Family is Colorblind

Consider this, a girl from China whose parents are American will be asked more questions about their relationship than a girl who is the spitting image of her mom or dad. Why must adoption be a reason to question a family’s relationship? Some may even object to the idea of a transracial adoption altogether. The argument most commonly seen is that these children from other countries grow up with low self-esteem and are not taught to cope with racism correctly. Yet, most evidence shows that adopted kids 96 percent of the time have great relationships with their adopted families. The struggles often come from those who have trauma, abuse, or difficult memories of their past, but adoption centers often work with the families and try to help these kids as best as possible.

The true argument lies in the difficulties of the adoption process, paperwork, interviews, and matching, which can vary depending on the organization the process is run through for the family. According to an article titled Behind the Drop in Chinese Adoptions, in 2008, “the adoption of Chinese children dropped 51 percent in three years” (Webley). Children were unable to be adopted with the new requirements to adopt. Luckily, the views have begun to change and with the cooperation of Mexico, Brazil, and India, to name a few, started the adoption process to increase once again.

The adoption process may seem unimportant to the average American but is exceptionally relevant globally. According to “Right at Home,” an article describing adoption and the children involved, it is said that, “each year, approximately 120,000 adoptions take place in the United States, involving kids from babies to teens” (Kasland). Children worldwide are looking for a home, and the idea of transracial adoption should not be a concern if anything, a need. When talking to Darlene Wilson, the mother of an adopted daughter, on the topic of transracial adoptions, she said, “Absolutely (there are benefits) you couldn’t find a better source or method. You are not only benefiting yourself but somebody who is in dire need whose life would be terrible if you hadn’t done it.” At the end of the day, paperwork and a difference in skin color are not important when it comes to bringing together a family because there is no color with love.