Blog Post #5 Option 1

I found these readings for Thursday incredibly frustrating and hypocritical.  The position statement for the National Association of Black Social Workers states, “We affirm the inviolable position of black children in black families where they belong physically, psychologically and culturally in order that they receive the total sense of themselves and develop a sound projection of their future” (NABSW position statement).  I think that by stating children should only be raised in black homes this group is perpetuating racism by promoting separation of race.  There are some points which have some validity, such as the child feeling isolated because of different hairstyles, but a diverse family could promote this as a good thing rather than a flaw that makes them “alien” from the rest of the group.  I think it is unfair to think that only a black family can foster proper cultural and psychological growth for a child of color.  There are many places for role models, in the schools and community, which could provide the children with opportunities to learn more about their own race and cultural.  Another red flag in the position statement is the aspect which states a child would be better off with a relative who needs significant financial assistance rather than a stable white family which could provide better education (because of more financial stability).  I think the root of a lot of racism is lack of education.  By supporting less education for children of color you would be depriving them of a chance to become properly informed about the history of racism.  Additionally, you would be allowing the stereotype of an uneducated black person to continue to persist in society. 

I believe that the key component that allows children to flourish in a family is love.  A white family would not be able to directly relate to being black, but they could provide a healthy environment for the child to realize their differences make them special.  People don’t question families adopting children with disabilities even though the parents may not relate to the child’s condition.  In the same way, groups should not question transracial adoption.  By being so violently against the practice, the group is regressing and promoting racism.  They are saying that the black and white experience should be kept separate and they lack commonalities.  This is not only hypocritical, but completely irrational.

Reanna N.