Transracial adoption can be the elephant in the room, the issue that no one wants to talk about, or tries to sweep under the rug. I think we try to pretend that race isn't an issue anymore, it is, however it's just more subtle.
It's interesting that no one really batted an eye when we announced we were adopting from South Korea. It was a bit of a different story when we announced we were adopting children from an Island in the Caribbean. Often people assume we are a foster family, I'm not really sure what to think about that one.
When we originally talked about adoption we looked into Vietnam and we actually had an extended family member say "why don't you adopt a white kid". I've said it before and I'll say it until I'm blue in the face. A child in need of a home is a child in need of a home, period. End of story. God calls each of us to different kinds of families. We have to answer to Him, not our neighbor or relative.
Lots of people have lots of opinions about how a transracial family should look and act. I have even heard from one person that anyone who adopts a black child should join the NAACP and always vote Democrat - don't get me started on that opinion! While our small town is not very racially diverse, we do live near a larger town that is more diverse.
This summer we attended a Heritage Camp. I've gushed about it a lot, but it really was a wonderful experience for our children in so many ways. A week does not go by when Heritage Camp is not mentioned and we are definitely looking forward to going again. I would highly recommend Heritage Camp.
Please note that there is still much about transracial adoption that is misunderstood. It's a small percentage of families that have adopted transracially so it's only makes sense that much education still needs to happen. I wouldn't want anyone to ever feel uncomfortable asking me a question, provided they were sincere and not just being nosy. I don't have all the answers and we are navigating the waters too!
Transracial Adoption Resources
Transracial and Transcultural Adoption - great article with tons of information about transracial adoption
Adoption Webinars - focusing on a variety of topics, many transracial, I have found them helpful.
Growing up Black in White - very interesting memoir about a young man growing up in a white family.
Here's a funny little video about some of the comments people make, it will make you laugh!
This is the last in our series for National Adoption Month, I hope you will take a moment to read what these wonderful ladies have to say about Transracial Adoption!:
Patty @ Reasons for Chocolate
Grace in My Heart
2 comments:
Jen thanks for hosting this series on Adoption this month. It's an ongoing education for all of us, and every day is a new opportunity to focus on similaries, educate people who are curios or genuinely interested in adoption. We have not experienced judgmental attitudes from others, although we definitely have encountered people who don't understand. Like you, God guided us to our child. I appreciate you insights. They help me understand more, as well!
as an adoptive mother to 2 children...both with AA heritage, I am totally learning as we go. It is great to "meet" other transracial adoptive families online.
The video makes me laugh. It is too true!
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