With respect to the dilemma/question of mentioning a character's race, I see it as a non-issue. I generally try to put myself in my POV character's shoes and describe characters based on what s/he would notice. Basically, what's most distinctive and unique about the character standing before the POV character, as well as how the two differ.
I don't see much point in trying to deliberately skirt around the subject or to make a conscious effort not to mention a character's race. The problems it cause just seem to far outweigh its benefits most of the time.
edited 29th May '13 6:34:35 PM by peasant
He Who Got Gud
I NEVER describe the race of my characters, but my setting (an alternate history in which a magic using England takes over the world) could be almost monochromatic (-cough- Segregation and Genocide -Cough-) and I tend to imagine most of my characters white. Write whatb you know, I suppose.
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