[Continued from HERE]

There have been many un-sung adoptions of children from either different races and/or nationalities by celebrities of various standing in the past, but lately the ‘trendy’ ambience around the adoption of children from undeveloped/third world/whatever-other-condescending-term-one- might-want-to-use countries has created a whole new level of hubbabaloo. It seems as though the new mantra of the jet-set is “everybody’s doing it, why can’t I?” There is no wonder that many people have easily become cynical about the motives: do they adopt for the sake of the child or is it just self-serving publicity stunts and/or a new twist on the “keeping up with the Jones’” concept.

Although I can’t say I am much of a Madonna fan, I, for one, accept her intentions as human and caring, just like those in our Jethro story. I know from my own experience, as many of you reading this may as well, that sometimes there is something compelling about a child (or for that matter another person of any age or relation type) that makes one feel connected or drawn to that child or person.

When I was in Malawi, I fell head-over-heals for a little girl whose local language name meant Giving Thanks. Her parents were both killed by AIDS. She, with ten siblings and cousins, was being raised by her grandparents. Had I the means at the time, I would have adopted her with no second thoughts, as both she and her grandparents often begged me to do. The best I could offer, though, was to pay for her schooling and though it helped, it didn’t give her the opportunities her intelligence, character and warmth really deserved.

Madonna claims to have felt the same kind of thing for David. I can accept that. She’s not really a god or a prophet or a monster; she’s just a human being, with all the good and bad that comes with that, just like the rest of us. Even she can fall head-over-heels for an amazing child.

Can the same be said of every attempt of a star to adopt? Probably not. Can the same be said for every mere mortal that adopts? Probably not. Can the same be said for every mere mortal or star that gets their children the old fashioned way? Probably not. Not prophets. Just human beings.

The best part about the trendiness of adoption, though, is that it has become comedian fodder (the only part of media frenzy I often enjoy.) I’m sure good ol’ John Stewart, in his infinite wisdom, wasn’t trying to be cynical at all when he quipped:

If you’re under 18 years old and watching this show [in an undeveloped country,] you are probably one of the few not yet adopted by an American celebrity… but don’t worry, there’s still hope! One day Julia Roberts will be in your village, scoop you up, take you home and start calling you her “jelly bean.”

The new African Dream? Hmm. Let’s hope not.


[Next blog: M Fray, Part IV: USA is USA, Malawi is Malawi]