Interracial Adoption: Case by Case

The subject of interracial adoption has been widely debated by people of all races. White liberals argue that children need loving homes no matter the race of the child. On the other end of the spectrum, minorities argue that minority children must be raised by minority parents in order to prepare fro the discrimination they may face in American society. However, there is a solution to the debate over interracial adoption that incorporates both views on the subject.

The current debate over interracial adoption has many white liberals up in arms defending the right of white individuals to adopt minority children; particularly black children. Advocates for white families that wish to adopt black children argue that these parents can raise black children in a loving and supportive environment. They also contend that white parents can raise minority children in an environment that is color blind and therefore supportive of their special ethnic needs. However, their strongest argument lies in the fact that without these white individuals, certain children may never find a home and be turned over to the foster system.

Conversely, minority advocates point out that minority children require special guidance because of their unique experiences encountering racism later on in life. They argue that minority children must be prepared for this type of discrimination, and white parents cannot do the job. According to these advocates, white parents provide the minority child with an environment where the child is taught equality of the races. However, they contend that this type of idealism does not prepare the child for the degree of discrimination and prejudice they may face in society.

In addition, a case is made for the culture certain minority children will miss out on when adopted by white parents. For example, a black child may not be taught the story of slavery or put in touch with black music, such as jazz. Opponents of interracial adoption argue that this puts the child at a disadvantage when they pursue relationships with others of the same ethnic background.