Newsweek magazine recently ran this article about a Black family who "adopted" a White child. The family structure is a bit unconventional but for all intents and purposes a little White girl is now calling Black people mommy and daddy.
The purpose of the Newsweek article, as far as I can tell, is to reflect on the fact that despite the large number of transracial adoptions in this country, namely where White people adopt children of color, society at large, cannot wrap their minds around Black people raising White children. It makes White people uncomfortable, and suspicious. It makes Black people angry and frustrated. From the article:
"Decades after the racial integration of offices, buses and water fountains, persistent double standards mean that African-American parents are still largely viewed with unease as caretakers of any children other than their own—or those they are paid to look after. As Yale historian Matthew Frye Jacobson has asked: "Why is it that in the United States, a white woman can have black children but a black woman cannot have white children?"
In my opinion the article doesn't break any new ground, but of course it opens up an interesting topic of discussion, as evidenced by the almost 500 posted comments to the article.
And really, when it comes down to numbers and economics, this isn't going to be a new trend. I don't foresee a future of Black people scrambling to adopt White children, but if they wanted to, would that be okay? Is there any reason Black people should consider adopting White children? Indeed if more Black people got in line to raise White people, would that be a surefire way to dismantle racism in this country? You think I'm kidding, but Megachurch minister, the Reverend Creflo Dollar and his wife adopted a White child for just that reason. "It was God's solution for my racist attitude," Dollar told AOL. That's why he adopted his son. Of course, that child is now a man and about to publish a tell-all about growing up in the Dollar household. So stay tuned on that one.
What do you think? Is there a reason Black people should or should not adopt White children? I would love to hear from any White people out there who were raised by Black parents. What was your experience like? And finally, does anyone else feel like the Newsweek author was out of line by printing the fact that the adopted White child's mother was the town prostitute? Isn't that private information? Thoughts?
Peace!
(Photo of Creflo Dollar and family)
Posts
11 comments:
Due to cultural reasons, I think it is best if a child is matched with a couple of the same race, especially in America. A couple of the same race is better equipped to help the child adapt to being a member of that race in society. But I also recognize that it is not feasible. The group of children available will not necessarily match the race of prospective parents.
I see nothing wrong with adopting interracially.
I do feel the comment about the mother being a prostitute was an invasion of the child's privacy even if it was shared by the adoptive parent. Perhaps the author was trying to garner greater sympathy for the black parents so that readers would think they were great to adopt someone from a troubled background.
I think it's racist for people to get uncomfortable when black parents adopt white children. If black women are good enough to hire to babysit your kids, then why are they not good enough to raise white children? I know that some nannies do raise the children they take care of.
I think the Newsweek couple should be applauded. That little girl was in too many foster homes and they gave her a home. I think it is better for black couples to adopt a black child because the supply of black children exceeds the demand. But in certain cases, I think it is ideal for them to adopt a white child. I know of a black woman who adopted the white half-sister of a black child that she also adopted. She wanted to keep the two girls together. So sometimes, it's the ideal choice. But never is it wrong.
I do know of black parents who adopted Hispanic or Asian children. I've also heard of Asian parents who adopt white children. There's more to interracial adopting than white parents/children of color.
Coming from a biracial woman, If the potential parents are providing love & a stable home for the children then I do not see the big deal in adopting out of your race. It's ashame that in our society we are quick to look at a persons color instead of seeing who they are as an individuals.
~Alissa
waitaminnit: "the reverend creflo dollar"? there's a reverend creflo dollar? you couldn't make that up.
Well...now you're talkin'! You know me - an asian adopted by a white family in a closed adoption. I'm very pro-adoption (as an adoptee), but I am pro-awareness and education when families adopt transracially.
Whether it's black adopting white, white adopting black, whichever race adopting across racial lines...parents must be aware of what the adoptee will go through whens/he hits adolesence.
The adoptee's "search for self" is quite profound when it's an adoption that has no racial crossing. Imagine how much more so when the adoptee's family is of another race (or mixed race)? The issue of race only adds to the complexity of the "who am I? " question. This is especially true for closed adoptions.
Thanks for sharing the article!
Jstle,
Thanks for your comments.
Alissa,
I agree.
MML,
You mean you haven't heard of the good reverend's ministry of prosperity? Get on it.
JBH,
Thanks for sharing your insider's perspective.
Did you hear the Don Cheadle comment? According to USA Weekend: "Asked for his thoughts about how celebrities like Madonna or Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are adopting African babies, and Cheadle doesn't miss a beat: 'My wife and I wanted to adopt a white kid from an affluent family that's bored with it.'"
nice. no reason why it should be called wrong for a black family to adopt a white child or vice versa.that's from my inexperienced point of view of course and many kids in such situations apparently do have some emotional issues!I've blogged on a related issue recently. do check it out>> http://ruminationsoftheheart.blogspot.com/2008/08/should-black-children-only-be-adopted_28.html
im biracial (black/white), i can see why some whites would find it weird...i mean, when you think about it, the only reason whites adopt black is because the wait in line for a white child is VERY long...
and the fact that black children are least adopted, its kinda assumed you'd adopt black, if you are black.
its not a matter of is transracial adoptions wrong...but like interracial relationships with a biracial child as a result...one has to be racially aware (my mom, who is white, was sooooo not racially aware, and still isnt, and it can be hard at times when she dismisses me or tries to justify her attitude by saying "im white not black".)
i hate "colorblind adoptions" because they dont require the parents to take classes that could help them with dealing with another race and/or culture. the reality is, love isnt enough to pull the child through in a world that is very racist.
im not against transracial adoptions, im just against how they are carried out.
what i would find interesting, is how would white people act if a biracial women had a biological white child? i think they would have a heart attack.
so far, i have found very few stories about moms who happen to be half black/half white...i have no kids, im only 20, but id like to know more about biracial moms, i just dont know where to look.
i know that was completely off topic.
The most important thing to remember, people, is that we are all beautifully created in God's image. Red, yellow, black. or white are all equal in His sight. People like Angelina and Madonna get this. That is why they were not afraid to "think outside of the box". And neither am I. I am a black woman who has been thinking of adopting a white child myself. Who is anyone else to say I would not love her and treat her like my very own? Doesn't matter what any one else says or thinks. The bottom line is that I know I will be a loving, devoted mother to my child. That's the bottom line.
my husband and I are african american. our children are bi-racial, but more white than black. it's does not matter to us. we love them and they love us. but, yes, there are many comments and stares when we go out. people stop their cars to look at us. At the park another mother wanted to know what nanny agency I was hired through. At the hospital another mother scolding her child said,"next time I will send you with the nanny like that little boy over three". and there is so much more on a daily basis!
None of that matters to us. and life goes on!
I have biracial children through a past relationship. I get more evil looks by black people. I am a white man who plans on adopting children of all races in the future that are older than 2. The reason for this is the need of these children to have a home. Most people want to adopt newborns etc and forget all the other children that are shuffled around in the foster care system. Black people need to step it up and adopt more black babies and kids. I know everyone can't afford it, but there are plenty of black people who can afford to take on a child of there race. I have no problem with black couples adopting a white child. However, I myself will adopt based off of the need. Waiting around for a white child to be thrown at you just seems wrong when there are so many kids that need you right now! Do what is right and adopt for the right reasons. I know you want a family, but God probably kept most of you from having children so you would take responsibilty for the ones who have not parents. My wife probably will not be able to have children. I am not selective on the issue of race and will adopt based off the need of the children...not my own.
Post a Comment