Adoption is not out of the norm, although some make it out to be. A documentary titled “One Child Policy” was viewed on campus and covered the subject of adoption and the lifestyles of Chinese-Americans. These adoptees work to find the balance between fitting in and embracing their culture while dealing with the whispers of stereotypes.

It is known that the most common stereotype of the Chinese people is that they are obscenely smart. That idea alone makes Chinese Americans feel as though they have a standard to live up to. and if they do not reach it, their hard work is downplayed.

“Students should be aware that many of their classmates are adopted and should educate themselves on the unique challenges and drawbacks to being adopted from a family they do not know,” Associate director of Confucius Institute Clarissa Sun said.

Even the adoptees who can handle the racial stereotypes must then deal with the adoption stereotypes. A few Chinese-Americans in the film that were adopted mentioned they should be able to tell their story without bystanders assuming it. One girl told a story about how when she goes to lunch with her white father, she is always looking at the people around her wondering if they think she is on a date since the two look nothing alike.

Along with the struggles the adoptees face, their parents must deal with struggles as well. Parents must be open to the idea of their adopted children deciding how to handle the racial stereotypes and the idea that they do not fit in, as recommended in the film. Luckily, there are places and ways to help both the parent and the child.

One place mentioned in the documentary was the Lauhou house, a place for young girls and their parents to teach Chinese culture and how to deal with the opinions of peers. The house tells both parties that it is okay to be different, and it is important to embrace their culture. To embrace said culture, children and parents are recommended to take Chinese language classes and dance classes together. The film said it is best for parents to take the classes as well to have a better understanding and help their children feel less forced and more open to the idea that their culture is different than those around them. The Chinese-American adoptees will also have the opportunity to fit in and interact with others who are going through the same things that they are.

“The specific experiences of these young women are relatable to people around the world,” Sun said.

Being open to the idea that not only adopted children, but Chinese-American children, are learning and adjusting the same way as anyone else is the easiest step in making a positive impact.