The Silent Thunder.

Unveiling the Shocking Abyss of Adoptee Rights’ Annihilation

In the clandestine underbelly of society, a tempest is brewing – a tempest so profound it shakes the very foundations of our moral compass. This is no ordinary storm; it’s a maelstrom of injustice, ruthlessly obliterating the rights of adoptees, rendering their voices mere whispers in the thunderous roar of societal indifference. Prepare to be shaken to your foundational core as we unravel the grotesque tapestry of systemic discrimination.

Enter the twisted realm of forced adoption, a ghastly carnival where traumatized mothers are cast as tragic players, forced to surrender their offspring to a nefarious trio – government, religion, and society. In this unholy alliance, the cycle of trauma and manipulation thrives, feeding off the vulnerability of the voiceless. It’s a symphony of suffering, conducted by unseen hands, resonating through generations.

Adoptees, caught in the crossfire, grapple with a paradoxical identity, torn between two families yet belonging to neither. The obliteration of their rights is a malevolent force that infiltrates their very essence, leaving them adrift in a sea of societal discomfort. The uncomfortable truth, shielded by a collective lack of humility, festers like a wound, ignored and unhealed.

The discrimination against adoptees is not confined to the shadows; it infiltrates the sanctity of adoptive families. Here, the clash of identities reverberates, creating a dissonance that society is all too eager to bury. The struggle for acknowledgment within these familial walls mirrors the larger societal narrative – adoptees yearning for a connection that slips through their fingers like elusive spectres.

This obliteration of adoptee rights is a shockwave, a silent thunder that reverberates through every fibre of our collective consciousness. The cry for acknowledgment is not a mere plea; it’s a desperate call to humanity to witness the raw, unfiltered pain that arises from a silenced identity. To ignore this call is to perpetuate a cycle of ignorance that denies the very essence of authentic connection and understanding.

As we traverse the dark waters of adoption’s aftermath, we cannot avert our gaze from the shocking abyss of adoptee rights’ annihilation. This is not a storm to be weathered in silence; it demands our attention, our introspection, and our collective action. Only by acknowledging the shocking truth can we hope to bridge the gap between societal apathy and the authentic, resounding voices of the adopted soul. Brace yourself for the revelation; the silence is thunderous, and the shockwaves are seismic.

The Dichotomy of Adoption

A dichotomy refers to a division or contrast between two things that are represented as being entirely different. In the context of adoption and forced adoption, the Baby Scoop Era in the USA and Australia, dichotomy can be observed in several aspects:

1. Public Perception vs. Reality: Dichotomy exists between the public perception of adoption during the Baby Scoop Era and the often traumatic and coercive reality experienced by many birth mothers. While adoption was often portrayed as a benevolent act, the experiences of those involved, particularly birth mothers, often revealed a stark contrast.
2. Socially Constructed Narratives vs. Personal Experiences: The societal narrative during the Baby Scoop Era often portrayed adoption as a positive and selfless choice for unwed mothers. This narrative created a dichotomy between the socially constructed perception of adoption and the varied, complex, and sometimes painful personal experiences of birth mothers who faced coercion, lack of choice, and emotional distress.
3. Legal Framework vs. Human Rights: The legal framework during the Baby Scoop Era, which facilitated closed adoptions and restricted access to information, created a dichotomy between legal norms and human rights. Adoptees and birth parents often faced legal barriers that impeded their right to know and connect with each other, highlighting the tension between legal practices and the fundamental human right to identity.
4. Agency Practices vs. Ethical Considerations: Adoption agencies, particularly during the Baby Scoop Era, played a central role in managing adoptions. The practices of some agencies involved secrecy, coercion, and misinformation. This created a dichotomy between the agencies’ interests and ethical considerations related to informed consent, transparency, and the well-being of those involved.
5. Media Portrayal vs. Personal Stories: Media representations of adoption during the Baby Scoop Era often reinforced societal norms and expectations. This dichotomy between media portrayals and the diverse, nuanced, and sometimes painful personal stories of birth mothers, adoptees, and even adoptive families highlights the impact of societal narratives on shaping perceptions.
6. Cultural Ideals vs. Indigenous and Biological Experiences: In the context of forced adoption and the Baby Scoop Era, there is a dichotomy between cultural ideals of family structure and the experiences of Indigenous communities. Forced adoption practices disproportionately affected both indigenous and a considerable amount of white families, leading to the loss of biological and cultural connections, identity, and community bonds.

