, was a horrible film.

None of these things are true of course.  I will never tolerate this level of intolerance. I still say screw em.  There are no forbidden subjects for writers to write about and the market will tell them if their efforts were worthwhile.

Anthony McCarten wrote The Theory of Everything - AND HE DIDN'T HAVE ALS! He also wrote the  Darkest Hour - AND HE'S NOT A BRIT and he wrote Bohemian Rhapsody - AND HE'S NOT GAY - and he wrote  The Two Popes - AND HE I NOT CAHTOLIC.

The nerve of that hack.

Again - screw them.

Quoted from PKCardinal Don't forget, we're talking about an historical figure, here.

My intention wasn't to create a direct analogy to Shaka or whatever.

Often in this sort of discussion, things operate at the level of abstraction -- here we started with, "what are your thoughts on one race telling another race's story?"

But I think it's also important to try to connect with this in a personal sense, which means a different question: what are your thoughts on someone else telling your story?

If you support writers in telling whatever stories they choose, you support the right of other people to tell your story. We may feel like those are big stakes or meaningless ones, but it's worth considering from the viewpoint of the "written" and not the writer. That's all I was getting at.

Quoted from Heretic My intention wasn't to create a direct analogy to Shaka or whatever. Often in this sort of discussion, things operate at the level of abstraction -- here we started with, "what are your thoughts on one race telling another race's story?" But I think it's also important to try to connect with this in a personal sense, which means a different question: what are your thoughts on someone else telling your story? If you support writers in telling whatever stories they choose, you support the right of other people to tell your story. We may feel like those are big stakes or meaningless ones, but it's worth considering from the viewpoint of the "written" and not the writer. That's all I was getting at.

I hear ya.

I've been struggling with the idea of turning my short COLD BLOOD into a feature. It centers on the Clutter family murders in Western Kansas. Real people. Real victims. Family members still alive. I can't get over the feeling that it's inappropriate to make entertainment out of that. Same issue Truman Capote faced back in the day. But, his was more fresh, as the murders had just happened.

Anyway, not wanting to derail Warren's thread. Just made me think of that, since I've been working through that thought.

Shakespeare did not walk in the shoes of a man who killed a king. I seem to recall he did OK.

Quoted from Reef Dreamer It's sad news when a decent story, about such folk, is turned around because of the colour of your skin. and isn't that what they are trying to avoid. IE to have freedom and not be judged on such matters I also assume the material is open source, so free for anybody to write about. so why don't they? Finally, as others have mentioned, none of this is actually about the work. best of luck

Yes it is open source. The story is over 100 years old, no one owns the rights to it other than perceived rights because of race or tribe.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw If you write about white male guys you will be accused of not supporting diversity and part of the problem. If you write about other genders or races you will be told you don't have the right and you couldn't possibly understand their plight. In other words, someone will always complain whatever you write, especially if it is in any way successful. That's just their resentment and anger. A storyteller's responsibility is to tell the truth in their stories. That truth may belong to someone else but it's your job to tell it. As long as do your research, try your best to tell the story and deliver the truth, that's all you can do.

Thanks, Mark. I feel I've checked all those boxes.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films It's an interesting question, Warren. I must admit,when I saw Shaka on the Side projects thread, I thought : "That's a weird story for a white person to tell". Without having read it, it's hard to give a particular opinion on it, but a quick look at the Wikipedia page on Shaka's history shows how divisive and problematic he is as a figure for anyone, let alone a white dude. You're dealing with a figure who is inseparable from Nationalism, Black Nationalism, Africa, Imperialism, Colonialism and a figure steeped in a completely different culture, religion and race. Whichever side you fall on, on any side of the issues, it's got the danger of being a strange look. If you tell the story from the side of him being a great leader and leave out the cannibalism etc of which there is now archeological evidence then it will appear to be black nationalist propaganda, and people would wonder what the white guy's agenda is with it. If you go with him being a bit of a villain, you're going to be deemed racist and a typical Imperialist. The balanced middle is also a tough sell, as the good sides you show would be counterbalanced by the bad, and people would accuse you of damning with faint praise..that you may concede black people are capable of their own sovereignity, but don't forget they're also savages at heart. What's the core theme of the story? What point are you trying to make about modern life and Africa? All stories, wherever or whenever they are set are about now. So you need to be really careful with the final message you leave. It's a very fine line, and you're brave to attempt it. On a side note: I wouldn't block people who disagree. Better to engage them respectfully, address their concerns and send them a free digital copy imo.

