Sports around the world potentially bring people together as nothing else can. Sports can unite countries, with myriad ethnic groups and language, or cities and states. The solidarity that perfect strangers can find through playing and watching sports cannot be overstated. Cheering for the same team, and embracing fandom can be a catharsis. But racism… Continue reading Racism Undermines the Promise of Sports
Category: News Stories
The Atlantic’s ‘Dear Therapist’ Surprising Response about Adoption
The Atlantic Monthly magazine recently published a ‘Dear Therapist’ column about the adoptee experience. A letter was written by a grandmother (Lynne) concerned that her daughter’s child whom she relinquished for adoption was not interested in knowing her biological mother. The therapist’s response to Lynne was a reassuring piece valuing the adopted daughter’s experiences. I… Continue reading The Atlantic’s ‘Dear Therapist’ Surprising Response about Adoption
A Major Flaw in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
The element missing in trafficking in persons (TIP), is prevention. Recently, I have done much research into TIP efforts globally. And I have reached a potentially unpopular conclusion: how the money is being spent will never stop the problem and the amount expended is nowhere near as much as the tragedy requires. Furthermore, there is… Continue reading A Major Flaw in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Trump’s Evangelical Supporters and Foreign Adoption
I frequently come across white evangelical Christians who are ardent proponents of international adoption and also strong Trump supporters. And the data seems to back up this personal experience: nearly 80 percent of evangelical Christians voted for Donald Trump for President and numbers show that large segments of the evangelical Christian population support foreign adoption.… Continue reading Trump’s Evangelical Supporters and Foreign Adoption
Do Not Blame the State Department for Declining Adoptions
A host of recent news stories are about the decline in international adoptions. The decrease in adoptions is staggering: 24,000 plus foreign adoptions in 2004 and less than 5,000 as of 2017. But the State Department is not actively looking to stop international adoption as many bloggers and pundits suggest. This issue cuts across both… Continue reading Do Not Blame the State Department for Declining Adoptions
India’s Newest President is Dalit.
His name is Ram Nath Kovind and he’s Dalit (formerly known as untouchable). You may read that he’s Dalit, viewing his election as a great sign of progress against caste oppression. Here, you say, is an example of someone from the bottom of India’s development ladder. Now, he’s the President of the world’s largest democracy.… Continue reading India’s Newest President is Dalit.
A Few Welcome Changes to International Adoption Rules
In the fall of 2016, the US Department of State presented new rules regarding inter-country adoptions for those adopting foreign-born children into U.S. homes. As an adoptee, I always advocate for greater transparency about fees and the months-long process for international adoption. Not surprisingly, adoption agencies and other stakeholders in the adoption industry decry the… Continue reading A Few Welcome Changes to International Adoption Rules
Who is a ‘Real’ Indian?
Since Narendra Modi became India’s Prime Minister in May 2015, the definition of a ‘true’ Indian is a hot topic. However, for me, people have always questioned my India bona-fides. Let me explain. As an adoptee, raised without Indian culture on a daily basis, cultural Indians in the United States were always unsure how I fit into… Continue reading Who is a ‘Real’ Indian?
It’s Time for All Adoptees to have US Citizenship
There are thousands of adults, adopted as children by US citizen parents lacking US citizenship. Thanks to adoptees, advocates, and Congressional support, that will change in 2016. The Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2015, provides retroactive citizenship for certain intercountry adoptees no matter when they were adopted. It also provides a legal pathway for all deported… Continue reading It’s Time for All Adoptees to have US Citizenship
‘My Brother’s Bomber’ and the Reminder of a Tragic Adoption Story
Last week I finished the exemplary PBS/Frontline three-part series ‘My Brother’s Bomber. The story is about Ken Dornstein, whose brother was killed in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. A suitcase with one-pound of Semtex plastic explosives, blew the 747 out of the sky, nearly 30,000 feet over the Scottish… Continue reading ‘My Brother’s Bomber’ and the Reminder of a Tragic Adoption Story
Should India seek British Reparations for Colonialism?
Perhaps, but they should look internally as well, realizing they bear plenty of responsibility for their underdevelopment. In mid-July 2015, MP Shashi Tharoor gave an impassioned plea for Indian reparations after more than 200 years of British colonialism. You can watch the 15-minute clip below. Many Indians, both in the country and abroad lauded his words.… Continue reading Should India seek British Reparations for Colonialism?
The Privilege of Leaving Kabul
In the early weeks of August this year, Kabul was hit by a series of attacks, which killed more than 100 and wounded scores. Three weekends ago, I spent hours in the Baron safe-room and each subsequent blast, instead of being easier to process, became more difficult. The fact that they became familiar was more terrifying,… Continue reading The Privilege of Leaving Kabul
Stories Catching My Eye
It’s been a while since I posted what I’ve read lately, so I’ll share a longer list this time. The Tragedy of the American Military An insightful piece about the disconnect between ordinary US citizens and the military and the many consequences of such distance and misunderstanding. The Rapist Next Door This story is about Alaska’s rape… Continue reading Stories Catching My Eye
An Indian-American Speaks on the State of Police in America
In October, the famous New York whistle-blower cop Frank Serpico, gave a long interview to Politico Magazine. As a Serpico fan and certainly of the movie (Al Pacino is fantastic), I read it. Part of the interview is about police accountability and the lack of it when he was in the force and its continuance today. As… Continue reading An Indian-American Speaks on the State of Police in America
Stories Catching My Eye
The Chinese Government Is Getting Rich Selling Cigarettes A story about China National Tobacco Corporation, the world’s largest. Why No One Remembers the Peacemakers Why do we remember those in War, but not those advocating Peace? Stop Trying to Save the World A view of the international development machine.