|
Just wanted to put my 2 cents in here....great thread! We adopted our first son from south africa after knowing him while working over there for a time....When it came time to adopt #3, our social worker tried to convince us to go domestic (although we are in Canada, not US)and assured us that we would get a multi-racial baby relatively quickly. So, chances were we would be referred a black baby, as we already had a black son. But for us it wasn't a question of race, it was more a question of culture. The culture of SA fascinates us - it is so rich and full of resiliancy. (don't get me wrong - i am not saying that African Americans don't have a rich culture - they do!), but we were just really drawn to Africa as a whole, and more specifically SA. We also love to travel.So despite the money thing (which was HUGE for us), the "easier wait", etc...we went International.
Not to mention, we get a really cool trip out of the bargain (safari, anyone?)
I really believe we all have to do what we feel is right for us - and honestly if adoptive parents think they can't handle the questions, staring, etc (although we have had almost none of that), then it's better for the child to not be placed in that home, anyways.
I love the fact that we have so many cultures mixed into our little family...
As far as black boys placed at the "bottom of the ladder", what about Chinese girls? Sure, they are valued in NA culture - but the world is cruel to them too. What about girls in some parts of India? Not a great place to be, at times. Besides - anyone who places these boys "at the bottom of ladder" - it's just plain ignorance. And, they don't know what they are missing!
Ok - new controversial question - what do you guys think is the difference in raising a black child in Canada compared to the US in terms of wider cultural acceptance?
|