I think my telling is pretty balanced. As I previously mentioned the history is sketchy at best. I've included the points that people believe made Shaka a great man and I'm included the reasons for his eventual downfall and assassination. I don't lean any particular way, I just tell the story as I see it.

Early on I tried addressing concerns, but this vocal minority will not listen to anything. I want my page to have a positive outlook and celebrate the story of Shaka. I don't feel like I need the negativity.

As far as sending them a free digital copy, um... No. This has been a year in the works, like I said a lot of time, a lot of sleepless nights and a shit ton of money, I'm not going to reward hatred and violence. If people want to read it they can pay the very reasonable price to do so. If they don't they can move on. Or they can invest the time and money to create their own version.

Quoted from PKCardinal So... I understand both sides on this issue. But, in the end, I think: it's a creative endeavor. That is, you took a blank page and created something out of nothing. Your writing of the story in no way hinders/blocks/stops anyone else from writing the same story... or, writing the same story better. If anyone believes the story should be written by themselves instead of you, they can just go do it. And, according to their logic, it should be better received, better told, better connected to the audience and history. So, they should go do it. This isn't a situation where, for example, a director is hired onto an existing project. In that case, there is one opportunity. In the creating of the script... literally everyone has the same opportunity. Any single person in the entire world can sit down with a pad and paper and write a script. The same is true for the comic. You didn't take a slot on an existing project. You went out and created a project from nothing. I would tell any naysayers to feel free to write their own Shaka comic and/or script. (And, I would say it sincerely.)  The more the better. If they believe, like you, that this story needs telling, you certainly aren't going to stop them. In fact, you could even offer advice, should they ever need it.

Yeah I think that's very true, I have no issue with people having a go at the story. I'd read it.

Quoted from Heretic Suppose you found out that someone was writing a movie based on the history of your family in the 1800s. Just some random person who had heard about your family, developed an interest, and felt like they had a lot to say about your great great etc. grandparents. They'd take some key facts, build their own original story around it, and release it to the public, with your family's real names splashed across the cover next to images of your family based on old portraits, etc. I'd be pretty touchy about it. Wouldn't you? Personally, I'd prefer they not do it. Anyway, there are two different elements in this thread. One is the general/philosophical question of writers depicting other cultures. The other is the specific/concrete question of a white writer depicting Shaka. I don't think they should be conflated.

Sorry but I can get behind this point at all.

Would I care if someone wrote a story about my ancestors from the 1800... not in the least. I'd want to read it or watch it. I could then form some opinion on it.

And this literally happens all the time. I got to be honest, I don't think you really thought this one through.

Quoted from PKCardinal Don't forget, we're talking about an historical figure, here. So, it happens all the time. How many movies have there been about Lincoln? Other Civil War figures? I don't really think that's the point of discomfort.

Agreed. Makes no logical sense to me.

Quoted from eldave1 The screenplay for Malcom X was co-written by Spike Lee and Arnold Perl - an old white guy that Spike brought onto the project. I can only conclude that: Spike Lee is a racist and had no right to bring Perl on. Perl is a racist. Malcom X, therefore, was a horrible film. None of these things are true of course.  I will never tolerate this level of intolerance. I still say screw em.  There are no forbidden subjects for writers to write about and the market will tell them if their efforts were worthwhile. Anthony McCarten wrote The Theory of Everything - AND HE DIDN'T HAVE ALS! He also wrote the  Darkest Hour - AND HE'S NOT A BRIT and he wrote Bohemian Rhapsody - AND HE'S NOT GAY - and he wrote  The Two Popes - AND HE I NOT CAHTOLIC. The nerve of that hack. Again - screw them.

I'm starting to lean very hard on the screw them. The comic will succeed or fail. Either way I finally get to move on.

Quoted from Heretic My intention wasn't to create a direct analogy to Shaka or whatever. Often in this sort of discussion, things operate at the level of abstraction -- here we started with, "what are your thoughts on one race telling another race's story?" But I think it's also important to try to connect with this in a personal sense, which means a different question: what are your thoughts on someone else telling your story? If you support writers in telling whatever stories they choose, you support the right of other people to tell your story. We may feel like those are big stakes or meaningless ones, but it's worth considering from the viewpoint of the "written" and not the writer. That's all I was getting at.

