Foster Parents FAQ » Foster Parents » Should Akids bioCulture Be taught to them?

Should Akids bioCulture Be taught to them?

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too) Woo-hoo!  Let’s hear it for adoptees of Welsh descent!  I found out right before I went there (trip had already been planned long in advance).  Of course, the disadvantage to that is that every single person in the pubs wanted to give me the "true meaning of being Welsh" in five hundred words or more.  Awfully friendly people, and (at least when drinking) very fond indeed of the movie "Zulu."  LOL!

I’m sure you said yak-ee-dah (phonetic!) many times! Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Michelle I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

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Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage. IMO, (for what it’s worth I am, after all, just an adoptee) I think that both the adoptive and the biological heritages should be taught/honored/respected to the extent that the child shows an interest. Speaking only for myself I can tell you that I take great pride in my heritage from both my adoptive side (Italian and English) and my biological side (to the best of my knowledge 100% Irish). I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well? My experiences resulted in a mixture of both. For example, although I am not religious by any means, on Christmas Eve I carry on the tradition that my Nona (adoptive) taught me and have the feast of the seven fishes, and when my husband and I married I added a sprig of shamrock to both my flowers and my husband’s boutonniere (biological/irish for luck and hard as hades to get in NJ in December!). Given the recent events that seem to have made

afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America? I can’t speak for anyone else, but although I am proud to be an American (we’re far from perfect, but this is my home) I also take great pride in my heritage (both bio and adoptive). It’s a part of whom I am…my DH jokes that I look like your "typical" Irishman (red hair, grey eyes, freckles that refuse to fade and so fair-skinned I glow in the dark),

You ’sound’ very familiar – do I know you? BG  cook like an Italian (you’ll never go hungry in my home)

Yum yum.  and have the sense of humour of an Englishman (very dry). What has happened hasn’t changed how I feel about my heritage one iota. I still plan on one day seeing the village in Italy where my Maternal (adoptive) grandparents are from (Gasperina, Calabria) the English Seacoast town my Paternal (adoptive) grandparents are from (Illfracombe) and Ireland draws me in a way I have never been able to explain (even before I knew I was Irish).

Let me know when you make your travel plans for Ireland! Helen Although I’ve never been to any of these places they will always be a part of who I am. Lisa F. Wilson-Gee

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Response:

Recent events haven’t changed my mind at all – if anything, they have reinforced my desire for my children to see themselves primarily as citizens of the world. Which world? Certainly not Planet Earth where such an attitude reveals one to be truly ignorant of reality.

Do you mean *Julia* is "truly ignorant of reality"????? Uh, I don’t *think* so, Don – far from it. I reckon Julia has it in the bag – she practices what she preaches, which (seems to me) to be based on a profound respect for all. If there were more like her, and less of the jingoistic, sabre-rattling types the world would be a far safer, healthier and more interesting place to be. Helen – Don

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Response:

ROTFLMWAO!! Oh yes, they all have a definition of welshness <g Adam

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too) Woo-hoo!  Let’s hear it for adoptees of Welsh descent!  I found out right before I went there (trip had already been planned long in advance).  Of course, the disadvantage to that is that every single person in the pubs wanted to give me the "true meaning of being Welsh" in five hundred words or more.  Awfully friendly people, and (at least when drinking) very fond indeed of the movie "Zulu."  LOL! Michelle I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

Response:

Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. [snip] despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too)

Agree totally with what you said, Adam.  What about my case, though?  I’m not Irish-American, I’m American-Irish!  Conceived in the States by an American dad and Irish ‘mam’, and born and adopted in Ireland.  Which part of American culture should I embrace – McDonalds, or Burger King, do you think? Anton (semi-American bastard!)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. [snip] despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too) Agree totally with what you said, Adam.  What about my case, though?  I’m not Irish-American, I’m American-Irish!  Conceived in the States by an American dad and Irish ‘mam’, and born and adopted in Ireland.  Which part of American culture should I embrace – McDonalds, or Burger King, do you think? Anton (semi-American bastard!)

Personally, I’d go for McDonalds for shakes, sundaes, and fries; Burger King for chicken, hamburgers, and fish. But the ultimate, IMO, is Jack in the Box.  : ) Michelle

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. [snip] despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too) Agree totally with what you said, Adam.  What about my case, though?  I’m not Irish-American, I’m American-Irish!  Conceived in the States by an American dad and Irish ‘mam’, and born and adopted in Ireland.  Which part of American culture should I embrace – McDonalds, or Burger King, do you think?

Burger King – their chips (french fries) are better – or so I’ve been told. Helen Anton (semi-American bastard!)

