Love is Blind

The concept of "family" here in the United States is an ever-changing, always developing entity.  A couple decades ago, if someone were to ask the question: "What does the average family look like in America?" the answer would have been simple and predictable: "A married mom and dad with a couple of kids, and maybe a pet dog."  However, the current definition of a "family" is no longer so black and white.

One of my all-time favorite TV shows is "The Fosters" on ABC family.  In case you are unfamiliar with it, the show highlights the lives of a bi-racial lesbian couple, and their rag-tag group of kids, made up of a biological white son, adopted Hispanic twins, and two white foster kids.  This description is about as far away as possible from my previous description of an American family.  However, this is becoming a reality in our country today, as people are becoming more accepting of interracial relationships and gay rights.

Because of my love for this show, I actually decided to look into how race affects the foster system and the process of adoption.  While poking around on the internet, I came across a startling fact: In California, if a white family fostering a black child wishes to adopt said child, they must enter a 30-day period in which the adoption agency searches for any black family that would like to adopt that child.  If no such family is found, the white family may follow through with the adoption.  If a black family is found, the black child will be given to them instead.

When I read this law, I immediately felt sick to my stomach.  The show "The Fosters" prides itself on being an accurate representation of the foster system here in America, and it shows that these kids spend a great deal of time being moved from house to house.  My question is this: If a child is in a happy home, where they are loved, wanted, and cherished, why move them from that home solely based on the color of their skin?  Especially if these kids are considered "the lucky ones" if they find a home that is stable and safe?

One of my best friends growing up was adopted, and I remember my 6-year-old self asking my mom, "Don't you think she wonders who her real mom is?"  And, for as long as I live, I will never forget her answer: "She knows her real mom.  Her real mom is the one who tucks her in at night, who drops her off at school every morning, and who covers her scrapes in Band-Aids.  Does she wonder who gave birth to her?  Maybe sometimes, but she knows and is loved by her real mom every single day."

It is time for people to open their eyes and see that color has no effect whatsoever on the ability to show someone love.  Love is blind.  And the word family can mean whatever you want it to mean.


Image came from this website: http://pubfilm.com/the-fosters-2015-season-3-full-10-episode-pubfilm-free.html.