I think this cancels out a lot of stories written by a lot of people.

There is always going to be someone else telling someone else's stories, this has literally happened forever. Isn't that what story telling is?

Waz, are they genuine haters or just trolls? Everything on the Net these days forms two sides it seems.  You’ve created something you had passion for and good for you!  Ignore the keyboard warriors, mate. They’ll soon find some other thing to whinge about.

Ironically I’m nearly finished my Civil War script. I’m just a bogan Aussie yet I’m writing about a battle in 1863 in Texas while dealing with rascism, anti slavery etc. I’m telling a story without taking sides because it interests me.  

For anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about.

You'll also see that the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course...

https://www.facebook.com/ShakaComic

Quoted from stevie Waz, are they genuine haters or just trolls? Everything on the Net these days forms two sides it seems.  You’ve created something you had passion for and good for you!  Ignore the keyboard warriors, mate. They’ll soon find some other thing to whinge about. Ironically I’m nearly finished my Civil War script. I’m just a bogan Aussie yet I’m writing about a battle in 1863 in Texas while dealing with rascism, anti slavery etc. I’m telling a story without taking sides because it interests me.

Thanks mate, not sure to be honest.

Well, according to some you shouldn't be allowed to tell that story. I think it's all a bit crazy.

It's been interesting to see people's thoughts on the matter.

In no way was I going to change course, I've come too far at this point, but it's still good to hear what people have to say on the subject whether I  agree or disagree.

Aussies don’t throw the towel in, mate.  Stick to your guns.

Quoted from PKCardinal Don't forget, we're talking about an historical figure, here. So, it happens all the time. How many movies have there been about Lincoln? Other Civil War figures? I don't really think that's the point of discomfort.

I agree. They don't like that Warren wrote this because he is white.  

Quoted from Warren For anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about. You'll also see that the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive. It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course... https://www.facebook.com/ShakaComic

I think you do exactly what you've done. Because you're a good and thoughtful person, you looked internally and externally at the question. You gave it an honest assessment.

Now, having done your due diligence, you go forward, confident in the knowledge that you're doing right by the project.

And, because you've done the work in examining the complaints honestly, you are now free to enjoy the process of rolling the project out. You didn't ignore the complaints, but since they WILL persist, I think it's perfectly acceptable to move past dealing with them.

Enjoy this moment.

Quoted from Warren For anyone interested in seeing what all the fuss is about. You'll also see that the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive. It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course... https://www.facebook.com/ShakaComic

Stay the course!

Quoted from Warren Sorry but I can get behind this point at all. Would I care if someone wrote a story about my ancestors from the 1800... not in the least. I'd want to read it or watch it. I could then form some opinion on it. And this literally happens all the time. I got to be honest, I don't think you really thought this one through.

Haha. That's good! Some people feel differently (like myself, as stated). Here in Canada, for instance, the question of Indigenous stories and representation is a massive, never-ending fight.

Now that I'm done my work week, I'd happily wade into a big argument here -- I think some of the arguments made above are very silly -- but unfortunately I happen to agree with the majority view. Of course anyone can write about anything. Of course you should ignore anyone who calls you racist before even reading the work. Of course you should follow the stories you're passionate about wherever they lead.

Luckily, this has been the standard for a long time and continues to be the standard now. People can and do make whatever they want in every possible storytelling medium.

I kinda feel like what everyone actually means when they say so-and-so isn't "allowed" is just that it's harder to get funding from mainstream companies on projects where the identity optics are bad. Well, the market's never fair. Writers can play it safe or follow their passions -- that's always been the deal.

Quoted from Warren It also begs the question, do I cave and throw in the towel because I might hurt a few feelings or do I listen to the majority and continue on course...

Quit! No, I'm kidding. I just wanted to be on the emotional side for once.

Obviously, stick with it. Remember: you're telling a story about a particular historical figure, not the definitive story. If people don't like yours, they'll go and like someone else's.

Quoted from PKCardinal I think you do exactly what you've done. Because you're a good and thoughtful person, you looked internally and externally at the question. You gave it an honest assessment. Now, having done your due diligence, you go forward, confident in the knowledge that you're doing right by the project. And, because you've done the work in examining the complaints honestly, you are now free to enjoy the process of rolling the project out. You didn't ignore the complaints, but since they WILL persist, I think it's perfectly acceptable to move past dealing with them. Enjoy this moment.

