In Their Own Voices

by Simon, Rita James

• ISBN13: 9780231118293
• ISBN10: 0231118295
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-06-01
• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
About the Authors	xi
Introduction	xiii
Part I Argument, Rhetoric, and Data for and Against Transracial Adoption	1	(28)
Legal Status, History, and Review of Empirical Work	3	(26)
Part II Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories	29	(352)
Introduction	31	(2)
Interviews
Donna Francis*	33	(22)
Jessica Pelton	55	(17)
Andrea	72	(14)
Kimberly Stapert	86	(15)
Shecara*	101	(15)
Laurie Goff	116	(18)
Chantel Tremitiere	134	(8)
Nicolle Tremitiere Yates	142	(14)
Rachel	156	(11)
Iris*	167	(14)
Aaliyah*	181	(13)
Rhonda Roorda	194	(20)
Rev. Keith J. Bigelow	214	(18)
Daniel Mennega	232	(14)
Tage Larsen	246	(14)
David T. Adams	260	(19)
Dan O'Brien	279	(12)
Seth D. Himrod	291	(13)
Lester Smith Sr.	304	(13)
Ned	317	(14)
Pete	331	(16)
Britton Perry	347	(12)
Taalib*	359	(12)
Chip	371	(10)
Part III In Their Own Voices:
Summary and Concluding Remarks	381