Transracial adoption of black children

Abstract

Amuzie Chimezie, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. In a society in which black-white The fifth factor is rarely mentioned relationships are characterized, among in literature. This need is often other things, by hatred and oppression, lost sight of because many concerned one issue blacks have to consider is with adoptive problems have been so whether it is advisable, wise, safe, and preoccupied with proving that it does psychologically healthy for black chilnot exist. Among proofs used are dren who must be reared by people facts that many white adoptive other than their natural parents to be parents have children of their own and brought up in white homes. In an are still fertile. The psychosocial need earlier era—when blacks still hopefor adopting black children may, how lessly and futilely chased meltingever, be present even though it is not pot mirage—blacks probably would recognized.7 have thought that having their chilIn view of these facts and beliefs, dren brought up in white homes would it is easy to see why transracial adop be best thing that ever happened tion was suggested as a remedy. It to them. Witness exultation with seemed to offer one way to reduce which black house slaves spoke of surplus of white parents looking for belonging to quality white folk and babies to adopt.8 degree to which they put themThe argument favoring transracial selves above field hands because adoption of black children by white they were living with white slave families is not based on an expressed owner. preference of white to black homes But there has been a significant for raising black children. Most groups change, not only in times, but also and individuals who favor or at least in black ethnic consciousness, identity, do not oppose such transracial adop and attitudes and in blacks' perception implicitly or explicitly recognize tions of themselves, their plight, and that black family is preferable for their culture. It is true that today some these children, and they admit that black groups and individuals do not white family, at best, is only sec oppose idea of having black chilond best. For example, Child Wel dren raised in white homes; indeed, fare League of America, in full rec some decidedly favor it.1 Black oppoognition of insidiously racist sition to idea also exists, however, character of the interacting forces and should be perceived as functionof our society, makes following ally related to rise in ethnic awarestatement;