Decipher Podcast #4: Not Your Character, Not Your Story.
In this episode of Decipher Podcast, a story about an author who tried to write a minority protagonist.
Corey interviews self-published author Ksenia Anske as she tells her story of writing a novel and changing her protagonist from a white woman to a black woman. After receiving backlash from some readers on what amounted to cultural appropriation, Ksenia learned hard lessons about what diversity in literature really means. We are joined in the discussion by writer Ash Davis and educator Eric Mills.
> Intro (0:35)
What’s on our minds?
- Sharmila Sahni: Dave Chappelle and his Netflix specials. That dude has my heart. First special, amazing; Second… eh. But it doesn’t matter because he is the BEST. I’m waiting with baited breath for his third.
- Corey Long: I’m still thinking about when I will ever get to play Zelda, and wondering why I have no interest in seeing Beauty and the Beast.
- Lauren Hayes: Pissed that Netflix is getting rid of Bob’s Burgers and The X-Files, but maybe filling that void with some fanfiction instead.
> Story (02:03)
Not Your Character, Not Your Story.
Ksenia Anske is a self-published author who’s written over 5 books and countless other short stories. She’s built a sizeable readership and maintains a blog on her site. One day, she posted her thoughts on diversity in literature which started a conversation with some of her minority readers. This conversation spurred her to try to write a minority character in service of love, appreciation, and learning. Her approach ultimately lacked an authenticity and context and caused more damage than good. This is a story of cultural appropriation, ignorance, and learning through a humbling experience.
> Decipher (20:43)
Cultural appropriation has been prevalent in media for as long as we can remember. Only now are we starting to see genuine criticism and action toward making media more culturally diverse in an authentic way. But we still have a long way to go.
We are joined by Ash Davis and Eric Mills to discuss.
- Can people accurately write characters if they do not represent that character or know someone intimately who does?
- How do we improve diversity in writing?
- How do we approach teaching and changing people’s minds about diversity in media?
- What are the best and worst depictions you’ve seen of yourself in media?
> Outro (01:04:00)
Where can you find us?
- Ash Davis: You can find me on Twitter @tokenblackchick or on https://twitch.tv/tokenblackchick where I languish in Mass Effect: Andromeda hell.
- Eric Mills: You can find me on my recently revived Twitter @ericthecomposer, and much like yall on the selfie episode, I’ma post some shit on it in like, five minutes.
- Lauren Hayes: Insta @indomitablelulu, and friend me on Facebook… if you dare.
- Sharmila Sahni: Find me on Instagram @sharmilarose, where I finally discovered filters!
- Corey Long: You can find me on Twitter @coreymlong, comparing my life to a Death Cab for Cutie songs. I’m also on Instagram @coreymlong posting more selfies admiring my magnificent hair.
> Production Credits
- Hosts: Sharmila Sahni, Lauren Hayes, and Corey Long
- Special Guests: Ash Davis and Eric Mills
- Story Segment Producer: Corey Long
- Story Segment Interview: Ksenia Anske
- Audio Production: Corey Long
- Decipher Theme Music and Cover Art: Nathaniel James Zablan
Music
- “A1 Rogue,” “Modest House,” and “Vanagon” by Podington Bear
Clips
Further Reading
- “On Diversity in Books” (Ksenia Anske)
- “Diversity in Literature: There isn’t a story you can’t tell” (Ksenia Anske)
- “Things I’m Afraid to Say in Public” (Ksenia Anske)
- “7 Myths about Cultural Appropriation — Debunked” (MTV)
- “Iron Fist’ Star Jessica Henwick Says ‘I’ve Lived and Breathed’ Whitewashing” (Yahoo)
- “As an Asian person, my artistic practice has always been centred on white art” (The Codex)
Let us know if there are any topics you’d like us to decipher in future podcasts or if there’s something you’d like to discuss from an episode, by tweeting us @decipherpodcast or messaging us on our Facebook page.
Subscribe & Follow
iTunes / Google Play / Stitcher / Overcast / RSS / Facebook / Twitter
You can subscribe to this podcast in iTunes, via any podcast player using our RSS feed, via Overcast, in Google Play, or on Stitcher. You can also listen on our podcast page.
Our podcast is part of The Codex podcast network. We are hosted by Simplecast. If you like the podcast, please review us — and spread the word by telling your friends!
Support Us!
DONATE to our podcast to support us telling and discussing great stories. Thanks in advance for supporting narrative journalism and civil discussion!
Email us if you’re interesting in promoting a good or service via a sponsorship on our podcast 0r the site. Learn more about our revenue model at The Codex.
#trypod
Be sure to check out The Tone Podcast and Variable Bitrate!
This podcast is part of The Codex Podcast Network. Subscribe to The Codex newsletter to get a weekly digest of our podcasts and stories and be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