Understanding and acknowledging these dichotomies are essential for critically examining historical adoption practices, advocating for the rights of those impacted, and fostering a more compassionate and informed approach to adoption policies and narratives. Recognizing the complexity of experiences within the dichotomies helps challenge prevailing norms and fosters a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of adoption and forced adoption.

The following two documents are draft hypothetical writs from adoptees to governance, society, and family, aligning with adoptee voices from Adoptees not only from America and Australia but all over the world.

Please note that this is a creative exercise and not a legally binding document. The tone and content are crafted to reflect the interests and perspectives of adoptees advocating for their rights.

To The Supreme Court of the United States & All Court Jurisdictions Throughout All Levels.

Writ of Adoptee Empowerment and Recognition

To: The Governance, Society, and Families of the Nation

We, the Adoptees of this Nation, in the pursuit of justice, equality, and the recognition of our unique identity, hereby submit this writ to the esteemed entities of governance, society, and family.

I. Governance:

1. Recognizing Adoptee Rights: a. We demand the acknowledgment of adoptee rights as inherent human rights, including access to information about our origins, medical history, and heritage. b. We seek the establishment of clear legal frameworks that protect adoptee rights throughout their lives, encompassing transparency in adoption processes and ensuring equitable treatment.

2. Legislative Action: a. We call upon the legislative bodies to enact laws that promote openness in adoption, allowing adoptees the right to access their original birth certificates and adoption records. b. We urge the establishment of a comprehensive support system for adult adoptees, including mental health services and resources, to navigate the complexities of identity formation.

II. Society:

1. Breaking Stigmas: a. We demand an end to societal stigmas associated with adoption, fostering an inclusive and accepting environment that celebrates diverse family structures. b. We call for educational initiatives that dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding adoption, fostering empathy and understanding within communities.

2. Inclusive Language and Representation: a. We urge media outlets, educational institutions, and public discourse to use inclusive language that recognizes and respects the diverse experiences of adoptees. b. We seek increased representation of adoptees in all aspects of society, ensuring that our voices contribute to shaping cultural narratives.

III. Family:

1. Supportive Family Structures: a. We call upon families to foster open communication about adoption, creating an environment where adoptees feel empowered to explore their identity. b. We seek resources and support networks for adoptive families to navigate the unique challenges associated with adoption.

2. Recognition of Identity: a. We demand that adoptees be allowed to embrace and celebrate their dual identity, both within their adoptive families and in society at large. b. We call for family units to actively engage in conversations about diversity and identity, promoting an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE PRAY FOR:

• A comprehensive review of adoption laws and policies.
• The implementation of educational programs to promote awareness and understanding of adoptee experiences.
• The creation of a national support system for adoptees and their families.

DATED THIS DAY, [DATE]

[Adoptee Names and Signatures]

An equivalent document for Australian adoptees and adoptees of forced adoption requires addressing the specific legal and social contexts in Australia. Here’s a hypothetical writ for adoptees in Australia, with a focus on those who may have experienced forced adoption:

To All Jurisdictions Throughout All Levels of THE COURTS & HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Writ of Adoptee Rights and Healing

To: The Australian Government, Society, and Families Nationwide

We, the Adoptees of Australia, and particularly those who have endured forced adoption practices, assert our rights and seek acknowledgment, healing, and justice. In the pursuit of our collective well-being and recognition, we submit this writ to the esteemed entities of the Australian Government, society, and families.

I. The Australian Government:

1. Acknowledgment of Forced Adoptions:
a. We demand official acknowledgment of historical forced adoption practices in Australia and a sincere apology for the harm caused to individuals and families.
b. We call for the establishment of comprehensive redress schemes to address the lasting impact of forced adoptions, including access to mental health support and counselling services.

2. Legislative Reforms:
a. We urge the Australian government to review and amend adoption laws, ensuring transparency and openness in adoption processes, with a particular focus on protecting the rights of adoptees and birth parents.
b. We call for the removal of legal barriers preventing adoptees from willfuly legally returning to the biological families, with full access to their original birth records, full unsuppressed adoption records, adoption papers and information about their biological heritage.

II. Australian Society:

1. Education and Awareness:
a. We call for nationwide educational programs to raise awareness about the history and consequences of forced adoptions, fostering empathy and understanding.
b. We urge media outlets to portray adoptees’ experiences accurately and respectfully, dispelling stigmas and stereotypes associated with adoption.

