Problematic Adoption Narratives

Adoption tropes make for blockbuster films and viral news stories, but, as we do here on Adoption Unfiltered, let's dive deeper. Why do such tropes exist and perpetuate? Why do we harbor cultural biases such as: adoptive parents being unquestioningly unselfish and amazing; birth parents being undeserving of raising their kids; adoptees being ungrateful if they speak up and share a fuller story about adoption. Novelist and book reviewer Alice Stephens joins us to talk about why common adoption tropes are problematic. Alice is also an editor, writing coach, and Korean adoptee. One recent example in the news has to do with the film The Blind Side, which told the story of Michael Oher and the Tuohy family. People drink up these simplistic stories ... and then draw conclusions about all adoptions, all adoptive families, all birth parents, and all adoptees. Who owns these adoption stories? Who should own these adoption stories? What do we all need to know to be better consumers and creators of these stories? We have thoughts on all that!

Adoption Unfiltered⁠ is presented by adoptee Sara Easterly, birth parent Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, and adoptive parent Lori Holden. Collectively, we bring 75 years of lived experience relating to adoption, and we span the Baby Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial generations. We understand the history, challenges, and trends experienced by people living in adoption and the broader adoption constellation. We are recognized throughout the adoption community as thought leaders, influencers, and bridge-builders. To watch this episode on Youtube, visit: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVEvMpPAloE

Adoption Unfiltered: ⁠https://www.adoptionunfiltered.com/⁠ Alice Stephens' book Famous Adopted People: ⁠https://www.famousadoptedpeople.com/⁠ Want more Sara? Visit ⁠https://saraeasterly.com/⁠ Want more Kelsey? Visit ⁠https://www.instagram.com/fromanotham...⁠. Want more Lori? Visit ⁠https://LavenderLuz.com⁠