Searching for resources: Addressing race without racism

[Professor Murder]

So bare with me, and please comment only if you can be constructive and civil.
I like to be evocative and vivid with my descriptions when possible, and that includes how NPCs look when PCs encounter them. I also desire to have a diverse cast, with a broad range of ethnic characteristics among a wide populations. This is not a question of how to incorporate cultures or cultural pastiches respectfully into a fictional setting. What I am looking for are resources for describing physical traits while remaining respectful. So much of how traits like skin color, hair, or facial features are described can be easily rooted in either clearly racist depictions or even just tone deaf to concerns members of a depicted group may have.

Has anyone found good resources to help square this circle?

 

[JThursby]

That's incredibly broad. I don't know anything that would adequately cover every culture's view of every single human phenotype in existence.

You might want to limit the scope of this request. Are there specific human phenotypes you worry about? And more to the point, what can it give you other than assurance that a common-sense description with no malice in mind isn't secretly racist? Unless you fear your players would accuse you of such, this line of inquiry might not add anything to your game other than a lot of worry over something no one else will notice or care about. I get it, I fret about things like "what is the exact level of technology in my setting and how do I depict it accurately with all the correct terminology," but truth be told it's never had an actual impact on the game and I feel like I've wasted my time after researching such a niche topic that will go unnoticed.

 

[Professor Murder]

That's incredibly broad. I don't know anything that would adequately cover every culture's view of every single human phenotype in existence.

You might want to limit the scope of this request. Are there specific human phenotypes you worry about? And more to the point, what can it give you other than assurance that a common-sense description with no malice in mind isn't secretly racist? Unless you fear your players would accuse you of such, this line of inquiry might not add anything to your game other than a lot of worry over something no one else will notice or care about. I get it, I fret about things like "what is the exact level of technology in my setting and how do I depict it accurately with all the correct terminology," but truth be told it's never had an actual impact on the game and I feel like I've wasted my time after researching such a niche topic that will go unnoticed.

I wouldnt expect there to be a singular resource. I am happy to be pointed in multiple directions.

 

[Professor Murder]

As for the audience concerns, I don't worry as much at offending my table. But should I wish to put material out to a broader audience, I feel these are legit concerns.

 

[John R Davis]

I must say I have got very lazy with my NPCs of late. I get the players to add most input on characteristics of them.
Can't recall a resource you were looking for. Would have to be a big old lot of content.

 

[Ancalagon]

Are we talking about human NPCs or elves, orcs etc?

I don't think Gygax did this on purpose, but if you look about it in a certain way... D&D species are very anti racism. Because in D&D, ALL HUMANS ARE THE SAME. The color of your skin etc, it has NO IMPACT on the mechanics of the game. Elves, Dwarves, goblins are different, because they are different. (edit: ie, not some made up racist hateful nonsense).

Also, speak to your players about it - just them knowing you are trying to get it right will make a difference

 

[Professor Murder]

Are we talking about human NPCs or elves, orcs etc?

I don't think Gygax did this on purpose, but if you look about it in a certain way... D&D species are very anti racism. Because in D&D, ALL HUMANS ARE THE SAME. The color of your skin etc, it has NO IMPACT on the mechanics of the game. Elves, Dwarves, goblins are different, because they are different. (edit: ie, not some made up racist hateful nonsense).

Also, speak to your players about it - just them knowing you are trying to get it right will make a difference

Perhaps in your DnD. Not in mine.

 

[Ancalagon]

Perhaps in your DnD. Not in mine.

are you saying that in your version of DnD, different humans have different mechanical modifiers based on their ethnicity?

I'm not going to say anything further at this point, because I really want to give you the chance to elaborate on your reply, and see if I merely misunderstood you.

 

[Professor Murder]

Ah. I see where you have gotten confused. I am not talking about stats or abilities. Pure physical descriptions not rooted in racist tropes or conventions.
Example: The PCs meet the blacksmith. The blacksmith has features consistent with a Samoan man. But I don't want to say, "He looks Samoan." He isn't Samoan, because the setting isnt Earth, instead its a fantasy construction. So how would I describe them?

 

[Tonguez]

Theres some interesting thoughts shared in the Writing with Color blog

the main point though is Describe ‘people‘ not phenotypes
- people within an ethnicity dont all look alike

• avoid stereotypes
• check your motivation