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Response:

I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

A child adoptd from overseas should be exposed to as much of their native culture as humanly possible.  Why?  BECAUSE IT IS PART OF THEIR IDENTITY! My daughter will probably never know her b-pars.  But, she knows she is Chinese American.  Roy, if you plan to ignore your kids’ Russian heritage, you are doing them a horrible disservice. When kids reach adolescence, they have to figure out who they are.  Lacking contact with b-pars, it is imperative that they have ongoing relationships with their birth-culture. I strongly advise that you take your kids to Russian language school, celebrate Russian holidays and above all, make contact with the Russian-Amrican population.  Try to find Russian baby sitters for your kids.  Find a group f other parents who adopted from Russia and participate in their activities. Of course, you could bury your head in the sand like Don and claim that the US is the only country that matters.  Not a good idea. Gotta go.  We’re taking Elizabeth to the Autumn Moon celebration (Chinse Thanksgiving, roughly) at a nearby state university this afternoon. Linda PS  Why deprive yourself (let alone your kids) of learning about another country?

Response:

Definately Burger King- the fries are better and their vegitarian burgers are microwaved so don’t get contaminated with animal fats :-)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. [snip] despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too) Agree totally with what you said, Adam.  What about my case, though? I’m not Irish-American, I’m American-Irish!  Conceived in the States by an American dad and Irish ‘mam’, and born and adopted in Ireland.  Which part of American culture should I embrace – McDonalds, or Burger King, do you think? Burger King – their chips (french fries) are better – or so I’ve been told. Helen Anton (semi-American bastard!) — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  

IMO, (for what it’s worth I am, after all, just an adoptee) I think that both the adoptive and the biological heritages should be taught/honored/respected to the extent that the child shows an interest. Speaking only for myself I can tell you that I take great pride in my heritage from both my adoptive side (Italian and English) and my biological side (to the best of my knowledge 100% Irish). I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?

My experiences resulted in a mixture of both. For example, although I am not religious by any means, on Christmas Eve I carry on the tradition that my Nona (adoptive) taught me and have the feast of the seven fishes, and when my husband and I married I added a sprig of shamrock to both my flowers and my husband’s boutonniere (biological/irish for luck and hard as hades to get in NJ in December!). Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

I can’t speak for anyone else, but although I am proud to be an American (we’re far from perfect, but this is my home) I also take great pride in my heritage (both bio and adoptive). It’s a part of whom I am…my DH jokes that I look like your "typical" Irishman (red hair, grey eyes, freckles that refuse to fade and so fair-skinned I glow in the dark), cook like an Italian (you’ll never go hungry in my home) and have the sense of humour of an Englishman (very dry). What has happened hasn’t changed how I feel about my heritage one iota. I still plan on one day seeing the village in Italy where my Maternal (adoptive) grandparents are from (Gasperina, Calabria) the English Seacoast town my Paternal (adoptive) grandparents are from (Illfracombe) and Ireland draws me in a way I have never been able to explain (even before I knew I was Irish). Although I’ve never been to any of these places they will always be a part of who I am. Lisa F. Wilson-Gee

Response:

<snip Roy’s delusions about becoming a modern Nathan Hale by denying his children’s cultural background I think that any knowledge you can give a kid about anything is the most important gift you can give them. Michelle

Ayup.

Response:

I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

We do not "live now as citizens of The United States of America".  My family celebrates Korean, India, Aussie and Chinese cultural events but the 4th of July passes unacknowledged. Recent events haven’t changed my mind at all – if anything, they have reinforced my desire for my children to see themselves primarily as citizens of the world.   Julia

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too) Woo-hoo!  Let’s hear it for adoptees of Welsh descent!  I found out right before I went there (trip had already been planned long in advance).  Of course, the disadvantage to that is that every single person in the pubs wanted to give me the "true meaning of being Welsh" in five hundred words or more.  Awfully friendly people, and (at least when drinking) very fond indeed of the movie "Zulu."  LOL! Michelle

I’m a good part Welsh as well, on my daddy’s side.  Rys. Marley

Response:

<snip My daughter is Chinese-American and I have been fortunate to have found childcare and school settings where she spends time with other Chinese-Americans–children and adults. I think it’s very healthy for her. You might have seen her school in Chinatown earlier this week when Pres. Bush visited. She’s in Kindergarten there. The president did not visit her class, which may be a good thing since as soon as she found out he was coming, she reminded me that we didn’t vote for

him! What is it they say? Out of the mouths of babes and lambs! (They’d *hang* you! <s) Helen Roberta mom to Juliette, 5.5, adopted 2/4/98 from China

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Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

I think that any knowledge you can give a kid about anything is the most important gift you can give them. Michelle

Response:

Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too)

Woo-hoo!  Let’s hear it for adoptees of Welsh descent!  I found out right before I went there (trip had already been planned long in advance).  Of course, the disadvantage to that is that every single person in the pubs wanted to give me the "true meaning of being Welsh" in five hundred words or more.  Awfully friendly people, and (at least when drinking) very fond indeed of the movie "Zulu."  LOL! Michelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made

afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

Response:

Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity.

