Stereotypes?

I have to say, in the time I have been blogging, I have not had anyone leave me a comment that bothered me. I have always had an open blog because I have felt it is MY blog to say as I want. But today, someone did. Under this post they said this

"Hi, I understand you didn't mean any harm when you called your hamster smart and then illuded that it was because it was a Chinese Dwarf Hamster, but as adoptive parents of children from China, we need to be extra careful about avoiding hurtful sterotypes such as "Asians are smart." Even though it is not seen as a negative stereotype, we need to try to avoid them altogether and teach our kids not to assume things about people because of their race. Just something to think about... " It was anonymous.

First of all, if you need to correct me on my blog, please sign your name. Honestly.

Second of all, if you do not know me to know that was a JOKE, then don't correct me on my blog.

Third, please don't be so sensitive. Especially if you are going to read my blog. It is annoying.

I will admit, I am NOT a sensitive person. And I believe the more sensitive people, have sensitive children. How can they not? If you are offended by EVERYTHING, your children will pick up on that and in turn be sensitive to everything in life.

That said, I DO agree we have to be careful with our children and their feelings. Be it adopted or not. BUT the ONLY reason I said that is because It IS such a STEREOTYPE! And because the STUPID hamster has run free in the basement for FOUR months! SMART, however you want to look at it!

I asked my dear ASIAN friend who is an adult if I she found my comment(joke about the hamster) rude or offensive and she said "No, we asians ARE smart, it is a gift from God!" I about rolled on the floor laughing at that.

It is a hard thing to be an adoptive parent. There are so many rules I never considered when God said adopt. He did not mention that we had to be careful of EVERYTHING we say. Don't breathe the chinese stereotypes, you will ruin your child. Don't dare call her a china doll or allow others, it means bad things in china. If someone asks how much it costs to adopt, tell them it is none of their business. If someone asks who her "real mother" is, turn your nose up and walk away. The list goes on and on.

I am just not like that. People need to be educated on adoption, and if someone says something to me, I look at it as an opportunity to share how the Lord has blesssed us with Sage! They might just be nosy, but in turn they might get a sermon on salvation!

Our goal is and has always been to raise our children to find their heritage in Christ. It does not matter if they are white or brown or have blue eyes or black hair. Inside we are all the same and that is what matters. Some of us get stereotypes because we are flexible, some of us might get stereotypes because we are blonde, and some of us get stereotypes because we have big noses! (this is what our chinese guide told all of us in china, don't you know ALL americans have big noses!) Yes, it is annoying to be classified because of stereotypes. Growing up a christian, I AM a stereotype. Annoying or not, it is life and I am not offended by all the comments. I pray that this is the way I can raise my children, ALL of them. Not to constantly be on the offensive, but to be confident in their heritage of Jesus Christ and to be able to LAUGH! Enjoy life! Smile and live the blessings that we all have been given. I pray that they are always comfortable in the skin GOD has given them.

But hey, if you want to leave a comment, did you notice I got PRE APPROVAL!! Everyone is welcome to congratulate me on that!