Critical Analysis #11

 Transracial adoptees are individuals adopted by parents of a different race or ethnic background than their own. These adoptees must live with growing up in a family and possibly a community where their racial identity is not fully understood. This dynamic can cause them to feel “othered” both within their adoptive family and in their racial or ethnic community. Within their family, physical differences often make their adoptive status visible to outsiders, and without intentional conversations about race, adoptees may feel isolated, misunderstood, or disconnected from their cultural roots. At the same time, they may struggle to fully integrate into their racial or ethnic communities, especially if they lack cultural knowledge, shared experiences, or if others question their authenticity. This dual sense of otherness can significantly impact their self-esteem, identity development, and overall sense of belonging. In families with a transracial adoptee, it is essential that racial differences are acknowledged rather than ignored. Adopting a colorblind approach can actually be really harmful to transracial adoptees. When parents choose not to “see” race, they risk invalidating their child’s lived experiences with racial bias or discrimination, leaving the child unprepared to navigate a world where race undeniably shapes opportunities and interactions. However, "experiences with prejudice and dis-crimination directed toward their non-White children—whether via adoption or a biological child born of an interracial relationship—can heighten racial awareness, making it more difficult to remain blind to White privilege and downplay the role of race and ethnicity in their or their child’s day-to-day lives" (Killian & Khanna 2019, pg. 13). In the text, a mother, Rosemary, talked about how her daughter was trailed as they walked around the store and she didn't even notice because she was so used to the privilege of being white. 

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