Korean adoptees have a difficult time relating to any of the racial identity models because they are people of color who often grew up in white homes and communities. When Korean adoptees attempt to immerse into the Korean community, they feel uncomfortable and unwelcome because they are unfamiliar with Korean customs and language. This book looks at how Korean adoptees engage with their various identities and begin the journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. The book examines assimilation into a White middle-class identity during childhood. Although their White identity may be challeng ... More

Korean adoptees have a difficult time relating to any of the racial identity models because they are people of color who often grew up in white homes and communities. When Korean adoptees attempt to immerse into the Korean community, they feel uncomfortable and unwelcome because they are unfamiliar with Korean customs and language. This book looks at how Korean adoptees engage with their various identities and begin the journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. The book examines assimilation into a White middle-class identity during childhood. Although their White identity may be challenged at times, for the most part adoptees feel accepted as “honorary” Whites among their families and friends. “Opening Pandora's Box” discusses the shattering of adoptees' early views on race and racism and the problems of being raised colorblind in a race-conscious society. “Engaging and Reflecting” is filled with adoptee voices as they discover their racial and transracial identities as young adults. “Questioning What I Have Done” delves into the issues that arise when Korean adoptees explore their multiple identities and the possible effects on relationships with parents and spouses. “Empowering Identities” explores how adoptees are able to take control of their racial and transracial identities by reaching out to parents, prospective parents, and adoption agencies and by educating Korean and Korean Americans about their lives. The final chapter reiterates for adoptees, parents, adoption agencies, and social justice activists and educators the need for identity journeys and the empowered identities that can result.