Special Edition DVD

STRUGGLE FOR IDENTITY
ISSUES IN TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION
and
A Conversation 10 Years Later


A presentation of the
New York State Citizens' Coalition for Children
and PhotoSynthesis Productions

Taking Race Seriously

The original Struggle for Identity is a thought-provoking 20-minute video presenting a group of adoptees who discuss their experiences growing up in transracial adoptive families. They delve into complex issues, such as, confronting stereotypes, fitting in with their culture of origin, and learning to define themselves in terms of race and culture. Included in this video are interviews with several adoptive parents who discuss the obstacles they faced in raising children of a different race. The compelling voices of experience are moving, powerful, and totally honest.

See a clip from the original Struggle!

Widely considered the definitive video on the subject, Struggle is used in training and recruitment programs throughout the U.S. and has been seen in countries around the world. Now it is available in a special edition DVD, which includes never-before-seen bonus scenes, transcripts and articles, and an all new 20-minute companion film, Struggle for Identity: A Conversation 10 Years Later.

A Conversation 10 Years Later is a captivating follow-up to the original Struggle. John and Michelle, two members of the original cast, return to reflect on their experiences a decade after the first film. With candor and passion, they discuss their lifelong journeys as transracial adoptees. The two explore issues of racism, the visible and public nature of transracial adoption, loyalty and attachment, transracialization and creating multicultural families, as seen through the lens of their personal experience and professional training.

See a clip from A Conversation 10 Years Later!

What others are saying about STRUGGLE FOR IDENTITY

Comments on the new DVD:

Joe Kroll, Executive Director, North American Council on Adoptable Children:

I love both the transracial adoptees' insights and the producers' technical ability to make selections based on training needs. We appreciate the way the video intertwined the core issues of adoption (attachment, grief and loss, etc.) into the transracial adoptee's struggle. We believe the new video will be used widely as a training tool in the field.


Ernesto Loperena, Executive Director, NY Council on Adoptable Children:

As a viewer and professional in the field, I was impressed by the conversation 10 years later with John and Michelle. The message from these two adoptees in 2007 is fundamentally the same, but it is now textured with maturity and years of experience working as professionals in an admittedly flawed foster care system. They both understand the flaws, yet are able to paint their picture in a clear, vibrant manner while capturing the nuances inherent in the interactions of human beings.

“The “deleted scenes” are a bonus and well worth viewing. The overall production is user-friendly, crisp and clear. Bravo to John and Michelle, and bravo to NYSCCC on producing such a valuable video.


Adoption Coordinator, private agency:

I am an adoption coordinator for a private agency.... I work with families adopting transracially/transculturally and I highly recommend this video to all of them.

I shared the new addition to the Struggle for Identity video with a prospective adoptive family this weekend. It was a truly remarkable experience. Although I attempt to engage families in discussion concerning racism, white privilege, and transracial adoption, it can be very difficult to develop deeper dialogue around these issues. However, when I share your video with families, they cannot help but enter into dialogue on these important issues....I am very appreciative of this resource.

 

Order the Special Edition DVD of STRUGGLE FOR IDENTITY online at http://www.photosynthesisproductions.com/store.cfm, or for more information call 607-272-4242.

Back to NYSCCC Home Page  |  Back to Transracial /Transcultural Resources

NYS Citizens' Coalition for Children, Inc.
410 East Upland Road • Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-0034
office@nysccc.org
August 29, 2007