Lisa on Nostr: I have a question regarding fiction writers. I know there have been writers crucified ...

I have a question regarding fiction writers. I know there have been writers crucified for writing a character that is different from their own race, but why? Is it not the same as a male author writing a female character or vice versa? I’ve never taken offense to that. I’m not talking about someone purposefully being deceiving to an audience by claiming to have a heritage/background they don’t have, but rather about someone being open about it. I recently came across an article about a fantasy author writing about an Australian character, when they themselves are not Australian. This is not a nonfiction book, as it’s clearly stated it’s fantasy. Isn’t fiction open to an author’s creativity? What if the author has Australian friends or family and has pertinent knowledge? I’m just curious. I’m sure someone will rip me a new one simply for asking.