His birth certificate read ‘Joseph, no last name given’. An American couple adopted him; 32 years later, AJ Bryant returns to District Three Hospital in Kottayam where the mother he’s never met gave him birth…
Tag: identity
Still an Outsider-but that’s OK
Hello from Delhi, In puzzling over what my first post from India should say, I decided to be more philosophical, real and shy away from the day to day narrative of my life here. Perhaps that will come later. This post, however, is more of a reflection on my evolution of thought, as an Indian… Continue reading Still an Outsider-but that’s OK
Two Contrasting Experiences
Over the course of the past three weeks I’ve had two interactions with people regarding international adoption. Both were curious to know my thoughts on the topic because I was adopted. But their reasons for talking about the subject were vastly different.
A Mea Culpa and some Clarification- Part Two
In my last post here, I discussed ways in which a child stay connected with their birth culture. Over time I think there has been more of an emphasis placed on helping an adopted child stay in touch with their heritage than there was 20 years ago or more.
A Mea Culpa and some Clarification-Part One
This blog is about how I feel. I was not trying to offend or make blanket statements in my last post. Before I go further, I realized I made some black and white pronouncements as my friend Carolyn (herself an adoptee) pointed out in my last entry. This post and the next one will generally… Continue reading A Mea Culpa and some Clarification-Part One
Exploring Adoption Consciousness
I have two adopted siblings who are also from India, but we are not blood relatives. A lot of people wonder if they are involved within the adoption field like me. Do they speak about it or share their thoughts with non adopted people? The simple answer is no. Without putting them on the spot… Continue reading Exploring Adoption Consciousness
Donaldson Institute-Identity Study
Hello everyone, I apologize for not writing in a long while. My graduate studies are keeping me quite busy, as it’s nearly the end of the semester. I just found this article over the weekend and it’s full of issues that I’ve written here on my blog so far. Check it out below. Adopted From… Continue reading Donaldson Institute-Identity Study
From Indifference to Love: How my Affection for India Evolved –Part Two
The 2nd part of my personal journey from being ashamed about my Indian birth to fully embracing India as “mine.”
Thin Slicing my Name and Physical Appearance
Having a western name, but being brown skinned and the confusion that arises because of it.
From Indifference to Love, how my Affection for India Evolved- Part 1
The next two posts will document how I grew to love India, after being indifferent/embarassed of my heritage. It’s interesting to note I was never ashamed of being adopted in and of itself, just being Indian.
The Narrative Burden
Where are you from?
It’s a seemingly innocuous question, but for an international adoptee a complicated one…
Lucky is only half the story.
Throughout my life, when I discuss my adoption, people always seem to respond with -”A.J. you are so lucky.”
Why Did I Begin An Adoption Blog?
After much hand wringing and contemplation, I joined the blogosphere a few weeks ago. Many of you probably wonder why. There are numerous blogs about adoption, both domestic or international. Many people blog about identity issues, birthmother conundrums, and the list goes on. Some are cheery reads, while others barely hide deep pain, anger, and… Continue reading Why Did I Begin An Adoption Blog?