I agree. We Celts *know* these things – it’s bred in the bone! ;-) Helen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Adam (non-american bastards are important too) I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made

afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. I agree. We Celts *know* these things – it’s bred in the bone! ;-) Helen

Good thing, too!  If we had to depend on an original birth certificate, we’d still be waiting to find out whether it’s even important at all!  LOL! Michelle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Adam (non-american bastards are important too) I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America? — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

  My daughter is Chinese-American and I have been fortunate to have found childcare and school settings where she spends time with other Chinese-Americans–children and adults. I think it’s very healthy for her. You might have seen her school in Chinatown earlier this week when Pres. Bush visited. She’s in Kindergarten there. The president did not visit her class, which may be a good thing since as soon as she found out he was coming, she reminded me that we didn’t vote for him! Roberta mom to Juliette, 5.5, adopted 2/4/98 from China

Response:

I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

Response:

I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.

I feel it is very important to share and teach with your achildren their biological heritage. I am raising a child that is going to grow up to be a black man in america. While I dont feel I can ever really know what that entails I can try to give him the tools and the knowledge of his heritage. We do all of the things mentioned in your post as well and make sure he has lots of real life people of his race to talk to and admire. We have also gone about learning a bit more of our heritage ( italian and polish). So we all love lasagna and pierogies now. . I just think it is important, and even if some dont think it is essential it couldnt hurt either so why not.

Response:

I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  

[snip] Why not?  I was born to and raised by my natural parents, and we did all the Italian and Irish stuff we could, just because.  It certainly enriched our lives. Vicki

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

Even the Native Americans are not just "plain Americans" – they are from different tribal backgrounds and heritage, but they are very much "American". Is it not the most wonderful thing to be American AND whatever else is in your background? Irish Americans are often more traditionally Irish in certain ways than those back in Ireland, but they are also most definitely very American. I think it is absolutely vital for an internationally adopted child to be brought up with access to his/her cultural heritage. Support groups for whatever country the child is adopted from can be a great source of contact and information for the parents and the children. The Thais for example understand this very well, and the Thai adoption authorities organise The Native Land Visit for families with adopted Thai children to return there periodically in order to keep up the link between the children and their land of birth. Children should be able to feel proud about themselves and knowing where they have come from is part of that. It doesn’t take anything away from what other nationality they have acquired through adoption. Helen — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.   [snip] Why not?  I was born to and raised by my natural parents, and we did all the Italian and Irish stuff we could, just because.  It certainly enriched our lives. Vicki

Piggybacking on Vicki’s post: Yes, an internationally adopted child should be taught at least something about the country and  culture into which he was born.  It’s part and parcel of establishing a sense of personal history, of being a part of a continuing process, as opposed to having been plucked like a doll from a cabbage patch.   How much depends on the child and his interest level once he reaches a certain age.  You might want to watch for the documentary "First Person Plural" on PBS, for a sense of what some Korean international adoptees feel on the subject. My son takes a good deal of pride in where he was born, in being able to tell people about it, and in telling of the friends and family he has their (birth and foster).  He’s unusual in that he has met all of his immediate birth family, other than his father.  This enhances his interest in the subject and the language, which he speaks well enough to have acted as our translator for part of our visit this year. J.

Response:

Given that this ng extends beyond the boundaries of America, I would like to add the two penny worth. As an adoptee of (recently discovered) Welsh heritage in England, it fascinates me that I have maintained a fascination with Welsh identity since early childhood (through myth, story, history and political identity) despite the fact I did not know my origins. Having recently been connected with said origins simply affirms to me that heritage and culture are CRUCIAL to identity. Adam (non-american bastards are important too)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear others opinions on whether or not or to what extent a child adopted internationally or an American child of a different culture than their afamily should be taught their biological heritage.  I’ve heard some American folk will go to great lengths to instill the culture of their foriegn born children’s biobeginnings in them.  Things like celebrating the holidays of the countries they were born in or dressing in traditional clothing etc… Do domestically adopted kids also follow the religions and customs of their biological beginnings as well?  Given the recent events that seem to have made afro-italian-polish-irish-islamic-chinese-japanese-german-english-french-r ussian-guatemalan-vietnamese- Americans – just plain Americans, does that change anyone’s mind about the importance of the countries or backgrounds their children may have come from as opposed to where they live now as citizens of The United States of America?

Response:

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