Description
Nearly forty years after researchers first sought to determine the effects, if any, on children adopted by families whose racial or ethnic background differed from their own, the debate over transracial adoption continues. In this collection of interviews conducted with black and biracial young adults who were adopted by white parents, the authors present the personal stories of two dozen individuals who hail from a wide range of religious, economic, political, and professional backgrounds. How does the experience affect their racial and social identities, their choice of friends and marital partners, and their lifestyles? In addition to interviews, the book includes overviews of both the history and current legal status of transracial adoption.
This much needed study brings hard facts and personal experiences to bear on an important subject too often dominated by dogmas and arrogance. It is a breath of fresh air in the fetid atmosphere of racial politics. -- Thomas Sowell, Stanford University No one has contributed more useful empirical research on interracial adoption than Professor Rita Simon and her associates. In Their Own Voices is an important supplement to that scholarly tradition that will further illuminate one of the most interesting corners of race relations in American life. The stories told in this collection are fascinating, poignant, enlightening, inspiring. They deserve a broad audience. -- Randall Kennedy, Harvard Law School This book's suggestion that American families find it easier to adopt children from other countries than to adopt transracially within this country is saddening. This is particularly so when we see hundreds of black children moved from one foster home to another. Those of us who believe in transracial adoptions owe Ms. Simon and Ms. Roorda a continuing debt of gratitude. -- Former Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum, author of the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 In Their Own Voices sheds light on a very complex and controversial debate. The debate would be richer and wiser if those who seek to defend or condemn transracial adoption read this book first. It should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of adopting or has adopted a child from another race. -- Barbara Davidson, civil rights advocate and adoptive mother At a time when a post-racial society remains an elusive fantasy, In Their Voices is indispensable. This book represents the dinner party I wish my parents had thrown-full of interesting African-Americans whose wisdom I now know reflects my own experience. Whether formed through adoption or marriage, multiracial families looking for tools to raise healthy children of color will find Roorda's latest contribution to be a valuable resource. -- Phil Bertelsen
About the Author
Rita J. Simon is University Professor in the School of Public Affairs and the Washington College of Law at American University. Rhonda Roorda was adopted into a white family in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. She is coordinator of financial and support services at a nonprofit educational advocacy organization in Lansing, Michigan.
Reviews
This book is the story of every person who has lived in an environment in which he or she didn't quite fit... Yet, while the stories in the book are universal, they are also deeply personal and incredibly touching. You cannot read this book without being changed. Lifelines Extremely informative and emotionally compelling. Social Work in Health Care
Book Information
ISBN 9780231118293
Author Rhonda Roorda
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press
This much needed study brings hard facts and personal experiences to bear on an important subject too often dominated by dogmas and arrogance. It is a breath of fresh air in the fetid atmosphere of racial politics. -- Thomas Sowell, Stanford University No one has contributed more useful empirical research on interracial adoption than Professor Rita Simon and her associates. In Their Own Voices is an important supplement to that scholarly tradition that will further illuminate one of the most interesting corners of race relations in American life. The stories told in this collection are fascinating, poignant, enlightening, inspiring. They deserve a broad audience. -- Randall Kennedy, Harvard Law School This book's suggestion that American families find it easier to adopt children from other countries than to adopt transracially within this country is saddening. This is particularly so when we see hundreds of black children moved from one foster home to another. Those of us who believe in transracial adoptions owe Ms. Simon and Ms. Roorda a continuing debt of gratitude. -- Former Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum, author of the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 In Their Own Voices sheds light on a very complex and controversial debate. The debate would be richer and wiser if those who seek to defend or condemn transracial adoption read this book first. It should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of adopting or has adopted a child from another race. -- Barbara Davidson, civil rights advocate and adoptive mother At a time when a post-racial society remains an elusive fantasy, In Their Voices is indispensable. This book represents the dinner party I wish my parents had thrown-full of interesting African-Americans whose wisdom I now know reflects my own experience. Whether formed through adoption or marriage, multiracial families looking for tools to raise healthy children of color will find Roorda's latest contribution to be a valuable resource. -- Phil Bertelsen
About the Author
Rita J. Simon is University Professor in the School of Public Affairs and the Washington College of Law at American University. Rhonda Roorda was adopted into a white family in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. She is coordinator of financial and support services at a nonprofit educational advocacy organization in Lansing, Michigan.
Reviews
This book is the story of every person who has lived in an environment in which he or she didn't quite fit... Yet, while the stories in the book are universal, they are also deeply personal and incredibly touching. You cannot read this book without being changed. Lifelines Extremely informative and emotionally compelling. Social Work in Health Care
Book Information
ISBN 9780231118293
Author Rhonda Roorda
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press