2. Supportive Communities:
a. We demand the creation of support networks and community resources for adoptees and birth parents affected by forced adoptions, recognizing the unique challenges they face.
b. We call for the establishment of safe spaces where adoptees can share their stories, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

III. Australian Families:

1. Healing and Reconciliation:
a. We call upon adoptive families to engage in open and compassionate conversations about the impacts of forced adoption, fostering healing within the family unit.
b. We urge the broader community to support adoptive families and recognize the importance of preserving and respecting the cultural and familial heritage of adoptees.

2. Access to Information:
a. We demand the removal of obstacles preventing adoptees from accessing information about their biological families, enabling a connection to their roots and heritage.
b. We call for cultural sensitivity training for families and professionals involved in adoption processes to ensure a supportive and understanding environment.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE PRAY FOR:

• A national commitment to truth and reconciliation regarding forced adoptions.
• The implementation of comprehensive support services for adoptees and birth parents affected by forced adoptions.
• Legislative reforms that prioritize the rights and well-being of adoptees and birth parents.

**DATED THIS DAY, [DATE]**

[Adoptee Names and Signatures, with a special acknowledgment for those of forced adoption]

These fictional writ’s are a creative expression aimed at addressing the unique concerns and challenges faced by Australian adoptees, particularly those affected by forced adoptions. It seeks to capture the essence of adoptee voices advocating for their rights and recognition across the legal, social, and familial contexts within Australia. Emphasizing the significance of transparency, inclusivity, and support for adoptees at various levels, the document endeavours to promote a comprehensive understanding of adoptee experiences and foster positive change in governance, society, and family structures.

Systemic Suppression

The suppression of adoptee voices on an international scale over decades is a complex and deeply rooted issue involving societal, governmental, and familial factors. Here are some key aspects that contribute to this suppression:

1. Social Stigma and Shame: Society has historically stigmatized non-traditional family structures, including adoption. This stigma often leads to shame and silence among adoptees who may fear judgment and societal prejudice. This societal attitude contributes to the suppression of adoptee voices.
2. Power Dynamics and Authority: Traditional power structures within families and societies can contribute to the marginalization of adoptee voices. Hierarchical norms and a lack of inclusivity in decision-making processes often limit the representation of adoptees in conversations about adoption policies and practices.
3. Lack of Education and Awareness: Widespread misconceptions and lack of understanding about the adoptee experience contribute to the silencing of adoptee voices. Education and awareness about the diverse experiences of adoptees are essential to challenging prevailing stereotypes and biases.
4. Legal and Institutional Barriers: Many legal systems historically favoured closed adoptions, limiting access to information about birth families. Legal barriers, such as sealed adoption records, hinder adoptees’ ability to reclaim their narratives and understand their personal histories, contributing to a systemic suppression of their voices.
5. Institutional Practices: Adoption agencies and institutions, historically focused on confidentiality, have sometimes discouraged adoptees from sharing their stories. This emphasis on secrecy contributes to a culture of silence around adoption experiences.
6. Global Power Dynamics: In international adoption, power imbalances between sending and receiving countries can lead to the suppression of adoptee voices. Adoptees may face challenges advocating for their rights, especially when those rights intersect with diplomatic or geopolitical considerations.
7. Cultural Taboos: Cultural norms and taboos around discussing family-related matters, especially those considered sensitive or unconventional, can contribute to the suppression of adoptee voices. Adoptees may fear backlash or ostracization for speaking out about their experiences.
8. Lack of Support Networks: Adoptees often lack comprehensive support networks where they can openly discuss their experiences. The absence of safe spaces for adoptees to share their stories contributes to the suppression of their voices.
9. Generational Impact: Historical practices and attitudes toward adoption have generational impacts. Adoptees who grew up in eras where adoption was shrouded in secrecy may find it challenging to break the silence and share their experiences openly.
10. Societal Expectations: Societal expectations regarding gratitude and loyalty toward adoptive families may pressure adoptees to conform to a narrative that aligns with prevailing norms. This expectation can suppress authentic and diverse adoptee voices.

Addressing the communal international suppression of adoptee voices requires dismantling systemic barriers, challenging societal attitudes, and promoting inclusivity in discussions about adoption. Adoptee-led advocacy, education, and changes in adoption policies are essential for breaking the silence and creating a more supportive and open environment for adoptees to share their stories.

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