Not Every Role Model Has To Be Positive

I feel like we are in a strange position where we feel like every minority character has to be a positive role model. Women characters have to be smarter, stronger, or faster than men. Black characters have to be well educated and in a prestigious job. In fact, the only acceptable negative characters are white guys.

Now, I do not have a problem with positive role models. They are fine and I'm glad they are normal. What I don't like is that they have become expected.

Not every role model has to be positive. There can be hysterical women or Asians who are bad at math. Just don't make every character one or the other. If you feel like you are not able to present a particular character because it isn't a good role model, then your hands are just as bound as when we were required to make them negative stereotypes.

People can exist in any part of the spectrum of character qualities. Present whichever ones you want, and don't feel bad for whatever people may say because of it, as long as you are fair and accurate.