October Novel Prep Challenge

This is a fantastic question. I agree that people might draw certain conclusions based on the language you're using.

Then again, it seems crazy to skirt around the pervasive issue of discrimination in the modern world. It exists everywhere, and if your novel brings it to light and offers it a profound and illuminating treatment, all the better!

I think these issues should be talked about. What's the use if we hide 'em under a bushel?

If you don't mean to address those issues or make people think about their attitudes, I'd suggest changing the name of the people, but if you want to explore things a little, absolutely keep it as-is!

These are only my opinions, of course.