I've read the thread "Is being selective about race is a cop out?" with much fascination. I thank everyone who has contributed to an important dialog. I've decided to pose a very personal variation on that question.
A little bit about me. I am a caucasion "older" single woman. I've lived and worked and traveled extensively in Latin America. I speak Spanish fluently, and Portuguese competantly. In my NYC neighborhood of Jackson Heights, I am a minority. About 20% of the population is "caucasion non-hispanic" according to recent census data. Almost half the population is "hispanic," from a diverse set of countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, The Dominican Republic... probably in that order... and other countries as well. There is a significant South Asian population as well... mostly from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan. Many other immigrant groups are represented as well.
I am surrounded by people speaking Spanish. When I join in, in my mostly-Mexican accent, people usually look at me oddly and ask where I am from. More often than not, they guess Argentina...as a way of explaining my blond hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and Spanish fluency. Ha.
I work in an educational program for adult immigrants. Our students come from more than 40 countries. My staff speak 13 languages collectively, and hail from every populated continent on earth!
So here I am...considering adoption options. As it says in my sig
I was really excited to learn that Guatemala was an available option for a single older woman. I worked extensively with Guatemalan refugees living in Mexico in the 1980's during the civil war. I've also traveled extensively through Guatemala. I've become a Guatemalan Forum addict in a short amount of time. I get soooo excited when someone says where their baby is from. Flores Peten!!!! Santiago Atitlan!!! Huehuetenango!!!! I know these places!!! I want a baby from "there!"
I really want a baby from Guatemala. I want a baby girl. I want to take her to Tikal when she is old enough, and sit on the top of Temple VI in the moonlight, and squint together as we look out at the ancient city that was so much more advanced (scientifically, mathematically, even artistically) than the European cities of my ancestors. I want to read the Popul Vu together.... the creation story of the Mayan people. I've gotten myself all worked up.
But there is a little bit of guilt nagging at me.
A lot of people want babies from Guatemala. There are 6 million orphans in Ethiopia. I've never been to Ethiopia. I've been studying up a bit... looking at pictures of land and people. I know nothing about the culture. The languages. The practices. I've never heard Ahmaric (sp) spoken.
I feel like a SHOULD adopt from Ethiopia. The need is so great. I feel like I WANT to adopt from Guatemala. I know the culture. I know the language, and my child would certainly grow up bilingual in this neighborhood. I know a few people of Mayan descent, mostly from Oaxaca, but a few from Guatemala. From within my circle of friends, she could have Mayan role models... learn a bit of the language... the traditions...
I've talked about it with a lot of people. One friend said "If you decide on Ethiopia, you will become an expert on Ethiopia in no time." Another said Guatemala, with no reservation. Then she said no... I should get one from each country!!!!
Ok... I've rambled enough. Thank you for reading if you have gotten this far. Tomorrow I leave for vacation, and it is my plan to spend the time deciding. I will probably be back from vacation, having made my decision, before I read any responses.
But let me pose the question anyway.
If I chose Guatemala, am I being selfish or pragmatic?