tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12360687.post-1158936900999332372006-09-22T10:49:00.000-04:002006-09-22T10:55:01.000-04:00Thank you to Jade and Vikram for responding to this post. I enjoyed reading both perspectives on these topics.<br /><br />My opinion? To the first question about multiculturalism I'd like to throw an additional bit to ponder. I recently attended the <a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/special/109.html?page=1">Tesoros </a>(Treasures) traveling exhibit of art from Latin America currently at the <a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/">Philadelphia Museum of Art</a>. This exhibit contains artwork demonstrating that in the 1900s immigrants from China, Spain, and Africa all lived in Latin American countries. As an American I found this fascinating because I think, sometimes, we forget that the concept of a "melting pot" isn't unique to the United States but is a truth that exists for all countries. <br /><br />The concept of borders conjures images of invisible walls that prevent us from moving to another location. The reality is that the moment a human became curious and decided to see what existed beyond the horizon or over a mountain, the possibility of cultures intermixing existed. <br /><br />I don't say this to minimize the current challenges that exist in Europe or within any country but to add a different perspective on the topic.<br /><br />In terms of the second question, I agree with Ms. Smith. Characters should be created to be full of life, not to stereotype a group, ethnicity, community, etc. All writers are tasked to create characters that live on the page and in the reader's mind. Hence why there are so many workshops on character development. <br /><br />Thank you again to Vikram and Jade for responding. I'd still love to hear additional perspectives on these two topics.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/12360687-115893690099933237?l=lisacoutant.blogspot.com'/></div>Lisa Diane Kastnernoreply@blogger.com0