Of Madonna and Adoption

I am on the road this week and there is one thing that has been consistent throughout my travels, every time I have turned on the news or read a newspaper, there has been something about Madonna’s adoption of 13 month old David Banda from Malawi.

First, I must admit that I am quite happy the media are mentioning Malawi (a lot) and it’s not directly related to hunger or HIV/AIDS. I am sure Patricia Kaliati must be salivating wherever she is at the prospect of the boost to the tourism industry.

There seem to be two main schools of thought with regards to the adoption here in the UK. One is that Madonna didn’t follow the laws of the land and was only granted the adoption rights because of her celebrity status. The other is that Madonna is simply following a fad set by other celebrities that have also adopted children from poorer countries. I watched “This Morning” on ITV (I know, I know) and according to their vote, 59% of their viewers disagree with the adoption. A lot of organisations have also voiced their disapproval citing human rights and the cloak and dagger manner in which the adoption case has been handled.

I believe that they are missing the point. The only time I have heard anyone comment on baby David’s welfare was when he was covered with a hoodie and driven to central London amidst flashing cameras. It seems everyone is only focusing on the now. I propose that we look say, 15 years from today when David is 16.

Let’s examine the two scenarios:

1. David’s adoption is squashed and he grows up in Malawi: I am Malawian and very proud of being so, however, I do not have rose tinted glasses about life back home. It is sad to admit but there is stigma attached to being an orphan in Malawi. If David would live to see his 16th birthday, chances are that he would have suffered both mental and physical abuse, be involved in criminal activities or living (dying) with HIV/AIDS. Would he know how to read and write? Probably, but not to high standard. I don’t think I need to go on here; I am actually getting depressed thinking about it.

2. David lives and grows up in the Madonna household: I don’t know Madonna personally (really?) but even if she is not the ideal mother, David will be exposed to better education, better health care and opportunities he wouldn’t have even dreamt of back at the orphanage. Don’t get me wrong, there are no guarantees in life and David could end up a criminal with HIV/AIDS whilst living in the UK, but he would have been offered ample opportunities – more so than the average British kid.

Now, can any of those people against the adoption (regardless of how the papers were shuffled) tell me that the best option for David is to remain at the orphanage in Malawi? They mention human rights – what about the human rights to a full education, the human rights to health care, simply, the human rights to a better life. As for the flashing lights scaring baby David, this was no doubt a daunting experience for him but it pales in comparison to some of the experiences that awaited him as he grew up in the orphanage.

I really wish the media were wise enough to have interviewed a Malawian about the whole situation instead of UK based adoption lawyers.

I have a son who is David’s age and as any parent will agree, will do anything for our offspring’s betterment including handing them over to someone else if we were sure it was for their benefit (easily said than done!)

Well, that’s my rant done...Be sure to leave your comments. Just my 2T.