[DeNaJa]

One of my grandparents uses the term "colored" also...and "mongoloid" (for those with Down's) among others which are now found offensive, but which were "normal" and "acceptable" for her generation. I try not to react with intense emotion, but instead remember where she is coming from. She isn't speaking out of malice, just a generational gap. I will say that I was concerned about prejudice considering the terminology, but my daughter is welcomed and treated as "part of the pack". I think in honesty, my grandma (and others) sorta forget my daugher is multi-racial. She is just "family". My grandma told me recently since we are the only people to adopt in our whole family (either side), the only ones with a multi-racial family and the only ones with a special needs child "this is all new for me...for all of us and we are learning as we go". I think that in itself is an important step...to admit we are not experts, will make mistakes, but are willing to learn and to try in love for one another. It is new for ALL of us...and we are all doing our best. Don't be doormats and accept obvious insults meant to be cruel, but don't go around looking to be offended either. It is easy to be offended, especially by those who are trying really hard NOT to offend! I got my head bit off several times for not using "correct" lingo on this site when I 1st arrived. It was ignorance,not malice. And what offends some will not offend others...don't expect people to read your mind. Take a deep breath and gently, respectfully educate. I think often this approach works better than a sarcastic repremand.

[Celesyee]

DH and I are both Asian Americans, though not the same ethnicity. Initially we wanted to adopt only a full or part Asian child, but after a lot of deep thought we opened our preferences to any ethnicity knowing that we'd probably be matched with an AA or biracial child. When we told our parents about our updated adoptions plans his mother asked, "don't you want to adopt a half Chinese, half Filipino child?" As if we can just go the agency and make an order?

My dad asked, "so what, are you going to adopt just any kid?" My mom later told me that my dad preferred that we adopt an Asian child.

Now MIL absolutely loves Devin (and actually thinks he's her son...long story). My dad has even asked me several times about protecting Devin from stereotypes and racism. I also learned that the Chinese term for AA that we've used our entire life is actually a racial term. Apparently there is not a PC Chinese term for AA so now that's exactly what my dad uses...African American.