Spring Break
Adoption is not a Publicity Stunt
Khara Huberman
Issue date: 5/16/07 Section: Opinion
Quick quiz: what is the newest trend among celebrities to gain media's attention? Is it owning a dog, going to rehab or adopting third world children?
If you guessed the latter, pat yourself on the back because no one else will.
Celebrities are adopting third world children for two reasons: it's a lot faster than domestic adoptions and whirlwind attention is given for international adoptions because it's promotional gold and a publicist's dream.
Two great examples are Angelina Jolie's binge adopting of three children from three different countries, and Madonna's casual "I'll take that one" adoption in Africa.
According to Parents.com, couples seeking to adopt a domestic newborn have to wait for a birth-mother to choose them, which can take three months to three years. In comparison, international adoptions are a favorable alternative because it usually takes less than two years.
Although Jolie works with United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), it does not seem coincidental that she started adopting during production of the first Tomb Raider movie. Jolie said she chose to adopt Maddox Jolie-Pitt after seeing how less-fortunate Cambodia can be for children, but there are plenty of domestic orphans who fall into the less-fortunate category.
There are between 19,000 and 25,000 infants adopted domestically each year, which according to USNews.com is becoming rarer. Since international waiting periods are shorter they become the greatest opportunity to "purchase" a child and promote oneself through public love. The overall number of international adoptions in the United States has risen along with the disturbing trend, according to statistics from National Public Radio, which say they rose from 7,093 in 1990 to more than 22,000 in 2004.
This situation is saddening because the public takes notice and wants to be just like their favorite actors and celebrities. Paris Hilton's infatuation with Chihuahuas and the ensuing Chihuahua craze made almost every little girl want one.
If you guessed the latter, pat yourself on the back because no one else will.
Celebrities are adopting third world children for two reasons: it's a lot faster than domestic adoptions and whirlwind attention is given for international adoptions because it's promotional gold and a publicist's dream.
Two great examples are Angelina Jolie's binge adopting of three children from three different countries, and Madonna's casual "I'll take that one" adoption in Africa.
According to Parents.com, couples seeking to adopt a domestic newborn have to wait for a birth-mother to choose them, which can take three months to three years. In comparison, international adoptions are a favorable alternative because it usually takes less than two years.
Although Jolie works with United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), it does not seem coincidental that she started adopting during production of the first Tomb Raider movie. Jolie said she chose to adopt Maddox Jolie-Pitt after seeing how less-fortunate Cambodia can be for children, but there are plenty of domestic orphans who fall into the less-fortunate category.
There are between 19,000 and 25,000 infants adopted domestically each year, which according to USNews.com is becoming rarer. Since international waiting periods are shorter they become the greatest opportunity to "purchase" a child and promote oneself through public love. The overall number of international adoptions in the United States has risen along with the disturbing trend, according to statistics from National Public Radio, which say they rose from 7,093 in 1990 to more than 22,000 in 2004.
This situation is saddening because the public takes notice and wants to be just like their favorite actors and celebrities. Paris Hilton's infatuation with Chihuahuas and the ensuing Chihuahua craze made almost every little girl want one.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Katy
posted 5/16/07 @ 11:44 PM EST
What a bunch of hooey on your part! Americans adopting internationally are not "purchasing" children to be more like our favorite actresses. I despise Hollywood, I don't even watch tv EVER. (Continued…)
Adoptee
posted 5/17/07 @ 4:53 PM EST
I cannot wait until the trend to stop transracial abduction STARTS. These oblivious adoptive parents parading around their attachment disordered abductees is the most vile thing I've seen yet. (Continued…)
Opinion
posted 5/19/07 @ 4:08 PM EST
Hey people its an opinion and the writer backed the opinion with data. You have your opinion too, but I don't think the writer should be called "ignorant" or be "ashamed" for an opinion that clearly is written to cause controversy! I find this writing excellent! Isn't Jennifer Anistan also thinking of adoption or is it because she hates Jolie? What about Britnay spears who looks up to madonna, was she not thinking of adopting-which I hope she doesn't since she can't even take care of her own kids. (Continued…)
Kerpal Dogzuban
posted 5/19/07 @ 5:07 PM EST
I must commend the author on this subject. It seems like it is the new fad in the celebrity industry. Lets get real, first it was dogs, now its children. (Continued…)
Miguel
posted 5/21/07 @ 3:04 AM EST
Im from Portugal and i have the same opinion, the celeb loves the light spot that a third world child adoption give to them. Its very good for them carrers and that, they dont do it for the child but just for themselfs. (Continued…)
Miguel
posted 5/21/07 @ 3:07 AM EST
Im from Portugal and i have the same opinion, the celeb loves the light spot that a third world child adoption give to them. Its very good for them carrers and that, they dont do it for the child but just for themselfs. (Continued…)
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