I’m not exactly sure how people feel about seeing the bindi (what is worn by some Hindu women on their forehead) on an (Indian) MC and her family in some scenes… Would it be okay if I give a choice to wear one or not? As a Hindu gal who wears one herself, I wasn’t exactly sure if people would find it offensive and just want to make sure I’m not making anyone uncomfortable.
I just thought it would be cool to see a bit more representation, as I don’t really see any MCs wear one… But I won’t be offended if you don’t think it’s a good idea
The more I think about it, I’m starting to think it’s probably not a good idea
I’m not Hindu but If its relevant to your story I think you should do it. I would read the story but also depends on if you’re letting them customize their character or not.
Yeah, definitely offer it as a choice if you’re allowing the reader to customize.
It’d be unsettling if you let readers customize, but not give the choice for them to choose if they want to wear one or not.
If someone customized the MC to look white, and they had to keep the Bindi, it would look a bit strange.
Other than that, I think that is a great idea for representation. I’ve read a story where the author let readers decide if they wanted to wear a Hijab (while customizing) and I found that very amazing! I don’t wear them, but I was so happy that those who do wear them the opportunity to wear them!
Also, I hope this doesn’t come the wrong way, but I just wanted to mention that there are Indians who look “white”/fair naturally (with no connection to Europeans or the skin lightening cream- which is probably a bigger problem)… I just wanted to clarify b/c I think there is a bit of a misconception that most Indians look a certain way when there’s actually quite a bit of diversity…
(I hope you don’t take any offense to this. I just felt an urge to mention it. Sorry for the long message )
I’d say, if the MC is Hindu then heck ye have her wear the Bindi! But if she has full CC (therefore, readers can decide her ethnicity) then have the Bindi be optional as well. Maybe add the choice/question “Is [NAME] Hindu?” to determine whether to add the Bindi or not because there’s people around who have no idea of the significance of cultural assets and just use them as pretty accessories
I don’t take offense to it at all. I am glad you felt the need to mention it. Rest assured, I’m very much aware of that. My concern came from the fact that some people who are 100% white could do that. I’d like to think they wouldn’t, but it can happen, unfortunately. Some people don’t understand how important Hijabs, Bindis, or even the Star of David necklace can be. I’m not sure if you remember the Star of David necklace controversy from a while ago, but it was quite hectic.
My concern came from the fact that some people who are 100% white could do that. I’d like to think they wouldn’t, but it can happen, unfortunately. Some people don’t understand how important Hijabs, Bindis, or even the Star of David necklace can be. I’m not sure if you remember the Star of David necklace controversy from a while ago, but it was quite hectic. 