Cultural Sensitivity For Writers
These curated resources provide discussions on the topic of cultural sensitivity and ethical representation that may assist emerging writers in finding the best way to thoughtfully approach inclusion and representation of cultures and ethnicities other than their own.
Writing about other cultures—and from the viewpoint of diverse characters—is not new, but in recent years, writers have rightfully become more aware of the cautions they must take when attempting to do so. This may be particularly necessary when producing work from within the contemporary Western canon due to the benefits and advantages many Caucasian writers have been born with, due to the historical subjugation of non-white cultures, and the effects of this subjugation still being felt by members of those cultures generations later. With this in mind, writers must consider not only the results and effects of writing ethnically diverse viewpoints, but also their reasons for doing so (both for themselves and within their narrative worlds).
The Responsible Writer
Writers Victoria, 2018
Angela Savage (Australian author) puts forth her five-part framework for how to ethically approach writing across cultural boundaries.
Representation in Fiction: How to Write Characters Whose Experiences Are Outside of Your Own
Writer’s Digest, 2019
Diana M Pho (queer Vietnamese-American writer, editor and public speaker) reflects on the different ways two books from her childhood depicted Chinese characters and culture. The article differentiates between an ‘invader mindset’ and a ‘tourist mindset’, outlines steps to be taken when writing diversity, and provides additional resources.
Don’t dip your pen in someone else’s blood: writers and ‘the other’
The Irish Times, 2018
Kit De Waal (British/Irish author) explains the inherent fault in the advice ‘write what you know’, and elucidates why we have a duty to cultural sensitivity and ethical representation. Waal discusses stereotyping, ‘the other’, and respect, concluding that as writers, we must show that we aren’t just appropriating but seeking to understand.
5 Tips for Avoiding Cultural Appropriation in Fiction
Proofed, 2020
This article was written by an online proofreading service. It lays out five helpful and concise tips for writing sensitively.
Cultural Appropriation in Fiction
Everyday Feminism, 2018
Itxy Quintanilla (multimedia journalist) notes that as the presence of inclusive narratives is increasing, so too is the danger of cultural appropriation. Quintanilla defines and discusses cultural appropriation and inclusive fiction, then outlines eleven steps that writers can take to mitigate this risk.
Representation: Concepts Unwrapped
University of Texas, 2019
This is a teaching resource featuring a video on representation (transcript included), case studies, and discussion questions. Although likely intended for classroom use, the discussion questions provide a great way to reflect and consider your own writing practise.
Whose life is it anyway? Novelists have their say on cultural appropriation
The Guardian, 2016
Eleven novelists from diverse cultural backgrounds offer thoughtful statements on cultural appropriation.
7 Tips for Writing About Other Cultures
Writer’s Digest, 2016
Kathryn Tanquary (American author) notes that she’s often reminded of her own privilege as a white writer in Japan and offers an accessible list of seven things to consider when writing about other cultures.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Terminology Guide
Indigenous Strategy Unit UOW, 2023
The ‘You can’t say that!’ booklet, provided by the University of Wollongong, is a terminology guide and educational resource that we can all use to knowingly influence change and introduce appropriate language into discourse surrounding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
A Poor Imitation: “American Dirt” and Misrepresentations of Mexico
The Blue Nib Literary Magazine
David J Schmidt (American author and translator) reviews the novel American Dirt, claiming that ‘despite its entertainment value, [the novel] is an extremely inaccurate representation of the real situation of a real country’ and ‘it is time to see clearly, to allow Mexico to tell her own story in her own voice.’
The Great White Social Justice Novel
Sydney Review of Books, 2020
Sujatha Fernandes criticises the novels American Dirt and Act of Grace, using them as a focal point for this article to ask ‘why has the Great White Novel become the publishing industry’s answer to hate?’ The article contains numerous links to relevant articles and statistics, and notes a selection of novels by non-white authors as a more authentic alternative.
Other People’s Stories
Overland, 2016
Jeanine Leane (Wiradjuri poet, academic, author, and essayist) suggests methods of considered and considerate representation of Aboriginal characters. She notes that the settler stories written by white authors—especially those that reach for ethical representation—should not be scrapped, but challenges the notion that they are Aboriginal stories. She poses questions that writers approaching the representation of unfamiliar characters should consider.
Indigenous Cultural Protocols and the Arts: A Book of Case Studies
Terri Janke and Company, Lawyers and Consultants
This link contains an in-depth, free-to-download document about why Indigenous Cultural Protocols are necessary in the arts. It provides case studies that represent best practice when working with Indigenous Australians on Arts projects and breaks down how each protocol was used.
Writing white, writing black, and events at Canoe Rivulet
TEXT Journal, 2012
Catherine McKinnon (local author and UOW academic) examines through her own experience as a writer how some non-Indigenous writers have misused Indigenous stories. She explores advice given by Indigenous and other writers on how non-Indigenous Australian authors should approach stories involving Indigenous culture.
Create NSW Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols
Create NSW, 2021
Driven by self-determination, these Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols have been developed as a series of suggested questions within five key principles that Aboriginal artists, arts workers, and organisations should consider as a minimum standard.
What Happens When You Tell Somebody Else’s Story?
Meanjin, 2016
Alexis Wright (Miles-Franklin winning Australian novelist) asks the question: ‘How should I be an Aboriginal writer when the stories that were being told nationally about us would shape and impact on what I can do as a writer?’
White Lenses, Blak Stories
Meanjin, 2021
K. A. Ren Wyld (Indigenous Australian writer) discusses her book Where the Fruit Falls in the context of writing ‘truth, not post-colonial fiction’. She questions the inclusion of truth in fiction, particularly when written by white authors or viewed through a white lens.
Cultural Sensitivity Editing
Versed Writings
Explores various approaches to ensuring a story is culturally sensitive, depending on: the stage of production (from initial drafting to the final manuscript); the author’s background (their knowledge, cultural heritage, and relationships with First Nations people); and the book’s content (whether it features one minor Indigenous character or a full cast of Indigenous characters, and whether it explores themes and issues pertinent to Indigenous people).
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
Peace and Freedom Magazine, 1989
Peggy McIntosh (American activist and researcher) unpacks her knapsack of invisible privilege in a 1989 essay, and twenty years later shares notes for facilitators presenting her white privilege papers.
Why Can’t I Hold Space for You Anymore?
Decolonial Futures
A poem which lists the reasons why it is emotionally and physically costly for Indigenous, Black and racialised people to hold spaces for other people to learn about their complicity in systemic harm.
How to Be Anti-Racist in the Arts
Anti-Racism & The Arts
A national campaign empowering artists, creatives, and cultural organisations to take action against racism, combining creativity, education and advocacy to support individuals and organisations in building racial equity. Resources are divided into five themes:
Educate Yourself
Challenge Systems
Call It Out
Check Yourself
Reflect and Recharge
Resources curated by Matt Campbell
Page updated by Mya Hicks, 2026