I confess that I see no problem. I wrote, and perform, "Thieves of Innocence" in the first person, supposedly as an African child soldier. I find that being a middle-aged caucasian Greek poses no obstacle, as I feel strongly enough about the subject that I can associate and empathise with it. Heck, as far as I am concerned I am an African child soldier. I even know what I look like - the scared Congolese 10-year old that I once saw being interviewed (which led me to write the song in the first place).

I thing the key is one's ability to empathise. Not simulate, not pretend, not dress-up-as, not act. Empathy is the answer.