Celebrity Adoptions
By debbie4824
@debbie4824 (118)
United States
January 8, 2007 8:47am CST
Adopting foreign children seems to have become almost a "fad" with celebrities of late. I was wondering if anyone was concerned about this besides me?
I have concerns two fold.
1) Are they adopting because they truly want to create a solid family home environment for a child or because it will get them a bit of free publicity and get them attention and keep them in the news?
2) Has the US made it so impossible with red tape for people to adopt children here? I am all for helping any child anywhere in the world, but I hate to see someone bringing a child into our country for the wrong reasons. There's a strong responsibility with adopting a foreign child as I think you need to make sure to understand the culture from which they were born so they do not lose their roots. I have a cousin that adopted a child from China and she is very careful to make sure she learns as much as possible about her birth country.
Any thoughts or is it just me?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@madgirl (210)
• India
10 Jan 07
I'm not sure about how it is in the US but I don't think adoption should only be from some countries. All children from any adoption center in any country deserve to go to a good family. Its nice to see celebrities adopting, but I don't think I understand why it would have to be out of their country. Surely a child from China or India doesn't deserve a happy family *more* than one in the US or UK?
Then again, there's the perception (maybe partially true) that chidcare in China, India, and some countries is not as good as US or UK. So who knows, maybe they think that a child can survive without their parents in the US and UK but have less chances of getting a good family in India or China?
Like I said, I don't understand the reason why it has to be out of their country, but I do appreciate the thought of adoption.
And another thought - are they really taking good care of their children? I know its unfair to think they won't just because they're celebrities (I mean we won't ask a banker or an officer if he takes care of his adopted children well). But, well, you can't resist thinking that maybe the whole adoption thing is just a ruse to get publicity and they may not actually take good care of the child, in which case the whole excercise is pointless.
@debbie4824 (118)
• United States
10 Jan 07
Exactly. That's what I worry about. It seems like one did it and then all the others started. If these kids are being used are they really better off in the long run?
I think you nailed it though, 1) They see kids from other countries as being more "in need" and 2) The US has a lot of red tape.
I wish there were enough families around to adopt every child in the world but unfortunately there aren't :(
@wmg2006 (5381)
• United States
10 Jan 07
I think it is a wonderful idea. What better person to adopt a child than a celebrity with money who can provide the best for these underprivilaged kids. It does not concern me at all. And Yes the US has made it almost impossible for anyone to be adopted here in the US. I have friends who have tried forever to adopt, they are good people, they make good money, they have a loving home and loving heart, but they still can not adopt here after many years of trying. Within 9 months they were able to adopt a child from China with no problems.
1 person likes this
@debbie4824 (118)
• United States
10 Jan 07
"what better person"? That's where I think we have so many problems in this country. If you take out the abusers, celebrities would be right up there on the top of the list for 'worst people'. I'm not saying that every celebrity would be horrible parents, but it's got to be considered a "high risk" profession for parents.
Think about it.
1) Money - yeah they can provide, they can also give them so much that they learn no moral values and think they can buy their way through the world and should be treated as royalty.
2) Stability - Many celebrities travel a lot and end up taking the kids with them, yeah great they get to see the world, but what about school, friends, learning what a "normal" life is?
3) Publicity - No privacy, and for some celebrities, can you even imagine reading the tabloids about your parents?? YIKES!
As I said, I'm sure there are many celebrities out there who are wonderful parents, but I wouldn't consider them the best choice necessarily. Money is NOT everything and often hurts children more than helps.
Real Life Example: A father sends his kids to private school. He is taking them to the Caribbean on a private yacht for a weeks vacation from school. He flies them first class. Something came up and they can only spend 4 days on the yacht and now have to spend 3 days at a luxury hotel on the beach. AND....here's the kicker. They are complaining and crying about it. These are not young kids, they are teenagers. What kind of adults do you think kids like this will grow up to be?
Sometimes, money can hurt more than help.
That being said : I had heard that the US is getting harder and harder, but I feel for the kids that we have in foster care here waiting for homes. I feel for kids everywhere of course, but it seems like sometimes the kids here are forgotten in the press.
