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Help please, on the right term for the narrator to use
The following passage is from my novel partially set in 1964 Tennessee. The narrator is describing the thoughts and actions of a young White woman. My question specifically is around the use of the word “colored,” which was in use at that time and place.
It has been suggested that I use the term “Black” instead as that would be more correct. However, to me that would be out of context—even within a narration—as that didn’t come into common use until later.
The passage:
A short, stocky, colored man came out of the tent waving a Colt revolver, looking at her with angry eyes and muttering something under his breath. His torn and dirty shirt was two sizes too big. “Hold up now,” he said loudly, “you don’t belong here.”I use CMOS if that makes any difference to you.
I would love to know your opinion.
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2 Replies
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Nice little excerpt there. I’m not an expert on the South in the ’60s, but to me “colored” feels just right for that context. It might only be my 2020 sensitivities, but I think “black” would carry a certain amount of negative feeling. Especially if the narration for the scene is from a white woman’s point of view. Unless you want that negative feeling for the scene, I guess.
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Thanks Scot.
That’s my take as well.
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