The Intersection of Politics and Adoption with Mark H. - Ep 165

"The way that fascism triumphs is if everyone goes silent and becomes quiescent." - Mark H.

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I, Beth Syverson, welcome Mark, a transracial adoptee from Korea and a passionate advocate for adoption-related issues. Together, we delve into the often-overlooked intersection of politics and adoption, particularly in the context of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

As an adoptive mom of a 20-year-old son, Joey, who is navigating his own path, I feel a deep responsibility to address the complexities surrounding adoption and how they relate to broader societal issues. This election is particularly significant, as it touches on critical topics such as racial justice, women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the preservation of our democratic systems. With Joey preparing to vote for the first time, I am acutely aware of the stakes involved and the long-term impact our choices will have on future generations.

Mark shares his unique perspective as a transracial adoptee and a gay man, highlighting the challenges he faced growing up in a predominantly white environment. He reflects on the societal norms of his youth, where discussing politics was often taboo, and emphasizes the importance of speaking out in today's climate. Mark articulates the existential nature of this election, particularly for marginalized communities, and the need for individuals to engage in political discourse.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the implications of having a woman of color, Kamala Harris, as a presidential candidate. While Mark expresses excitement about her candidacy, he also addresses the racism and misogyny she faces, which resonates deeply with his own experiences of being “other”ed. We discuss how the political landscape has shifted, particularly within the Republican Party, and the urgent need for individuals to recognize and confront systemic racism.

Mark and I emphasize the importance of activism, not just in the traditional sense of protests and demonstrations, but in everyday conversations with friends, family, and neighbors. We encourage listeners to engage with those around them, especially in swing states, to ensure that their voices are heard and that they participate in the electoral process.

As we wrap up the episode, I invite listeners to reflect on their own roles in advocating for change and to consider how their political choices impact the lives of those in the adoption community and beyond. We urge everyone to vote, to educate themselves, and to have open discussions about the critical issues at stake in this election.

This episode serves as a call to action for all of us to be brave, to stand up for what we believe in, and to work towards a more equitable society for everyone, especially those affected by adoption. Thank you for joining us in this important conversation.

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RESOURCES:

If you’d like to connect with Mark H., send him an email through me at [email protected]. He’s staying anonymous in this episode in order to not jeopardize his job.

Respond to this episode on Unraveling Adoption’s page on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

Other resource mentioned in this episode:

• White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin J. DiAngelo: https://www.amazon.com/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism-ebook/dp/B07638ZFN1

Other Resources:

• APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: http://UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude

• Other Parents Like Me - http://oplm.com

• Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

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TIME STAMPS

00:01:00 - The Importance of Voting
Beth discusses the significance of the upcoming presidential election and its impact on adoption-related issues.

00:02:30 - Introducing Mark
Mark, a transracial adoptee, joins the conversation to discuss the intersection of politics and adoption.

00:03:00 - Mark's Background and Perspective
Mark shares his experiences as a transracial adoptee and the importance of speaking out in the current political climate.

00:06:00 - The Fog of Whiteness
Mark discusses the challenges of growing up in a predominantly white environment and the implications for transracial adoptees.

00:08:30 - Representation in Politics
Mark expresses his feelings about having a woman of color as a presidential candidate and the challenges she faces.

00:10:30 - Racism and Misogyny in Politics
Discussion on the racism and misogyny directed at Kamala Harris and its impact on marginalized communities.

00:12:30 - Understanding Systemic Racism
Mark explains the difference between individual acts of racism and systemic racism in society.

00:14:30 - The Role of White Allies
The importance of white individuals engaging with and understanding issues of race and privilege.

00:16:00 - The Stakes of the Election
Mark emphasizes the critical nature of the upcoming election and the need for active participation.

00:18:00 - Mobilizing for Change
Discussion on the responsibility of individuals to educate and mobilize others in their communities.

00:20:00 - The Importance of Conversations
Mark highlights the power of personal conversations in advocating for change and understanding.

00:22:00 - Adoption and Political Interests
Exploration of how adoption intersects with political issues, particularly for families of color.

00:24:00 - Activism in Everyday Life
Mark discusses how activism can take many forms, including simple conversations with friends and family.

00:26:00 - The Power of Individual Votes
The significance of each vote in local and national elections and the moral obligation to participate.

00:28:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
Beth and Mark encourage listeners to engage in the political process and advocate for marginalized communities.