Transracial Adoption as Cultural Genocide

I really let this article get to me yesterday.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/194886/page/1 ~ Yes there is a lot more to this article than the cultural genocide remark, but it just hit a nerve for me.

Here's some thoughts and someone please tell me if I WAY off base in these. I am very open to honest exchange on this.

As for Cultural Genocide: I think that statement is pretty extreme, but let's take it for face value.

1. I have every intention to teach Nathan about our country's history. We will explore slavery, segregation and the wonderful leaders who rose up in our nation in opposition to the hatred. However, I would teach this to my children regardless of the color of their skin. It is OUR history, no matter the side our ancestors were on in the time. We have already taken Nathan to the place where Dr. King was murdered. We toured the museum and while he is still too young, we will be visiting places like this regularly. I love that we live in the South & can visit Civil War Sites and see where history was made.

2. We will explore how many cultures in our country express themselves. I want to educate my children in as much as possible. I think a big problem is our country is not being willing to understand another's point of view & beliefs. You do not have to embrace them for yourself, but education is key.

3. My kids will experience much more than American cuisine. There is life beyond hamburgers, casseroles and grilled chicken. My husband is mostly Italian & I am mostly Irish. I plan to teach my kids about these cultures. Far more than my parents even did. Mike's education on his Italian heritage is his Grandma's Pasta Sauce & mine was Corn Beef & Cabbage. (which I hate by the way) lol

As far as cultural genocide, I had another thought. I am from Southern California and didn't move from there until my late 20's. There is a definite cultural difference between there and Middle Tennessee where I now live. I know this goes for every part of our country. Even if they decide that adopting across "race" lines is wrong, what about state lines?? Seriously. There is so much about life in the south that I still don't get or even know about.

Something I am having a hard time with as well. African Culture. Someone please tell me which part of African Culture I am supposed to be teaching my son. Africa is a huge continent, represented by numerous cultures.

I firmly believe that the most important thing parents can do for their children is this: raise them in a safe and loving home, teach them to love God and other people. Everything else is gravy on the meal. When we get to Heaven, God won't be quizzing us about our cultural education. He will ask us what we did with our knowledge of His Son's life.

As a white adoptive parent, there are so many pressures placed on me. Whether spoken or not. I am very fortunate in that most of our experiences have been very positive. I can't tell you how many sweet older black women have stopped me in the store offering help. Some could take this as offensive, but I could tell that they genuinely wants to help me. As a white person, hair care of a black child can be daunting at best.

So many people have asked me really great and honest questions about our adoption. I love being able to educate people in a very open & informal way. I have been able to talk to people about adoption, relationships with birthparents, being a multi-racial family and most importantly God. I would not have as many opportunities if my son looked like me.