Sensitivity question for my friends of color:
I have a race of people in my world called the pŭkka, based on the pooka: A creature of Celtic folklore. According to legend, it is a deft shapeshifter, capable of assuming a variety of terrifying or pleasing forms. It can take a human form, but will often have animal features, such as ears or a tail. As an animal, it will most commonly appear as a horse, cat, rabbit, raven, fox, wolf, goat, goblin, or dog. No matter what shape the pooka takes, its fur is almost always dark. It most commonly takes the form of a sleek black horse with a flowing mane and luminescent golden eyes. (from Wikipedia)
My pŭkka retain the golden eyes and antlers in any form they take, and are able to shapeshift into any terrestrial animal (their creator being the deity of earth). Pureblood pŭkka do not take human form, and if they do retain a coat of short, sleek fur. And also their antlers; no matter what form they'll always have their antlers.
My question is, by giving them pitch black fur and an animal-like appearance am I building on the racist stereotype of "dark people equate to beasts more than humans?" There are good and bad pŭkka, as well as half-human, half-pŭkka (although these are severely persecuted by both races). They primarily live in a fertile land where nothing grows due to actions of their deity. Their houses are decorated and advanced, and they excel at trade and craftsmanship. Would you as a reader find any of this offensive or off-putting?
I welcome all opinion on the matter, but I'm mostly interested in what people of color have to say on the matter.
