Patrice Martin: How Long Lost Family Went High, While Other Adoption Media Goes Low

(Yes, the episode title is derived from Michelle Obama's famous line; "when they go low, we go high!")

Television influences public opinion of adoption. It's easy to see the influence shows like Annie and The Blind Side have had as they highlight the savior tropes and downplay or ignore the adoptees journey of grief and loss.  To my amazement, Long Lost Family seems to buck the trend! This show (which aired on TLC from 2016-2019) focuses on reuniting adoptees with their biological family. In the adoptee-world, shows like this often are termed 'reunion porn.' But this was different. Adoptee, Patrice Martin, was cast on Season 6, Episode 8 and to my amazement they resisted the urge to exploit her story. The production team treated her and her story with the humanity and care that we adoptees desire. Stunned and impressed, I just had to speak with the team that put this episode together. 

Listen to learn more about how a network television resisted the inevitable ratings gold.

This episode features:
Patrice Martin - Adoptee
Kathryn Takis - Long Lost Family producer
Lisa Joyner - Host of Long Lost Family
Jen Utley - Director of Family Research at Ancestry.com
Leslie Mackinnon - Therapist for Long Lost Family cast and crew
  

You can reach out to Angela through her website or on Instagram @angieadoptee.

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