Forums » Smalltalk » Maybe a dumb question, but I'd rather ask than not

So, I was just lookin around for a list of some different character classes when I found this awesome thing:

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasyCharacterClasses

Some of those ive never heard of before, which was pretty cool! So here I am scrolling through a few and of course, many catch my eye, so I look up some additional research.

Well, for one thing, I had no idea that Witch Doctor was a class! And I would like to create a character belonging to that class, but...

Now pardon me if my question is stupid, but...it wouldn't be offensive, would it? I'm iffy about those more religious/spiritual/healing-type classes because I'm afraid it would be seen as offensive. You could argue this with priests and such, but I dunno. I'd rather ask about it than go right into it, y'know? I'm aware that it's just a character and such, but still. My main concern is mostly with race and culture - I am NOT the kind of person to portray something like this in a negative light, but, yeah.

I'd rather be considerate than not, y'know?

Thoughts?

Generally I find that the best way to go about causing the least possible offence, is to do research into it. Certainly not something you can do with a Paladin character for example, but, certainly in the case of real occupations/classes, a little research goes a long way.

I don't really know why a witch doctor would be a problem. All of this is fiction, and in fiction all sorts get played straight or twisted in all ways. I doubt you'd portray a witch doctor in any way that hasn't been done before, and even if you managed to... its a reasonably accepted fantasy item.

'Course, I'm telling you this as someone who once defined "angels" as "demons" in a given world (though I will certainly say that there was a little more to it).

I wouldn't think so, it's no more offensive than the Shaman or the Druid classes would be. and noone seems to go up in arms over them so I'd say it's not offensive.

I think any kind of character can be executed in such a way that it's not offensive. As long as you don't base your character exclusively on stereotypes and come up with some of your own original ideas, you're good. Put a little bit of research into the culture or religions you are interested in incorporating into your idea instead of relying on assumptions you already might have, and you're golden.

You clearly value treating people and cultures with respect, so just carry that attitude over into making your character. Just the fact that you're concerned at all about making sure your characters don't offend tells me you probably won't hurt anybody's feelings. Because, honestly, it's carelessness that offends, and since you do care, I don't think you need to fret over this.