Ignorance Is The New Black

Sometimes when people find out we are adopting, they ask us if we were inspired by Angelina Jolie and Madonna. We were not. However, we recognize that there is a perception out there that these celebrities have started a fad.

If that perception reflects reality, I would say that there have certainly been worse fads, even some started by such celebrities as these. But that's just not us.

Now I have just heard that a very trendy store is selling a shirt that says that "Adoption is the New Black".

I get that it is a joke. I make jokes, sometimes inappropriate jokes. So, I won't be trying to start a boycott of their stores. I refuse to play the role of victim to ignorant people. But I grieve on behalf of all adopted children who will read this t-shirt and wonder if they were adopted so their parents could feel cool. Are they equivalent to that aqua IOU sweatshirt mom used to covet?

As always, I can't/don't expect to/won't trust the world to be sensitive to me or my family. Such a trust would leave me constantly disappointed.

We will try to be ready for such shots without being hyper-sensitive or cynical toward people. We will address these wrongs not with whining but by patiently speaking the truth. We will use the adversity to strengthen our family bonds and our faith in God.

So, bring it on.