Speculative Worlds of Color

Jewel Davis | Education Librarian

Appalachian State University

davisja5@appstate.edu | @jewel_davis

bit.ly/DavisREIYL

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Speculative Fiction & Media

• Science Fiction �
• Fantasy�
• Paranormal�
• Horror

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Critical Content Analysis

Anti-bias Evaluation Toolkit

• using theory to analyze representation in YA speculative fiction�

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• highlights common tropes, stereotypes, and bias and provides critical questions for analysis �

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Critical Content Analysis

• Critical Race Theory
• pervasive racism, interest convergence, counter storytelling

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Critical Content Analysis Questions

• What common racial tropes, stereotypes or biases are present in the text?

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• What counter-stories are present in the text, and how do they counteract common racial tropes, stereotypes, and biases?

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• How are BIPOC characters described and treated by other characters?

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• What actions do BIPOC characters take in navigating spaces with other groups from dominant races, ethnicities, or cultures?

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• How are BIPOC characters positioned in the created world?

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Worldbuilding: Systems of Oppression

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Worldbuilding: Systems of Oppression

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Worldbuilding Questions

• How does the world’s systems compare to real world systems?�
• Do the world’s cultural groups or races parallel real world cultures or races?�
• How are these cultures or races represented and treated?�

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Toolkit Framework

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Character Notes�

Commonly dehumanized and described as animalistic�

Perpetuates the stereotype of dark as evil and white as good�

A counterpart character is the noble savage, a docilized brute who can be trusted

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Evaluation

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What is the aggressor's purpose?

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Does the aggressor engender empathy or fear?

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Is the aggressor modeled after a BIPOC culture?

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Does the aggressor embody stereotypical elements of BIPOC groups?

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Character Notes�

Sidekick or major secondary character with minimal backstory or no major narrative arc

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Can be killed to give the main character motivation to continue in the quest (inspirational martyr)�

Will selflessly sacrifice themself to save the hero or to die honorably

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Evaluation�

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Are secondary BIPOC characters sacrificed?

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Does the secondary BIPOC character have agency and purpose beyond the main character?

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