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Mallory, I understand entirely your point and think that this is a relevant discussion when considering birth "culture" that I will participate in when I have more time. This is not just about economics and poverty that can sometimes come into play when discussing adoption but about American cultural differences founded in religion and region.

Lisa, You know there have been lots of conversations on the AA Adoptive Parents board that include the presentation and extensive discussions of stereotypes, differences in class/socioeconomic status, region, etc. They were valuable, as a great dialogue came from that. In fairness, I think that Mallory was presenting an aspect of Appalachian culture that she has seen (and that I have seen), rather than presenting it as "the culture."

Oh, and Sleep, is it the Travellers?