Comments on: Haitian children are finding safer homes through adoption. Are they losing their culture in the process?

By: Jacqui

Jacqui — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:29:54 +0000

Oh, and BTW, Mrs Keaton; how many Haitain children did you adopt?

By: Jacqui

Jacqui — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:26:12 +0000

You know, I'm American of Puerto Rican ethnicity, and you know how I found out about my heritage (as little as it is)? By looking it up, myself. My parents, who were both born in PR, and did not move to the mainland until they were both 12, respectively; hardly ever talked about Puerto Rican, or the heritage. I'm not sure that this is a major concern. First and foremost, it should be the care of these children. I'm sure, if the adoptive parents take care of the basics, the question concerning the children’s — so called need to maintain their “heritage,” will take care of itself.

By: McD

McD — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:56:05 +0000

I think this is a great article. The displaced children of Haiti will inevitably struggle with identity and belonging. Many adopted children grow up and have a hard time reconciling their adoptive identities with the pre-adoptive ones they’ve left behind. However, raising these children with a strong sense of acceptance/belonging in their new cultures while validating any sense of Haitian heritage they wish to retain might make them feel more comfortable with who they are and who they will become.

By: Frank

Frank — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:34:36 +0000

very thoughtful column. disregard the comments above. culture counts! it is always important to be mindful of where we come from especially when we look to where we are going.

and timbankful, considering your first comment, don’t be ridiculous. Hitler would have been disgusted with any calls for preservation and protection of non-white culture. when you (and others) toss around the “hitler” accusation willy-nilly, it really diminishes the overall seriousness of fascism and white supremacy. giving it no meaning at all.

By: Timbankful

Timbankful — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:32:03 +0000

Hey Sean! OPEN YOUR EYES! Ms. Keaton is into racial purity.

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:39:38 +0000

I’m going to ignore the first comment, because it’s utterly ridiculous, and try to reply to the article itself.
I don’t believe it’s the responsibility of the children’s adoptive parents to preserve their cultural background.
In the process of adopting a child, it’s important to reduce the feeling that they are foreign or different.
If the new parents stress Haitian culture too much, they risk robbing the children of a solid identity with roots in the region in which they live.
Basically, these children are now expatriates, and knowing Haitian history and culture–while it may be interesting or therapeutic–won’t help them adjust to and live in America or France.

By: Timbankful

Timbankful — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:30:46 +0000

“Rich cultural background?” Is abject poverty a rich cultural background? Ms. Keaton you should be embarrassed your racism is showing. Perhaps only black families should be allowed to adopt Haitian children to avoid the possibility of their racial consciousness being despoiled by white folks. Hitler would be proud of you.