Introduction
Adoption is a complex and emotional procedure in which many things must be considered before placing a child in a loving family. One of the most contentious problems in adoption is whether or not race should be included in the decision-making process. While transracial adoption has grown in popularity in recent years, there are still concerns regarding the influence of racial disparities on a child’s development and sense of self.
Some think that racial barriers should be respected and that children should only be placed with families of their race, but others feel that love and support may transcend racial borders. Adoption of racial boundaries should not be considered an insurmountable barrier to placing children with loving families. While transracial adoption may present problems, studies and personal accounts indicate that it may be a joyful experience for all parties involved.
Potential Problems Associated with Transracial Adoption
The Problem of Cultural Disorientation
Even though Interracial adoption has been growing at a much faster rate in recent years, there are still many issues. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about 40% of all adoptions are transracial (Valby). While transracial adoption has been attacked for interfering with the child’s cultural and racial identity, advocates maintain that it provides a loving home for a child who would not have found one otherwise.
However, one possible side effect highlighted is the possibility of cultural disorientation or conflict for the kid. Transracial adoptees, according to the author, may feel conflicted between their adoptive family’s culture and their own racial identity, resulting in feelings of loneliness and separation (Reed). This argument is important because it is essential to recognize that the cultural and racial identities of transracial adoptees can be varied and multifaceted. Adoptive families should be willing to help their kids explore their ethnic and cultural identities, as well as give them chances to connect with their birth culture.
The Problem of Discrimination
Another potential adverse effect is that adoptees may face prejudice and discrimination. According to Reed, transracial adoptees may face prejudice and discrimination because of their ethnicity, and adoptive families must be prepared to assist their kids in these instances. This argument emphasizes the need for adoptive parents to learn about their child’s racial history and experiences and act as an advocate for their child when required.
The third possible disadvantage of transracial adoption is a lack of racial mirrors and role models for the adoptee. According to the author, this might make it challenging for the adoptive parents to manage their racial identity, leading to feelings of isolation and separation (Reed). This argument emphasizes the necessity of adopting parents offering opportunities for their kids to connect with their birth culture as well as access to strong role models of their child’s race.
The Controversy of Transracial Adoption in the US
The controversy surrounding transracial adoption indeed suggests that, as a society, Americans are deeply ambivalent about racial distinctions in the family household. According to the statement, there is a lot of controversy surrounding transracial adoption, and this issue is founded in a larger ambivalence that Americans have about race and its role in family relations. On the one hand, transracial adoption might be viewed as a strategy to foster diversity and break down societal racial boundaries. Some say, on the other hand, that transracial adoption can be problematic for both the kid and the family, particularly if the child is adopted into a household that does not recognize or respect their racial identity. Ambivalence over transracial adoption stems from bigger historical and cultural causes.
Historical and Cultural Roots of the Problem in the US
Race has always been a highly heated subject in the United States, with deep-seated preconceptions, biases, and power inequalities that continue to impact social interactions (Weaver). From a historical perspective, interracial adoption has always been controversial in the United States. According to Weaver, before World War II, interracial adoption was against social norms.
However, as America entered a postwar economic boom, there was a high demand for adopted children. For instance, adoptions were more than quadrupled to 100,000 per year in the decade after 1945. Bernard states that in 1969, around 1400 black children were placed in white families, and in 1971, this number rose to 2500. The debate over transracial adoption reflects Americans’ complicated and frequently contradictory opinions about race and its role in family life.
While there are problems and hazards connected with transracial adoption, there are also several potential positives, including increased variety and cultural interaction and the formation of loving, supportive families. Finally, adopting a child of a different race should be based on a thorough assessment of the child’s requirements as well as the family’s capacity to offer a secure and caring environment.
As many know, the majority of interracial adoptions in the U.S. are of non-white children into white families, which minimizes the cultural background of their non-white adoptee. According to Zill, in 2011, white children comprised the most significant percentage of adoptees at 39%, and Hispanic children came in second with 23% of all adoptees. Meanwhile, 17% of children were Asian, and only 9% were Black students (Zill).
At the same time, white women made up around 77% of adoptive mothers in the same year (Zill). Zill also stated that most adopted parents were white and generally older, better educated, and more financially stable than biological moms and dads. Thus, white families adopting non-white children account for a significant part of transracial adoptions.
The Problem of the Ancestry Loss
This adoption scenario raises worries regarding the preservation of the non-white adoptee’s cultural heritage. Critics believe that putting a kid in a household of a different racial and cultural background may result in the youngster losing their ancestry and being disconnected from their racial identity (Reed). Hatzipanagos also focused on the complicated emotional experiences of transracial adoptees, who frequently struggle with identification and belonging. Many adoptees interviewed for the article wished to reconnect with their biological families or learn more about their cultures (Hatzipanagos). The study also looks at how transracial adoption can perpetuate racial disparities and marginalize minority groups, especially when white adoptive parents are unable to acknowledge and confront the unique issues that their non-white children encounter.
