The title of this post is a tribute to my favorite cousin Emma. For those of you who don't know, Mosey's name is Moses Jordan--MoJo. We took a little while after he was born to decide on a middle name. Jordan is actually the name his birthmom picked out. Emma was very helpful in the process. She came up with gems like Moses Theodore--MoTed and Moses Matthew--MoMatt. I can't remember them all, but there were quite a few. Emma, feel free to post the others, they were quite funny.
Anyway, on a more serious note, recently my mom has told me about a couple incidents of extended family members having negative reactions to Moses being in the family. Now these are family members that I am not particularly close to, and I will grant that they are older and I realize it was different "back in the day", although racism was, and is, never okay. He is my son and while I don't let it bother me too much I do have a gut reaction when I hear these things. The ignorance of racism is not my fault, and cetainly not Mosey's fault. I didn't go into this unprepared. I've known I would adopt since I was 15. I've read many a book and study on transracial adoption. I was fully aware that the moment we adopted a black child we would become an interracial family and open up even our white daughter to racism. And in a way that is good. I think it will be good for Ava to know what racism is like and why it is so despicable and ridiculous. The very thing that makes certain people think my son is beneath them is the thing that made me want him. So I'm not surprised and I'm not hurt. I don't have anything to say about racism that has not been said before. Racism is an expression of ignorance and fear. Racism can only result from a lack of understanding of God and an unwillingness to step outside your comfort zone. Racism is a tragedy that has plagued us from pretty much the beginning, and probably will until the end. I will be a fighter when it comes to racism, but not a warrior. I will fight some battles for my son, then let him fight his own. His road won't be easy, and I wouldn't want it to be. How can he change the world if he never learns to rise above the nonsense?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Good Mojo
Posted by Lisa at 6:09 AM
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8 comments:
that's some great mojo!
"Emma, feel free to post the others, they were quite funny."
Don't mind if I do!
Moses Abner = Moab
Moses Leroy = Molar
Moses Cash = Mo' Cash (and we can all use mo' cash!)
Moses Tercycle = Motorcycle
Moses Emmanual = Mo Emma (we all need mo' Emma too!)
Moses Vincent = Mo' Vin (right along)
Moses Orman = Morman
And, even though I didn't think of it, tell them why you didn't go with Moses Ronald after your dad.
But I like Moses Jordan. MoJo 4- EVER!!!!!
Thanks Emma! And for anyone who wants to know.....We were going make his middle name 'Ron' after my dad. It was my dad who immediately pointed out the error of that name---MoRon! Thanks Dad.
thank goodness for Brother B.! He's a quick one.
Well said Lisa. You rock.
You go girl!!! I was lucky in that I grew up with a lot of interracial extended family - two of my uncles/aunts adopt and have mixed families and they are BEAUTIFUL. Glad you aren't letting stupid people get to you.
Mosey's the bomb! I can't believe how much cooler I became when I became Moses's aunt. He's awesome. You're awesome. People will get over themselves eventually. Just give it time.
One more thought, then I am so ganna leave this alone.
If he gets like lost in the store, will you go to security and say "I lost my Mojo"?
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