Diversity in stories

Current American culture loves to throw diversity into critiques. When it comes to stories (mainly movies, as they are visual), it is skin color that is most commonly examined. I'd like to shift the focus of the diversity into a totally different aspect, which is diversity of character. Have you ever heard the term, "cardboard characters?" People use the phrase when a character has no dimensions, no yearnings, and is a simple archetype or stereotype. Such characters are not enjoyable. What audiences want are characters with diverse personalities, varied interests, and overlapping needs. We want someone we can possibly relate to, empathize with, and take the story's journey alongside.

We get wrapped up in appearances too much. When I was a youth, there was a phrase girls were using, "Beauty and Brains." Woman wanted to be recognized for their inner beauty as well as outward. I have no idea how well it worked, as I wasn't actively dating during that time, but I understand the desire behind it. People don't like being thought of on a purely surface level, because it's insulting. So, why should authors be surprised when stories are treated the same way?

One of my personal beliefs is that when we find a story we adore, the story becomes a part of our personality. Think about it, if you recommend a movie that you love to someone, and they hate it, why do you feel a twang of personal insult? Because you identified with the story, and for it to be attacked hurts that connection. Stories with a diverse cast of well-drawn characters provide those connections far better than stories with simply color-coded people. Let the characters speak for themselves, not only their outward appearances.

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- M