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You are a relatively unknown Black novelist with a few published books under your belt. None of them relate to race — you aren’t interested in writing about this. Most recently, however, publishers have rejected your newest manuscript for not being “Black enough.” One day, you write a satirical novel mocking literary stereotypes expected from Black authors: deadbeat dads, gang violence, drug use, and so on. To your surprise, you’re offered a $1 million advance and a movie deal — only no one gets the satire, and they think it’s serious fiction with intelligent commentary. Your agent has plans for you to adopt the persona of an ex-convict, and he promises that you’ll get invited to prestigious literary conferences as the “diversity pick.” Going broke: Reject the deal and continue writing the fiction you usually write. Going woke: Take the deal and adopt the persona. You can't reveal who you actually are.