Blog Post #6: Different Views on Transracial Adoption

To begin this blog post, I will start with Adam Pertman’s chapter three in “Adoption Nation.”  One important comment that Pertman makes is, “…Incorporating an adopted child’s heritage and history into daily life is invariably invaluable,” (67).  As we have discussed in class discussions, this is true.  Pertman states that is possible if parents start, “establishing role models and making friends of that race or ethnicity,” (67).  I think that is one of the most important points to make about transracial adoption because transracial adoptees who have role models of the same heritage or culture will probably have a better view of themselves, and if they are struggling they can talk to someone. 

One thing from Pertman’s chapter that made me wonder was his comment on how adoption is, “helping to crack the walls of prejudice and intolerance on a broader scale,” (70-71).  He states, “There are innumerable white grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, for example, who have surprised themselves with the unconditional love they feel for their new black or Asian or Hispanic relatives, and who have learned critical lessons as a result,” (70).  I understand where Pertman is coming from.  However, do these white grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins think about the cultural aspects as well or are they happy because the baby is growing up in a white culture?  I think the walls of prejudice can be broken only if everyone is on the same page with having the adoptee participate in cultural enriching activities.   I hope that made sense…  This part of Pertman's chapter made me think of the movie, "The Blind Side."  In the movie, Sandra Bullock's character decides to adopt a Black teenager and include him in the Christmas card.  However, when she sends the Christmas card out to family, the response from them is, "Do you know there is a colored boy on your Christmas card?"  While I like Pertman's optimistic view, I still think there is more that would need to be done for extended family to understand race and ethnicity.  

Now, looking at Kim Park Nelson’s article, “Shopping for Children in the International Marketplace,” you can see she has a very different view on transracial adoption.  One area I found interesting was Nelson’s discussion from the remarks on race in some of the authors she critiques.  She states, “These remarks illustrate parents’ denial of the complexity and difficulties people of color face in the United States because the authors only see how diversity benefits them, explicitly ignoring how it might disadvantage others,” (102).  I think her point can be true for some, but not all transracial adoptive parents.  Some parents may forget the issue or race, etc. when adopting because they may think that since the child is growing up with a white family that all their problems of race will go away, when it reality it will most likely not be like that.   It’s important when adopting to think of ALL of the child’s needs. 

Finally, one area from Nelson’s article that I did not like was her critique on books that guide transracial adoption.  While I understand that Nelson thinks the books sound like manuals for a new product, etc., I still believe it is important for perspective parents to have something to relate to when it comes to transracial adoption.  Transracial adoption, from what we have read, is a huge decision, and it takes a lot of time.  Perhaps perspective parents can find comfort in reading these books on the adoption process.  I believe Nelson is being a little too over critical on this part. 

-Mickey N.