Chelly’s comment > Likes and Comments

When I first started the books in this series I was fan of the humor, the characters etc. I don't care if she ever chooses between Ranger and Morelli having relations with both does not make her a slut (grow up people!) she is after all adult and single. but having taken that unpopular position Lula is so stereotypical she makes me cringe. Yes she's funny but would it hurt to give her a little depth and
insight?

Barbara, I cringe when I read Lula's dialogue too. I've often wondered what African-Americans who read the Plum series make of Lula.

Its not just the dialogue but just an overall lack of balance to her. If I remember correctly she came in as a survivor and it strains credibility for her now to be so devoid of insight, reflection or even, to use a term my family might, "mother wit". When she captures someone it is almost always by chance rather than smarts which of course could be said about Stephanie as well. I guess I just think you don't inhabit the world she has come from and remain a complete idiot. I think its possible to keep the humor and add the slightest element of believability. My opinion may not be universal but thanks for your feedback.

I'm not sure if Lula is a stereotype or an archetype, but in my own life, I've personally known three black women who could have played Lula without notes, so I think of her more as "true to life."

Well clearly we hang out with different kinds of people, but I do thank you for bringing up the distinction between stereotype and archetype.

Thanks, Barbara! It occurs to me that my friends, if they were talking to you, might be less inclined to play the head-bobbing-black-woman-with-Attitude card than they are with me, a semi-hip-middle-aged-white-guy. I guess my point was that the card exists--and is played often.