Madonna Adoption Debate

Lately people have been quick to criticize celebrities for their charitable work, pointing out that the star is only doing it for publicity and personal gain (i.e. a more positive image).

Of course, Angelina Jolie had a less than perfect image before she started adopting children from third world countries. So did Madonna, before she had children and now is adopting one from Africa.

Madonna knows that by hanging from a cross on her recent concert tour, she'll generate controversy and press that will no doubt get her concert mentioned in almost every magazine and news outlet across the world. However, those of us who saw the concert know that that scene was intended to show how many children are being sacrificed in Africa by AIDS. If NBC decides to televise that scene in their upcoming broadcast, millions across the world will be touched as well.

So if Madonna's recent tour helps get her name in the Guiness Book of World Records as the highest paid female musician in the world (beating out Britney Spears who held the record since 2001) and attracts attention to millions of children who are suffering, does it really matter that she's able to increase her income by doing so?

Those who are quick to criticize need to look at themselves. How much money have you given to charity? When did you volunteer last? When did you give aid to a poverty stricken child, much less adopt one?

Comments

[Craig]

I agree with you. Look how many children are suffering around the world and even in our own country. If celebrities want to adopt children and provide better opportunities for these children, then we should praise them rather than criticize them.

Futher, its very nice when Celebrities use their fame and fortune for good causes rather than just spending the money on their exuberent lifestyles.

[-Wesley Archer]

I think it is great that Madonna is going to adopt a child that would have been left out in the streets probably. I also don't think there should be some court case either. She has the means to provide for the child and the childs fathers wants her to have the baby. Now, with that said lets look at the other side of the story. there are just as many children here in america that she could help out with no problems with adopting. But, it's the new celebrity trend to go to others countries to adopt these kids. If she adopted a child in america it would have been "Madonnan adopts child....." end of story, but madonna always needs to be in some controversy that gets her publicity so she goes to the most far off no where place on the earth so she would have problems adopting the child. No this court battle she is going to look like a saint for being "The one who saved that little boys life by struggling to break the chains of the law". Booo! Don't try to a martyr by using this innocent child for publicity. You decide...

[Milena]

I'm very appreciate with what Madonna is doing. No matter what reasons behind her charity. Even if she is trying to create this controversy for the sake of her publicity. but more importantly she has saved the life of another less fortunate child.

[Radula]

Poor child! She profits from it. Like Angelina Jolie. They are so selfish! If the rich people gave up half their property, people in Africa would not be starved to death. Think about it.

[suru]

They may look selfish but the way of adopting poor children is to be welcome.The stars of poor children are shining. once they are on footpath and now in entire AC life.

[Special K U.K]

well celebrity and world poverty are two sides of the same coin arent they? the reason 80% of the worlds population is so poor is because the rest of us are so rich and greedy. The juxtaposition of Maddonna - one of the world's richest individuals with the poorest - an African child - hits a nerve with us and we cant cope with the deep irony and discomfort of such a thought. Aside from that, on an individual human level, I hope both the child and Madonna herself will be enriched by experiencing the other. And if it makes us all talk about the real issues at stake - then maybe its a good thing.......

[DIDI]

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[Peter Allpress]

I think anyone that is "anti" the thing that Madonna is doing they should consider the efforts that she's making here. How the hell is it selfish to help so many children the way she is? I wish i could have no conscience like the critics, what have they done lately to help poverty stricken children. If Madonna was being selfish why would she be doing all that she is doing, donating so much money, time etc, surely she would just adopt the child and that would be that, i think there are a lot of people that should pull their heads out of their ar*eholes and start seeing the good that is being done!!!

[feli]

im glad tht madonna adopted a baby in africa.when angelina jolie adopted a baby in ethopia people didnt complain so why do u have to complain for madonna's adoption

[Chimwe Chikwana]

Dear Sir/Madam

I am a 25 year old Malawian Producer based in Blantyre, Malawi who has created a television show aimed at exposing all the positive developments and aspects about Malawi. The show is called What’s Good Malawi? and the first ever episode will be broadcast on Malawi Television on Sunday the 5th August.

I am in the process of acquiring assistance for the production of this show from Malawian companies and although it has been difficult so far, the results are positive. Our country now has a lot of international attention thanks to Madonna’s adoption of David Banda. This attention would have never come to Malawi if it wasn’t for her and I feel this is also Malawi’s opportunity to expose itself.

At this moment there are no Malawian production companies that are doing anything (that we are aware of) with the platform that Madonna has given us. It is unfortunate because as I’m sure she saw, Malawi has many things to offer and we would benefit very much if our tourism industry was to get an influx of foreigners wishing to see more of Malawi. It doesn’t just end with tourism though, development and investment opportunities exist for those with an interest in Malawi. I am asking for any form of assistance from well-wishers who believe in the right kind of exposure for Malawi. This assistance could even be in the form of “spreading the word” about the show so we get as many people tuned in and on board as possible.

I want this show to get international exposure so that all these people who are curious about Malawi can see for themselves what this country is about.

I am typing this email with my fingers crossed that the right people will read it and get back to me. There are many more things I wish to inform you regarding What’s Good Malawi? but before I can do that I need to know if you are interested in knowing more about this project. I eagerly await your responses. Thanking you in advance

Chimwe Chikwana
Executive Producer/Creator of What’s Good Malawi