I often timed find myself wanting to create black and women characters, and as a white guy, sometimes I feel uncomfortable with it. It feels appropriate-y, as in cultural appropriation. I question where I'm coming from in wanting to play these characters, and I'm not entirely sure. I don't worry about it too much, but I definitely wonder.
WE GOT A WINNER!
J/K
Who gives a fuck what you play as?
We play games to not be us, but to play and forget the outside world in a lot of cases.
I play with female characters sometimes if its a third person game, if I don't want to stare at a guys butt all day.
I will play as a black guy if given a reason to(story arc, ability, ect.).
I will make my character look as creepy or weird as possible in souls games, giving green skin, with orange hair.
I am mixed with many races, but you could call me white.
Nothing bothers me about being stuck with a character, as long as I can relate to them if its story driven.
Gameplay? Who gives a crap if the game plays awesome.