[mshackelford13]

After reading everyones responses to the JS thread I felt the need to start a new thread regarding the "adoption trend" in Hollywood. That is exactly what it is. It is the new trendy thing for these people to adopt from other countries and I find it TRULY offensive. It seems to be more PR than anything else. Do these people actually raise their children? It seems doubtful to me. They have nannies to care for their children while they continue as before; hanging out in the "cool" clubs, going to parties etc. How many of us have nannies to care for these children that we have worked so hard to get and how many of us would want them? I would say very few if any. How many of these people go through all that we go through to get these children? I would think you would be hard pressed to find a single one. With the way that these "people" (and at this point I use the term very loosely) behave on a regular occasion (look at little Miss Britney and how she has behaved with her biological child), I would not find them to be suitable for parenthood nor mature enough to handle children. They're too busy picking fights with each other like school children.

Anyway, sorry for the rant but I am very tired of all of this garbage. People seem to have forgotten that these are entertainers not "royalty" and they do not deserve (nor have they earned) the priveledges that they are given.

Michelle

[Kesti]

On Entertainment Tonight they did speak of it being a trend started by Jole. I do believe that Jole's intentions are on the up-and-up but have to agree that adopting should not be a "trend", it should be something that is in your heart, something that you follow.

[ej-momtobe]

Michelle,

I disagree with most of what you say. I don't personally know any of these celebs that are adopting, so I don't know how involved they are with their children. And, just because they might be able to afford nannies does not make them ignorant parents. I know many parents who get babysitters to go out to parties and adult events and have some fun without the kids. I also know real families that have nannies. That doesn't make them bad parents or uninvolved parents. Celebs are constantly under the eye of the media, waiting for them to make a stupid move (or in some cases provoking it) so the media can have a story. I don't think that because someone does something stupid that the are undeserving of being a parent. Unless you know these people personally, you certainly are not getting a balanced idea of them....not from the media, no way.

I have never seen any information that they have to go through any less than we all do to adopt...homestudy, I600A, dossier, wait. Just because it is not publicized doesn't mean they are skipping steps or that these steps are any less stressful for them. (OK, the finances are probably less stressful.)

I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt. I think it unfortunate that people use these celebrities as roll models without really knowing much about them but the tabloid stuff. It is also unfortunate that people judge them based on these reports.

As for the 'trend', I can't see how that's a bad thing either. It would be unfortunate if parents decided to adopt to be more like celebs, but I think in most cases it raises awareness and acceptance of this option. It brings this option to the forefront for people to discuss and consider.

Now the media, that's where I have issues....they will say anything to get a reader.

[ManyTimesBlessed]

I understand where the original poster is coming from, but I see it a little differently. There are so many children who need homes and if a celebrity is willing to give a child a home, then I don't see anything wrong with that. Even if the child is raised by a nanny, it is better than growing up on the streets or in an orphanage.

I think there is also the added benefit that celebrities are helping to raise awareness about adoption. After Angelina adopted from Ethiopia, inquiries about adopting from that country rose drastically. If this is something that helps more kids find homes, then I'm all for it.

I will admit that it is frustrating to know that celebrities don't have to worry about the financial aspect of adopting and also that they probably get special treatment because of their status.

[cmfayz]

Michelle-

Why the hostility? Most of your post does not appear to be based on any "facts." Why not expend your energies towards something more positive? Just my opinion.

[jlinberger]

It is annoying that the media calls it a "Trend". What, like three celebrities announce their adoption and its a trend? Whatever. Hey, I'd like to do a homestudy FOR a celebrity. Wouldn't that be fun??? Angelina, give me a call.

I would venture to say that its very possible given the money and status of a celebrity, that they get moved along quicker than say, we underlings. But who knows. Would Angelina really get stuck in PGN? Hm. Doubtful. But alas, I still think Angelina is totally cool. Jessica? She'll be a tad annoying no matter what she does.

[Kesti]

On Entertainment Tonight an adoption attorney for the celebrities stated that they do have to do all that we have to do but the differene is they can afford to hire a high priced attorney whereas "most" of us cannot do that.

[Disneycrazed]

Originally Posted by Kesti

On Entertainment Tonight an adoption attorney for the celebrities stated that they do have to do all that we have to do but the differene is they can afford to hire a high priced attorney whereas "most" of us cannot do that.

I think that is a very good point.

