[aleandgreysmama]

A graphic designer friend of ours has helped design an announcement for us. I want to post it, but am not sure how to block out my last name, so I will post the wording here. I want to know if this sounds offensive to you. I love how it looks, and it didn't bother me when I first read it, but then I started thinking that it may sound too callous.

Thoughts? Like it or not?


Made in Guatemala (designed to look like a clothing tag, this is the part I am questioning)
At Home in Pittsburgh
Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala 8/24/06

Thanks for your help!

[cbmstephanie]

It doesn't bother me, but I don't tend to as sensitive as others do about things like that. I think you have to follow your cues...if you are hesitant, then just take a little more time to think about it and possibly come up with something else.

[carlyincali]

I think it sounds great. I don't think there's anything at all insensitive about that.

[aleandgreysmama]

Thanks! Anyone else?

[allerseelen4]

It doesn't bother me at all. Like Stephanie said, I don't get oo sensitive about that stuff either. My first reaction when I read it was "how cute! how clever!"

Kristen

[joelynn]

Originally Posted by allerseelen4

It doesn't bother me at all. Like Stephanie said, I don't get oo sensitive about that stuff either. My first reaction when I read it was "how cute! how clever!"

Kristen

Me too!!!

[joyfulme3x]

Hope it's okay if I jump in from the China board (I lurk a LOT here on the Guatemala as do a lot of other China adoptive parents--we're all hoping right along with you for good news about the situation with Guatemala adoptions!).

Can I respectfully offer my opinion? This is a topic of discussion in the China adoption community too as you can imagine, with all the "Made in China" labels out there. Personally, I wouldn't use this wording for an adoption announcement. Before I adopted, I might not have thought anything of it but now that I have one child from China and another waiting child on the way I have overheard quite a few remarks from people about how we "bought" a child or "how much we paid to get this child" etc. and they hurt a little, especially when my daughter is there within earshot. Putting a merchandise tag on an adoption announcement (though I agree it's a very cute play on words!) just runs a little too close to that very negative stereotype for my comfort.

I certainly don't think this is a huge deal or that it's going to damage your child forever or anything but it seems to me that if you're feeling a little uncomfortable than maybe you should go with something else. You should LOVE your adoption announcements and be proud and happy to send them to everyone you know!

M

[Gatos]

I have to say that I agree with joyfulme3X. If we want the public to become sensitive with their language and treatment of our children not as bought and sold, we need to steer clear of anything that fuels this perception. I think a tag hits way too close to this sensitive subject. It seems like a kind of objectification. If you really love them, could you change the word "made" to "born"?

[beachykeen]

I think that if you have some doubt about it, then you need to change the wording. It seems to me that it does bother you, at least a little, and like someone else said, you should LOVE your announcements. Just my 2 cents.

[lzriggles]

Another thought if you want to keep the clothing tag idea: how about 100% adorable or
50% sugar
30% spice
20% everything nice!

or even care instructions: Handle with care, snuggle close, air dry...

or something along those lines...

Best wishes!

[brink]

I tend to agree that it doesn't seem the best idea for a child. One day, when your child looks at that announcement, what connotations will it bring to mind? I live here now, but I was "made" in Guatemala. And what picture does it give of a birth mother? Just that she "made" her child and that's the end of that part of the story? Just some thoughts as I try to imagine it from a child's perspective when they are old enough to wonder about what "Made in Guatemala" encompasses.