Thanks mate, appreciate it.

Quoted from Heretic Haha. That's good! Some people feel differently (like myself, as stated). Here in Canada, for instance, the question of Indigenous stories and representation is a massive, never-ending fight. Now that I'm done my work week, I'd happily wade into a big argument here -- I think some of the arguments made above are very silly -- but unfortunately I happen to agree with the majority view. Of course anyone can write about anything. Of course you should ignore anyone who calls you racist before even reading the work. Of course you should follow the stories you're passionate about wherever they lead. Luckily, this has been the standard for a long time and continues to be the standard now. People can and do make whatever they want in every possible storytelling medium. I kinda feel like what everyone actually means when they say so-and-so isn't "allowed" is just that it's harder to get funding from mainstream companies on projects where the identity optics are bad. Well, the market's never fair. Writers can play it safe or follow their passions -- that's always been the deal.

Yeah I agree with that. Identity politics are playing an ever growing role in entertainment these days, there is no denying that. It's inflitrated film, tv and comic books in a very big way. I think it's so unfortunate but that's the world we live in.

Speaking of which, anyone seen Marvels latest hero's Safespace and Snowflake? No I didn't make that up, yes that is a real thing that exists in the world.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Quit! No, I'm kidding. I just wanted to be on the emotional side for once. Obviously, stick with it. Remember: you're telling a story about a particular historical figure, not the definitive story. If people don't like yours, they'll go and like someone else's.

Thanks for the advice, I've burned all copies of the book and deleted all master files.

Quoted from Warren Thanks for the advice, I've burned all copies of the book and deleted all master files.

That's the spirit. Just like Cortez. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde That's the spirit. Just like Cortez. =)

I don't think it's a deal-breaker at all, but I could understand reticence from POC about a white person telling this story.

I (as another white person) think it would be fine if the end product is thoughtful and you've really made attempts to collaborate in your research by speaking with people of Zulu descent or people knowledgeable about the culture.

The reason some people are opposed to white people telling black stories is because there's a long, long history of entertainment media co-opting very specific black stories for profit that is only held by white people. But I don't think that's the case here nor is it your intentions (having not read your graphic novel) and I think that is happening less and less these days.

Do not listen to particular groups of (again, mostly white) people on Tumblr etc who are embedded in identity politics, because they'll say insane things like a white writer can NEVER write a diverse character or a straight writer can never write an LGBT character. If that were true, how are stories meant to become more diverse?

I think the issue you'll run into here is the level of sensitivity/accuracy afforded to a very real culture. I'm sure you haven't written something offensive to Zulu people but it's just something to consider. Don't be afraid to share you work and request feedback on the cultural aspects of it. And if you do get specific feedback try to engage it in good faith (again, as I'm sure you would).

Quoted from Heretic Haha. That's good! Some people feel differently (like myself, as stated). Here in Canada, for instance, the question of Indigenous stories and representation is a massive, never-ending fight. Now that I'm done my work week, I'd happily wade into a big argument here -- I think some of the arguments made above are very silly -- but unfortunately I happen to agree with the majority view. Of course anyone can write about anything. Of course you should ignore anyone who calls you racist before even reading the work. Of course you should follow the stories you're passionate about wherever they lead. Luckily, this has been the standard for a long time and continues to be the standard now. People can and do make whatever they want in every possible storytelling medium. I kinda feel like what everyone actually means when they say so-and-so isn't "allowed" is just that it's harder to get funding from mainstream companies on projects where the identity optics are bad. Well, the market's never fair. Writers can play it safe or follow their passions -- that's always been the deal.

Good diplomacy. I like your style, with equaling back for harmony after you've invested your input. No need to hammer it when done.

I had a well-minded text prepared in my pipeline as well… then you done somehow same different, so I haven't pushed. Still, I think I have to affirm you for your personal inner peace Ha . My choice.

Almost forgot Paul: Would you shy away from confronting the families?

I mean, even if they would give you no positive signs to your request, you would have a great opportunity to recheck your feelings and reflect if it's worth it. If you then still choose to nevertheless do it, you still can look in the mirror because you know the exact price for your actions and the consequences that face you for. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

Anyway, Warren, the project and circumstances sound interesting. Repercussion not always bad. And there's also a future look back of what is done, which is unclear yet. Or maybe you'll make some unexpected friends or win some sympathy from the opposing fraction/party. That would be great. Good luck.