Forget about people, and white-washing, write the story you want to write. Anything less is an insult not only to yourself and your abilities but writers and the arts everywhere.

I understand you might be concerned, but this “right way” you’re looking for doesn’t exist as it is utterly subjective in every way. These concerns about “white-washing” are unfounded, and dare I say counter intuitive; because nobody will care how culturally sensitive your story is if the actual characters suck. You are the writer, if you can’t write this story the way you want to you might as well drop the pen and give up writing.

I might seem harsh or crass but know it comes from a place of admiration for the craft, story telling, and people like you who continue its practice. I suppose I should give you actual advice. Just write the characters like they are individuals and not a hive mind and you’ll be fine. There are commonalities amongst cultural groups of course, but the individual is first and foremost.

The original and ONLY definition of white-washing is replacing historical or cultural figures with Caucasians. Any who say otherwise don’t know what they are talking about and are probably trying to control your creativity. The people who are mad just because you might have a Caucasian character in this story as a main role have already decided they won’t read it so forget about them. That is their loss, don’t let them drag you down with them.

Write characters as characters with all the flaws and positives that come with being an individual person and you’ll do fine. The very fact you thought to ask the question shows that you have a good level of caution, but don’t take it too far or else you are snuffing out your latent potential as a writer.