Ask Jerry
Appropriate Descriptions of Color
Asked by Jill van Opstal on June 5, 2023
Hi Jerry, I'm using a story in my memoir describing the skin color of a baby that was born with a lighter skin tone than the mother was expecting it to be. In our work in Brazil, we have all colors of children, and all are beautiful. Our kids don't distinguish people by color. It is custom here to describe the exact skin tones and eye colors. For example, his skin was the color of coffee and his eyes were "caramelo". In Brazil the words "black and white" are never used to describe race. Can I use this way of description about Brazilian culture and people which is complimentary in Brazil? Would it be acceptable in the market of USA? Thanks, Jerry! Have a blessed day!
Jerry's Answer
The only problem I foresee, Jill, is that the color of coffee is a little nebulous. That could be black, mahogany, dark brown, light brown, etc., etc. You might say his skin was the color of coffee with cream. :) Or not. Maybe coffee straight from the pot.
As for acceptability, political correctness is the US market, especially in other than the inspirational market, is getting crazy. Even in the inspirational market I had an editor advise me against saying one of my characters was black. I held my ground.
I have lots of black friends who are offended when people pretend to be color blind. They say, "So you're saying I'm invisible?"
Sensitivity monitors are maddening. I love your idea of comparing one's skin color to coffee, etc. Go for it.