On Being Black in China

Jan 26, 2011 | 5 comments

 
So here’s the conversation we have about our son in China.

Chinese friend:  Is he your son?
Us:  Yes
Friend:  Impossible.  He’s so black.
Us:  Yes, he’s adopted.
Friend:  He’s what?
Us:  Adopted
Friend: What?
Us:  Adopted, like from an orphanage (even though he’s not)
Friend:  Ohhhhh!  You have such good hearts.
Us:  Thank you
Friend:  So what country is he from? India?
Us:  No, he is American.
Friend: Impossible.  He’s so black.
Us:  Yes, his birth father is black and his birth mother is . . .
Friend: American?
Us:  No, they are both American
Friend:  (confused look)
Us:  He’s like Obama.
Friend:  Ohhhhhh!  He’s very smart.

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5 Comments

  2. nana jo
    nana jo on January 26, 2011 at 7:08 am

    I can so picture that conversation in my head – miss you all. red and yellow, black and white – you are all precious to me

  3. gogovivi
    gogovivi on January 26, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    Hats off to all the confusion!

  4. Jen
    Jen on January 26, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    I laughed out loud.

  5. Christine
    Christine on January 27, 2011 at 12:50 am

    Not many people are given the Call to Confusion. What an honor!