Before enrolling in an adoption ethics class, I had never
thought of adoption as being negative for any of the parties involved. As an
adoptee, I have always been very positive and supportive of any form of adoption.
Throughout the course, however, I have been exposed to more and more aspects of
adoption that are seen as negative by certain people. With each example, I am
able to appreciate the critiques of others, but while still keeping my firm
belief that adoption is a positive thing. I was blindsided, however, when the
idea of race being a negative aspect in adoption came into the picture. The
National Association of Black Social Worker’s statements regarding adoption of
black children into white families blew me away. They argue that black children
are being condemned to alienation when placed in white homes and there should be
no reason for this placement. (NABSW) With this statement, I am unable to
appreciate their critique and concerns for the adoption triad. Their arguments
seem absurd and irrational. I understand that by adopting a black child into a
white home can be complicated and sometimes difficult for all sides involved,
but to go so far as to say that interracial relationships cannot flourish and
be successful is over the top and racist of NABSW. Adoptees will always have to
face difficult questions about the reason they look different from their family
and not knowing their background. This is the same for transracial adoptees and
nontransracial adoptees alike. These questions and hurdles can be overwhelming
for anybody, but can be overcome with the love and support of a family. The
NABSW states, “We stand firmly, though, on conviction that a white home is not
a suitable placement for black children and contend it is totally unnecessary”
(NABSW). I believe however, that it is necessary. If there is ever a child (of
any race) that is in need of a loving, supporting, nurturing family, that
placing them with one, regardless of their race, is completely necessary.
Graded Reply 5:
ReplyDeleteAly, I definitely agree with you on your stance for the NABSW. If a child needs a loving and nurturing home, whether they are African-American, Asian, etc., then that child should have that home. Plus, as we talked about in class the other day, the NABSW’s stance seems to separate even more so than bring each and one of us together. For example, if an African-American couple wanted to adopt a White baby, it would not be controversial to me AT ALL. We still look the color of our skin too much instead of looking at the fact that we are all human beings deserving of a loving home. In reality, you take our skin off, and we all have the same bones, organs, etc. It’s important to put the health and safety of the child in front of the color of one’s skin. I also liked how you gave your stance as an adoptee as well. I have friends who were adopted, and they say the same thing. Adoption is a positive experience.
I think it’s important for transracial adoptees to have their culture or heritage to known to them. This mission statement from NABSW was written back in the day, and I believe it’s completely outdated. However, I wonder what people of color would say today if we asked them. I think they would not be as bitter as the NABSW, but I think it’s important that we communicate with each other to ensure that children of different cultures and races will be educated about their heritage. There is a ton of opportunities for that today that the NABSW did not see in the past.
Mickey N.