Is it approperate?

Question

It was requested of me to make a baby onesie to give to a family who adpted from china.

They want it to read "Made in China". do you think that is inapproperate?

Answer 1

Why would that be inappropriate? The child is Chinese and was born in China- it's just a little humor. I don't think anyone would find that offensive.

I think that's actually pretty funny/adorable.

Would it be inappropriate if you walked around wearing a Made in America shirt? No.

Answer 2

No it isn't.  My husband has a shirt, "Made with Cuban parts" as he is half Cuban - his dad and grandparents came over from Cuba in 1959.  

That is a cute idea.

Answer 3

Consider time and place.  

Bikinis are fine at the beach, but not on city streets.  A Made in the USA shirt, worn by an American in the USA, sounds pretty harmless, but would be a real faux pas in certain countries.  Especially considering the current concerns about products Made in China, advisory groups warning now days not to buy or accept anything from China...this onsies idea has such potential to be misinterpreted.  There are so many other cute, darling things you could put on a onsies!!!

Answer 4

no

Answer 5

If someone gave your baby born in the States a shirt stamped, "Made in America," would you dress him in it?  If not, you have your answer.

Answer 6

It doesn't sound inappropriate, it will be just fine and well, not offensive at all.

Answer 7

Well... I am currently working on a tattoo design for my upper back just below my neck, a shirt tag to read made in bc with a specific leaf. Now being that I am adopted, was made in British Columbia and I'm a smoker I find it funny... But I am an adult making a statement about myself. I'm also having stick figures done on my ankle to represent my mother, sister and myself. All three of us are getting them.

I am at fault for dressing my infants in outlandish t-shirts with unacceptable phrases, what can I say except I love shock value.

As far as this goes, if you are uncomfortable with the idea then say no. If they are dead set on having it done there are numerous online stores that will custom make any design you want.

Answer 8

I think it isn't appropriate for the parents to request it.  Maybe when she is an adult and finds something like that appropriate it would be a different story.  I don't think it is making her seem like a "thing" but more of emphasizing the differences between her and her adoptive family if that makes any sense.

Answer 9

Personally, I think it's pretty tacky.  Yes, I'm sure it's meant to be funny.  However,  given the fact that the baby is being adopted, saying "made" in China, makes it sound like the baby is a material commodity...something that, as an adoptee myself, I find very distasteful.  

Since you're asking the question, it has obviously given you pause also, so I think you should say no.

Answer 10

The important difference between this and the husband wearing "Made With Cuban Parts" is that the husband knows what he's wearing and decided to wear it.

An infant is not "in on the joke."  I do think it's inappropriate.

Answer 11

Totally inappropriate. It objectifies a child, even if these people WOULD put a "Made in the U.S.A." onesie on an American child. And if they WOULDN'T put a "U.S.A." onesie on a child, it smacks of racism, too.

Yuck.

I'd just tell them that you know of transracial/transcultural adoptees who grow up to find that kind of thing diminishing of their culture, and for that reason you feel uncomfortable making the onesie.

Answer 12

If you don't feel comfortable with it, don't do it.

If they want an explanation be honest.

Answer 13

I think it's really corny, and not the sort of joke I like, but I don't think there is anything truly OFFENSIVE about it...  just dumb.

Answer 14

Oh my goodness. My heart breaks for a child whose relatives would trivialize his/her first parents and culture in this way.  Please, don't do this and try to educate them how offensive this will be to their child when he/she is older.

I thought that parents who adopt internationally are required to take classes to teach them to respect the culture of their adopted children.  I guess not.  Silly me.

Answer 15

It sounds kinda like you are referring to a child as a cheap object.  I think it would be offensive and seem racist.  Would that kid really want to look back and see him/herself wearing that in his/her baby pics?  No.  Definitely inappropriate.  I would turn down the request or ask if you can put something else on the onesie like a cute picture or somthing.  Stick to your convictions =)

Answer 16

Tacky, yes. Inappropriate (as in inheirently offensive), no.

Then again, you never know what some people will get offended over.

Answer 17

You need to do what you feel is comfortable.  I don't see anything totally offensive about it, but everyone has their own opinions.  I actually thought it was pretty cute, until I started reading some of the other answers which got me thinking that with all of the recalls in China right now, it could be REALLY offensive, so I somewhat changed my mind.  While I see the "cuteness" they want to portray, I personally would hesitate to make it - just because of my own thoughts.  

Good luck to you.

Answer 18

I think it will be fine.

Answer 19

How disgusting, tasteless, dehumanizing and humiliating

Don't do it, yuk!

Answer 20

Not funny in the least!!

Answer 21

im sorry but YES

MADE IN CHINE? OMFG

Answer 22

tacky, much.

humor at a child's expense. how eff'd up!  

natal and cultural bonds should be respected and not used for a cheap laugh.  

i'm a believer that we usually know the answers to our questions.  and i think you have answered yours.  this is a contract that you should decline.

be well...

re: other's who own "made in *insert county here* t-shirts":  you made a CHOICE to wear the shirt, this child did not.