[Maggie Beth]

I can never know the true intentions of a celebrity choosing to adopt... I can, however, deduce the intentions of the media that chooses to sensationalize these adoptions. From what I have read about Meg Ryan, for example, she had to comply with all the steps of the China process. Frankly, I doubt that the Chinese govt cares that Meg Ryan is an American actress. But the media is who encourages this "one stop baby shopping" idea. EmmyLee is the poster who encouraged us to write to Jessica Simpson's publicist -- that is the kind of thing that will make a difference in the long run -- if we in the adoption community refuse to accept the dumbing down of adoption. We have a responsibility to educate the public about adoption...

[Bassette]

I think I understand where you are coming from Michelle,...a place of love with a fierce sense of protection and I appreciate that. However I do relate more to what EJ said. I tend to give the benefit of doubt and I think the media has mislabeled this a "trend", unfortunately. I prefer to think of it as awareness. International adoption is getting alot of press in recent months although celebrities have adopted internationally before. With this new awareness, likely caused by all of A Jolie's press, the media is continuing to pay attention and that is not a bad thing in my opinion. Just another point of view and I hope you take it in the good spirit in which is intended. I can tell you are sincerely upset, you protective little mama you.

[Mommatokittys]

Originally Posted by mshackelford13

Anyway, sorry for the rant but I am very tired of all of this garbage. People seem to have forgotten that these are entertainers not "royalty" and they do not deserve (nor have they earned) the priveledges that they are given.

Michelle

Michelle,

You say these celebrities do not deserve or earned privledges they are given. That is such an unfair statement to make, since we don't really know if anything is given. What makes "royalty" any better? I applaud any person that wishes to adopt, to better a child's life c'mon does it matter what they do?
Of course just my opinion.

[4abrightfuture3]

First I want to say I appreciate where Michelle is coming from. She is a mom who values her children. Second I think that since we do not know personally ANY of the famous moms it is unfair to judge them. What I think are the real issues are the media and money. The media will dumby down the adoption route. I have NEVER seen Angelina Jolie do that. She speaks with such pride of her children and seems truly moved by the plight of orphans and the less fortunate. She donate a 1/3 of her salary to help others. That is wonderful ! Yeah she has had some quirky things in her past but hey, we all have a past. Some quirkier then others !! She does have those beautiful children with her all the time and seems to love it that way. Lets give her a break.
What I do think is an issue for most of us vs the famous is MONEY. I think some or all of us are jealous even if only a little bit, of how easy the money aspect of adoption is for celebrities. I have seen so many times on the forums parents state " If only money wasnt the issue we would adopt again, or siblings etc."
Celebrities are paid a gross amount of money and some of them try to do good with it. But it is not there fault that is what they are paid. And if they help ONE child to know love and security I say Good job !!
Just my 2 cents I dont want to upset anyone.

[rrrajan]

michelle--

your points are well taken. however, i hesitate at generalizing about "celebrities." there are good and bad celebrity parents just like there are good and bad parents among the rest of us. money may quicken your case and help out with childcare--but is having a nanny any worse than putting your child in daycare which many people do? (as i've done, too!)

although we don't know this, it is a conjecture, it would be truly annoying for people to speed through this process based only on their fame and ability to pay more. but if a celeb's heart is in the right place, only they would know this. one can only hope.

yes, this is a hard process and we all want our babies home the day after we receive the referral. it is an imperfect process, obviously...just hang in there :-) it is always helpful to know that in general, this is a long and emotionally wrenching road we have taken, but we are all in here together.

best of luck!

[superguppy]

Yeah. I'm not so sure it's the celebs themselves; it's the media reporting. As someone who's been misquoted in several press articles, I have to give the benefit of the doubt to the person who is being reported on.

I don't know if any of you read Sports Illustrated, but there was a great example of sensitive handling of this subject in a column by Rick Reilly. He went through an international adoption to become a Dad to his daughter, Rae, over a decade ago. His treatment of the subject was tender and true. It shows the difference of reporting and/or commentary by someone who's been through this vs. someone who hasn't.

[Disneycrazed]

I too believe that most of this is the media. Celebrities who have and are adopting could be just as angry at how things are reported.
They too had to go through the process and then having it told that they were able to "fly through it" must be frustrating for them also.
The media is not going to report the boring details that they had to go through... they are going to report whatever sells.