Adopting outside of your race?

[east93]

Lately I've been just enamored with the idea of adopting a little blonde boy from Russia. I have no real idea why, but it's just been on my mind for a good few months.

Thing is, I'm not European, at all.

I feel like this is just too much of a stretch to even pass off, not that I'd want him to think he wasn't adopted, I'd likely want him to be aware of that from as early on as is healthy. But because it's just...odd seeming for a non-European to adopt a blonde boy from Russia. It's one thing if it's a domestically done one and it just worked out that way, but to actively try and adopt a child from Europe?
Ehhh, that's likely just borderline "unacceptable" in most eyes, I feel.

I just wanted some input and ideas from other adoptive parents, future ones, and adopted children.
I won't be a mother for another 6/7 years at least, but I'm very interested in hearing the thoughts of others and having a discussion.

[southern.maple]

I don't think this is any different than a white couple adopting a child from, say, Uganda. Every child deserves a family. I hardly think ethnicity matters in the equation.

[east93]

I don't think this is any different than a white couple adopting a child from, say, Uganda. Every child deserves a family. I hardly think ethnicity matters in the equation.

Oh I agree, it's just that I can think up a few nasty counter arguments, so I felt it'd best to get reality checks.

Thanks for your post.

[kala_way]

If there's really a child that needs a good home and you can provide it, I don't see that it matters what your or their race is. Unless you really think it make his life more difficult if he stands out a lot in your culture.

[labmama]

I don't see how this would be any different from an average white couple from Canada or the US adopting a baby girl from China. My parents are white and had me first, then adopted my twin brothers (white), then adopted my sister and another brother, neither of whom are white. Is it a big deal? No. I don't think this is something you need to worry about at all. If giving a child a loving family through adoption is something that you were meant to do, then pursue it, no matter where it leads you.

[aj_bear]

If I chose to have children, I plan to adopt. That being said, ethnicity and race wouldn't alter my desicion in the slightest. If a child needs a home, you should adopt it, given you're ready. Race and ethnicity don't matter.
My brother, who's twelve, says that he wants to adopt a child from Asia, Africa, and Europe, so they can grow up and not be racist. It's adorable, and proves that race doesn't matter.
-Athena

[rowangreeneyes]

I've always imagined myself adopting an African American girl. When I think about potentially adopting, that's what I picture in my mind. I don't think it's wrong to want to adopt a certain race. It's the same thing as hoping your biological child has blue eyes instead of brown or curly hair instead of straight. My husband is half Navajo and he has a dark complexion and black hair and dark brown eyes, and I have to admit when our daughter ended up with my pale complexion and green eyes, I was a tad disappointed! I always pictured my children being darker for some reason. Who knows, my next child could look like him and people will think they're not related or something. I have a friend who has a 6 year old from a previous relationship with a white man, and now she is married to an African American man and they have a 1 year old son together. If we go out without her husband, people ask if her younger son is adopted because he looks like a different race. She gets really annoyed.

[strawberry shortcake]

I see no issue with it at all, I can't fathom why it'd be unacceptable. You'd be giving a child a wonderful home and life.

[catloverd]

I did my senior these on "the importance of families incorporating Chinese culture in their adopted Chinese child's life" and so I have to say if you do adopt from another country, do try to blend the cultures. It is so sad to see a child lose their native language and their culture because they are adopted by someone of another culture.

Sure you can't do everything, but tell them about their country, make sure you do research of your own so you can. I am half Chinese and though not adopted, I have also felt part of me is missing because my mom didn't share her culture. I ended up majoring in Asian Literature and Language in order to learn more about myself. It is way more beneficial for the child if you grow up teaching them their culture and even their language so if they choose to go back they can easily speak to the people there. I wasn't raised bilingual and am very sad since my Chinese will never be fluent. I plan on having my children go to Chinese immersion schools so they won't miss out on what I did.

Every child does deserve a home, but when adopting from another country, you have to find ways to keep the child's native culture alive because they will never truely be American. With Europeans it's easier because they are white and look like Americans, but for Asians and African Americans, they will always be judged by their race. Even so, I still think culture is important since it gives the child a place to fall back on when they feel they don't fit in.

[east93]

I did my senior these on "the importance of families incorporating Chinese culture in their adopted Chinese child's life" and so I have to say if you do adopt from another country, do try to blend the cultures. It is so sad to see a child lose their native language and their culture because they are adopted by someone of another culture.

Sure you can't do everything, but tell them about their country, make sure you do research of your own so you can. I am half Chinese and though not adopted, I have also felt part of me is missing because my mom didn't share her culture. I ended up majoring in Asian Literature and Language in order to learn more about myself. It is way more beneficial for the child if you grow up teaching them their culture and even their language so if they choose to go back they can easily speak to the people there. I wasn't raised bilingual and am very sad since my Chinese will never be fluent. I plan on having my children go to Chinese immersion schools so they won't miss out on what I did.

Every child does deserve a home, but when adopting from another country, you have to find ways to keep the child's native culture alive because they will never truely be American. With Europeans it's easier because they are white and look like Americans, but for Asians and African Americans, they will always be judged by their race. Even so, I still think culture is important since it gives the child a place to fall back on when they feel they don't fit in.

Oh most definitely, I agree. If I did ever adopted a Russian child, I'd teach them as much as I could about their native culture. I'd even learn to cook Russian foods. :P