Pop star Madonna’s attempt to adopt a second child from Malawi is sparking all sorts of discussion about international adoption, race, paternalism and how Americans can best help children and adults in countries mired in poverty. What I find interesting is the unquestioned way the media is categorizing adopting a black child from Malawi (or [...]

written by Anti-Racist Parent editor Tami Winfrey Harris
In Sunday’s Chicago Tribune, columnist Clarence Page writes:
In fact, the Urban League, like most of America’s old-guard black leadership, focuses on race while playing down how closely the fortunes of America’s new black middle class match those of their white counterparts. The biggest statistical drag on black progress [...]

by Carmen Van Kerckhove

Addicted to Race is New Demographic’s podcast about America’s obsession with race. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find in this episode:
What are the race and gender implications of the Chris Brown and Rihanna dating violence scandal? Why is an American-born honors student being forced to prove she can speak English? And [...]

crossposted from What Tami Said
Are you hip to the Diversity Rocks! 2009 Challenge? It aims to “ensure racial and ethnic diversity in the authors that we read.” Organizer Ali explains:

What if we only read authors who were just like us? How boring would that be?
But when I take a good hard look at the books [...]

by Carmen Van Kerckhove
“Why? Because… because… it’s just the right thing to do!”
Is that what you blurt out every time you try and convince your colleagues about the importance of diversity?
No wonder you’re not getting anywhere!
I wish it weren’t true, but the reality is this: Proclaiming that your organization has a moral responsibility to work [...]

What’s on your mind?

It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for another gratuitous cute kid pic. These come from proud parents Ethan and Holly. Look how fraternal twins Lincoln and Malachi have grown!
Got cute kids? Send us your pics at team@loveisntenough.com.

Dear Anti-Racist Parent:
I was wondering how you feel about programs like World Vision where you can sponsor children in other countries to help with their basic needs. Obviously providing resources to children in need is a good thing, but a part of it feels paternalistic to me. (ie. Here are the white people again rescuing [...]

I stumbled upon Cocoa Familia, “a product blog for families of color,” through a link on the blog Black and Married with Kids. There is some cool stuff to be found here, including a Bessie Coleman action figure (in honor of the first African American to become an airplane pilot, and the first American of [...]

written by Anti-Racist Parent columnist Paula, crossposted from Heart, Mind and Seoul

During my first real job as an adult, I worked for a woman who had a theory about the people in our company who (for whatever reason) didn’t pull their own weight.  She hypothesized that when it came right down to it, there are only ever two [...]

by Anti-Racist Parent contributor Margie Perscheid
I read a disturbing post at Angry Asian Man this morning; the original article is here: Student rejects ‘demeaning’ test, is suspended. Please go read.
At the center of the controversy is Lori Phanachone, a young woman described in the article this way:
Lori Phanachone is a member of the National Honor [...]

What can we do to make Anti-Racist Parent a more valuable site?

It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for another gratuitous cute kid pic. The photo of this adorable twosome comes from reader Krys who wants to introduce her one-year-old twins, Kendall (left) and Camryn (right), to the ARP family. Adorable “bed-head action!”
Got cute kids? Send a pic to team@loveisntenough.com.

 
Have you been following the hubbub surrounding Dora the Explorer 2.0? Mattel and Nickolodeon recently announced that they are introducing a tween Dora. From the press release:
The cornerstone of the entire line is the Dora Links fashion doll. By plugging the doll into the computer, girls can access Dora’s brand-new interactive online world. This exciting [...]

Nicole Hewitt, Commenter #75 on the “Adopted” review thread. Congrats, Nicole! Please e-mail your address to team@antiracist.com and we will send you a review copy of this wonderful DVD set. You are encouraged to share your own review of the series once you have viewed them.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the discussion about [...]

The Wall Street Journal reports that domestic adoption is gaining prominence in China:
…While China is known overseas as a place many go to adopt babies, until recently adoption was uncommon among Chinese families themselves. That’s partly because of limited financial resources, and partly because the country’s Confucian culture emphasizes family and filial piety.
“In China, society [...]

Dear Anti-Racist Parent:
I recently read an article in my local newspaper, “Indian spirit carries Brimfield girls to state,” about a local basketball team. I could not believe that a local school would still be using Native Americans as mascots—something that I know is offensive to many indigenous peoples and to ME as well. I posted [...]

I’m posting in a NyQuil haze. What’s up with you?

It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for another gratuitous cute kid pic. Today’s photo comes from reader, Allison C.
Got cute kids? Send a photo to team@loveisntenough.com.

by Carmen Van Kerckhove
Can I give you $100 OFF my brand-new program?
You see, the home study course version of my Diversity Career Success training course is almost ready, and I want to give our loyal readers here a BIG break on the price for expressing interest as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT: The only way to get [...]