[Emeraldgems]

I used to be much more interested in Thai culture but sort of in the way any white people see it as a different exotic culture. I wasn't actually more interested in Thai culture than any other "exotic" culture. My identity is Danish and I don't feel guilty about it. I don't know how I feel about my bparents. I posted a long thing about it on the support forum on a thread about birth mothers. I don't think there's anything strange or wrong in not being interested in your birth culture and if you should become a parent one day to children who are interested, then I don't think it's too much to ask that they do their own research but be open and supportive about it. I don't feel Thai at all, I'm just Danish and that's just a fact. I'm often amused when I look in the mirror and this oriental face stares back at me that I don't "recognize" for lack of better wording but I had expected to see a recognizable face with features and coloring like my white family, lol!
I don't think you should feel guilty at all and I don't think you should let anyone make you feel guilty.

I'm new and maybe I'll understand after a while, but right now I don't understand this thing about aculture and own culture. Isn't my own culture the one I identify with ??? I feel that Danish culture is my own culture and Thai culture is just my birth culture or quite frankly, a culture like any other culture and right now I can't see what it has to do with me *shrugs*.

[hanlekb]

Thanks mattmiamom, I really appreciate the kind words, and my parents will more so. In regards to your son, I wouldn't worry, if and when he wants to learn more he will. In my situation, I was worried about, If I took too much interest what type of emotional impact it would have on my parents.

Originally Posted by mattmiamom

I am the mother of an 8 year Korean boy (adopted into a dysfuntional irish american family at 4 months). I often worry that he has no interest in his Korean heritage. He does however embrace his irish american family and it's traditions. He too knows a few too many irish jokes (thanks in part to his many Uncles).

Your posts made me smile. I hope my son grows up to be so well adjusted.

Susan
Mom to Matt (8) and Mia (4) both Korean

[hanlekb]

I can't agree with you more.