The Need for Cultural Preservation
Abrahamson emphasized the need for adoptive parents to be aware of the racial identity problems their children may experience. They also need to give resources and assistance for their children to keep their connection to their racial ancestry. It is crucial to emphasize, however, that not all transracial adoptions result in cultural background loss. Many adoptive families take the initiative to learn about their child’s racial origin and to provide chances for cultural discovery and connection (Valby).
Thus, while it is true that a considerable proportion of interracial adoptions in the United States include white families adopting non-white children, this does not imply that the non-white adoptee’s cultural background is downplayed. The degree to which cultural background is kept is determined by the adopting parents’ understanding, efforts, and support in recognizing and developing their child’s ethnic and cultural identity. Adoptive parents are critical in fostering cultural knowledge and safeguarding their children’s connection to their background.
Developing a Sense of Identity
Parents can successfully adopt interracially if they have the right tools, knowledge, and support system to face some of the challenges of apprehension. Potential difficulties include discrimination, psychological distress, and possible lack of opportunities for them to explore and understand their culture. Transracial adoption has been a contentious issue for many years and continues to be so today.
One of the primary questions raised in the context of transracial adoption is whether parents of a different race can offer an acceptable environment for a child of a different race. While there are undoubtedly unique obstacles and potential adverse effects connected with transracial adoption, it is critical to note that these issues may be addressed with the correct tools, information, and support system. One of these issues is that children with different racial heritages are more likely to be discriminated against for adoption. (Fogg-Davis 12).
Adopted transracially, children may encounter prejudice from their classmates or even adults, affecting their sense of identity and self-esteem (Hatzipanagos). To overcome this issue, adoptive parents must offer their children the skills and information they need to manage these circumstances (Abrahamson). Parents, for example, may assist their children in developing a strong sense of identity and self-worth by exposing them to good role models and cultural events and teaching them how to respond confidently and assertively to prejudice.
The Problem of Psychological Discomfort
Another issue that arises as a result of transracial adoption is psychological discomfort. Transracially adopted children may experience loss, grief, and identity uncertainty, which can lead to melancholy, anxiety, and other mental health problems (Valby). Adoptive parents must have a support structure to help their children through these difficulties (Abrahamson). This may involve counseling, support groups, or other services that can assist the youngster in processing their emotions and developing a strong sense of identity.
The Problem of Limited Opportunities
Aside from prejudice and psychological hardship, another possible disadvantage of transracial adoption is a lack of opportunity for the child to explore and appreciate their culture. This can be especially difficult if the adoptive parents are unfamiliar with or have no ties to the child’s cultural background (Reed). However, adoptive parents may use a variety of tools to understand better and support their child’s cultural heritage. Parents, for example, might look for cultural events, books, and other resources to assist their kids in developing a feeling of pride and connection to their cultural heritage (Abrahamson).
Conclusion
To conclude, if addressed with understanding, sensitivity, and support, transracial adoption may be a pleasant experience for both the child and the adoptive family. While some unintended consequences and obstacles may exist, such as prejudice and cultural identification concerns, these are manageable with the correct tools and support. Adoptive parents should prioritize learning about their child’s culture and allowing them to explore and comprehend their ancestry. Transracial adoption is a complex topic that needs careful study and planning on the part of all parties concerned. Families may negotiate the hurdles and build a healthy and loving environment for their adopted child to thrive by prioritizing their child’s needs and experiences and seeking resources and assistance.
Works Cited
Bernard, Diane. “A white couple, a mixed-race baby and a forbidden adoption.” The Washington Post, 2019. Web.
Reed, Sunny J. “Five Potential Side Effects of Transracial Adoption.” All Beige. 2018. Web.
Weaver, Nick. “The History of Transracial Adoption.” Adoption Network Cleveland. 2018. Web.
Valby, Karen. “The Realities of Raising a Kid of a Different Race.” Time, n.d. Web.
Zill, Nicholas. “The Changing Face of Adoption in the United States.” Institute for Family Studies. 2017. Web.
Abrahamson, Rachel Paula. “What Black adoptees want white parents to know about transracial adoption.” Yahoo. 2023. Web.
Hatzipanagos, Rachel. “’I Know My Parents Love Me, but They Don’t Love My People’.” Washington Post. 2021. Web.
Fogg-Davis, Hawley. The Ethics of Transracial Adoption. Cornell University Press, 2018.