While many proponents of transracial adoption claim that American society is increasingly becoming "color-blind;" a growing body of research reveals that for transracial adoptees of all backgrounds; racial identity does matter. Rhonda M. Roorda elaborates significantly on that finding; specifically studying the effects of the adoption of black and biracial children by white parents. She incorporates diverse perspectives on transracial adoption by concerned black Americans of various ages; including those who lived through Jim Crow and the Civil Rights era. All her interviewees have been involved either personally or professionally in the lives of transracial adoptees; and they offer strategies for navigating systemic racial inequalities while affirming the importance of black communities in the lives of transracial adoptive families.In Their Voices is for parents; child-welfare providers; social workers; psychologists; educators; therapists; and adoptees from all backgrounds who seek clarity about this phenomenon. The author examines how social attitudes and federal policies concerning transracial adoption have changed over the last several decades. She also includes suggestions on how to revise transracial adoption policy to better reflect the needs of transracial adoptive families. Perhaps most important; In Their Voices is packed with advice for parents who are invested in nurturing a positive self-image in their adopted children of color and the crucial perspectives those parents should consider when raising their children. It offers adoptees of color encouragement in overcoming discrimination and explains why a "race-neutral" environment; maintained by so many white parents; is not ideal for adoptees or their families.
#415124 in Books imusti 2014-04-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .80 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0231160372368 pagesColumbia University Press
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Deeply insightful book on the Mughal EmpireBy apThis book is not meant to be for casual reading; but it is definitely readable. Those who live in the regions today that are covered by this work (Pakistan/Northern India/Afghanistan/Iran) should spend the time to read it.It’s groundbreaking in how it describes the role of Islam in the Indian subcontinent Persia. It really helps the reader rethink how we should look at the Mughal and Safavid Empire.Millenialism; as a concept; is key to understanding history. It’s a recurring theme in Christianity; Zoroastrianism and even the Nazi Reich. With this book; the author does a great job on showing a similar influence on Mughal history and Islam. Groundbreaking.As a Pakistani; it helps give me gain several insights into how our society has embraced Islam and why certain idiosyncrasies exist. The Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mausoleum in Karachi is a great living example of the author’s thesis.If nothing else; the key discovery about “Allahu Akbar†having a secondary meaning (see page 144) is worth the read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy philbertktough to follow0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very InterestingBy R. AlbinA very interesting analysis of the nature of kingship in the Mughal Empire with considerable discussion and analysis of the rival Safavid Empire. Moin breaks away from traditional historiography to argue that the Mughal Emperors supported their legitimacy by drawing on a variety of religious traditions to present themselves as Millennial redeeming figures. These supporting traditions include Islamic Sufi traditions; the heritage of Central Asian rulership; and pre-Islamic Persian millennialism. Interpreting a variety of sources in novel ways; and using insights from the anthropology of religion; Moin provides very convincing analyses of how these different traditions were appropriated by the Mughals and how they interacted in creative ways. Moin's convincing interpretation breaks away from the traditional historiography of the Mughals and Safavids establishing Islamic states (Sunni and Shi'a; respectively) by conquest and instead present a much more complex picture of recent conquerors embedded in a complex religious environment and using a variety of intellectual traditions and popular beliefs to establish their rule. Interesting dimensions; with strong analogies to contemporary Europe; include the importance of astrological and alchemical thought.
