Posted by:
Anon for This
(
)
Date: December 11, 2013 05:38PM
The recent article on the reversal of the ban of those "cursed with dark skin" (black) makes me literally shake.
Five years ago we adopted a little girl with dark skin. The adoption agency (not LDS Social Services) contacted us, letting us know that The Ensign was looking for a family to model for an article on adoption they were printing and that they had given them our number. We fit the requirements of the "kind of family" they were looking for--until they saw our picture. Gently we were told that The Ensign doesn't use families of mixed race. "But you and your children are beautiful, please send us single shots for possible future use."
But yeah, now interracial marriages are okay--forget all that spilling of blood jazz from Brigham and the others.
Our daughter's adoption created a big stir in our extended family. Concern about her bloodline and her first estate causing her to be born into a less righteous race. But, at least she wasn't "black".
Years ago we had planned on adopting an African-American child. We didn't largely because of the comments made by family. By family I primarily, but not exclusively, mean my father-in-law who is very connected with the Brethren and has held several high level positions in the church. We were told that the spirits of black people were not valiant. We were told that the reason blacks were given the priesthood was because white people weren't creating enough tabernacles for male spirit children, so they had to give the black man the priesthood. The comments went on and on. We were lead to quotations and talks given by church leaders and advised to ponder, fast and pray with all soberness, because if we adopted a black child we would be bringing this less than valiant blood into our family. Which may lead to our other children marrying less valiant races.
When we adopted our child, some of the family didn't want to touch her. It wasn't said. No one turned down holding her, but few asked...and it was an obvious chore as witnessed by their body language and quick handoffs. When she was sealed to us, we were told that now her blood would literally be the same as ours. This seemed to make others in the family feel better about her being in the family. (To be fair, my father-in-law has been loving beyond all others. A big surprise.)
So now the church says it isn't racist. I don't buy it. I am so tired of all the lies to attempt to create a positive PR spin. But those of us who have been on the inside know differently. We have sat in on the quiet discussions said in whispering voices, not even said to the general public within he church--because not even the average TBM could stomach the depth of the racism.
Look for a mixed family in The Ensign. Find me ONE. I know there are PR adds out there trying to make Mormons appear to accept mixed race families...but find me ONE picture in The Ensign representing this as a positive choice.
Yes, yes...follow the prophet. He'll die before he leads you astray. Give your money to the Corporation of the President, but don't ask to see the books. Plug your ears, close your eyes. Speaking of plug, plug your nose. That sweet, nauseating stench of throw-up is everywhere. Maybe they can throw some bubblegum smelling deodorizer on it.