Despite one’s perspective, the subject of transracial adoption is a topic that often results in very passionate, heated debates. Either you are completely in support of it, or you completely oppose it.
Ever since the Recorder decided to write this week’s article on transracial adoption, I began asking people – Black and white – their opinions. I learned that most Blacks are adamantly against a white person adopting a Black child. Whites on the other hand were a bit more receptive. Two Caucasians I spoke with were on the fence, while the others were in support of transracial adoptions.
As the article on A1 details, the reasons Blacks oppose this seemingly new trend varies greatly, but the primary reasons my sources gave me were a lack of cultural awareness on the part of the child and their white parent, the assumption that whites who adopt Black children do so for praise or ulterior motives, and a fear that the Black child would be abused or used as a live-in housekeeper.
While I do not completely agree with all of the aforementioned reasons, I do understand the concerns and even from where they may have been derived.
If we are realistic with ourselves, we will acknowledge that since seemingly the beginning of time most Blacks have had distrust for whites. It dates back to the times of slavery. And even though things have obviously changed since then, there is still at least a subtle distrust of whites by some (I repeat, some) Blacks.
Let me say that I am in support of transracial adoptions. As long as a person’s heart is sincere and they are genuinely good people with a true desire to be an effective parent, they should be able to adopt a child of another race. That includes whites adopting Blacks, Blacks adopting whites and any other person adopting a child of any ethnicity. Everyone should have the right to adopt whomever they want.
While I support transracial adoptions, I think it is important to not only acknowledge the concerns of naysayers, but also examine their reasoning.
Let’s consider what Blacks who oppose transracial adoptions told me:
A lack of cultural awareness on the part of the parent or child – This can easily be remedied through education. Any person who is going to adopt a child of a different race should attend mandated classes or workshops about that child’s specific race. In addition to learning the importance of making that child aware of their history – things such as cultural competency and even basics like how to do hair should also be reviewed.
The assumption that whites (or any other non-Black) who adopts a Black child has an ulterior motive – Perhaps some people do adopt children of other races because they want to be praised or “look good.” However, I genuinely believe these people are few and far between. There are so many things that are involved in raising children, so “praise” for adopting a child of a different race would eventually fade, while the tremendous responsibilities of being a parent would not. In short, praise is often short-lived while parenting lasts a lifetime. Also, if the parent adopts without receiving monthly stipends or financial support from the government, that may also reduce the “ulterior motives” discussion.
A fear that children adopted by people of other races will be abused or used as live-in housekeepers – While I understand the rules for fostering children and adopting children are different, as are the follow-up procedures, I also believe it might be effective for adoption agencies to consider some sort of continuous check-in policy where they visit the home and speak with the child independently from time-to-time. Properly monitoring that child’s response and behavior will be key to determining any sort of maltreatment.
There are so many children in the foster care system, specifically Black children. And while there are great foster parents, children thrive more when they have a stable home and parents who can tend to their needs by giving them individual attention. Adoption of any sort is better than having children in the foster care system until they age out. Who are we to prevent a child from having the opportunity to have a real family simply because some of us are so narrow-minded in our stance on transracial adoption? It doesn’t seem fair to the child. I’m sure if we asked any child in the system if they would rather remain in the system and never knowing for certain how long their stay at any given home is or if they would prefer to be adopted by a family of a different race, most children would probably pick adoption.
If we fight and eventually prohibit transracial adoptions, aren’t we reverting the equal rights efforts so many people fought for and even died for? In opposing transracial adoptions, are we not regressing rather than progressing?
Perhaps as a society, we need to stop being so cynical with our thinking. I steadfastly believe that some simply want to be parents. They want to love a child and care for another human being. The fact that they are willing to adopt in a manner that could possibly lead to chatter in the community or even alienation from family and friends further demonstrates their commitment and sincerity.
Love is love and as long as there are people, who are sincere in their efforts to parent effectively, then let us support them and the children who will gain a lifetime of love and stability.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.
