Celebrity adoption is the new rage in Hollywood. Many of Hollywood’s stars have been in the news for international adoption in the past few years. Websites are full of the names of those that both adopted children or were adoptees, like http://famous.adoption.com/. There has even been some controversy over the matter. Publicity stunt or just pure goodness, these wealthy celebs are opening their homes to poverty stricken children from other companies.
One of the most notable adopters in recent history is Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Both are very involved in humanitarian work and are huge supporters of adoption. Angelina adopted Maddox Chivan from Cambodia in 2002 when he was only 7 months old. She shortly after divorced her then-husband Billy Bob Thorton and gained sole custody of Maddox. (Wikipedia, 2009) Angelina and Brad both adopted Zahara Marley from Ethiopia at the age of 6 months in 2005. In 2007, the couple made their final adoption of Pax Thien from Vietnam at age 3 years. (Wikipedia, 2009) The Pitt/Jolie family also have three children of their own.
Super star singer, Madonna, ran into trouble when trying to adopt a baby, David, from Malawi in 2006. After signing adoption rights, the illiterate father of the 13 month old, indicated that he did not understand the meaning of adoption to be that of taking the child permanently. (TMZ, 2006) Madonna states her reasoning for wanting to adopt children, despite exploitation risks, as “After learning that there were over one million orphans in Malawi, it was my wish to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as expand our family." (Smith, n.d.)
I believe that the several celebrity adoptions are overall a good thing. After all poor children whom need a future are being taken in by people whom are very capable of providing their every need. Despite the factor or exploitation, I believe that this type of adoption proves that some of these celebrities have a heart.
One of the most notable adopters in recent history is Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Both are very involved in humanitarian work and are huge supporters of adoption. Angelina adopted Maddox Chivan from Cambodia in 2002 when he was only 7 months old. She shortly after divorced her then-husband Billy Bob Thorton and gained sole custody of Maddox. (Wikipedia, 2009) Angelina and Brad both adopted Zahara Marley from Ethiopia at the age of 6 months in 2005. In 2007, the couple made their final adoption of Pax Thien from Vietnam at age 3 years. (Wikipedia, 2009) The Pitt/Jolie family also have three children of their own.
Super star singer, Madonna, ran into trouble when trying to adopt a baby, David, from Malawi in 2006. After signing adoption rights, the illiterate father of the 13 month old, indicated that he did not understand the meaning of adoption to be that of taking the child permanently. (TMZ, 2006) Madonna states her reasoning for wanting to adopt children, despite exploitation risks, as “After learning that there were over one million orphans in Malawi, it was my wish to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death, as well as expand our family." (Smith, n.d.)
I believe that the several celebrity adoptions are overall a good thing. After all poor children whom need a future are being taken in by people whom are very capable of providing their every need. Despite the factor or exploitation, I believe that this type of adoption proves that some of these celebrities have a heart.
Bibliography
Smith, S. (n.d.). 'Adoption Fever' Among Celebrities Good or Bad? Retrieved May 29, 2009, from TMZ for Netscape Celebrity: http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/celebrity/becksmith.jsp?p=bsf_celebadoption
TMZ. (2006, October 24-30). Boy's Dad Has Doubts on Madonna's Adoption. Retrieved May 29, 2009, from Netscape Celebrity: http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/celebrity/weekinent.jsp?gal=went_weekof103006¤t=went_madonnatoadopt_1004
Wikipedia. (2009, May 28). Angelina Jolie. Retrieved May 29, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelina_Jolie
Smith, S. (n.d.). 'Adoption Fever' Among Celebrities Good or Bad? Retrieved May 29, 2009, from TMZ for Netscape Celebrity: http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/celebrity/becksmith.jsp?p=bsf_celebadoption
TMZ. (2006, October 24-30). Boy's Dad Has Doubts on Madonna's Adoption. Retrieved May 29, 2009, from Netscape Celebrity: http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/celebrity/weekinent.jsp?gal=went_weekof103006¤t=went_madonnatoadopt_1004
Wikipedia. (2009, May 28). Angelina Jolie. Retrieved May 29, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelina_Jolie
Adoption has receivede alot of attention due to celebrities. Angelina Jolie was even recently rated the top most powerful celebrity based on Forbes Magazine. I believe it is important that celebrities adopt because they are in the public eye, and they shape our popular culture.
ReplyDeleteI am always intrigued by these stories and thought you presented your topic in a very informative and entertaining fashion.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what's the deal with these celebrity adoptions!