What do you think of rich Westerners adopting poor kids from countries like Africa?

Question

I want to know people's views on this practice. And I dont just mean rich or famous people. Where are the ethics/morality/other values in people adopting kids from poor countries - filling the needs of childless couples in the West - but taking kids off their parents that just cant afford to keep them (or other reasons)?

Answer 1

If the child has a family like you said then I think they should sponsor the kid, or perhaps the whole family. If a first world couple is taking a third world child away from his family (without their consent) simply because they want a child (they may not be able to have one naturally) then that is just wrong. Because that kid has a family that loves him. If a family cannot take care of their children and has sent them to an orphanage to be adopted that is different. It's sad but many of them have to do that to give their kids a chance to survive (which may be slim but it's more than they can give). But it's not like a rich Westerner (or European or Asian) couldn't afford a sponsorship (especially since their country’s money is worth a lot more). However if the child is an orphan I think them being adopted by someone financially well off in a first world country and given the opportunity for a better life is great. But I also FIRMLY believe the kid should not have to lose his own culture that he came from and should be able to visit his home country if he wants to (or it's safe enough). The adoptive parents could even try learning his language. If I ever decide I want to raise kids I'm going to adopt an orphan from a third world country. And like you said it’s not all about rich and famous people. While their wealth and power can be used for good things we should all do a part to make this world a better place for everyone.

Answer 2

As a parent, and as an adopted child myself, I feel I can comment here.
Every year I travel to Vietnam and spend a month in an orphanage in the central highlands. The region is very poor and the children are here for a number of reasons. Usually it is the death of a parent or parents, but sometimes it is simply the inablilty of the parent(s) to tend for the child. When a child is adopted, all the other children are happy for this child because they really do know this means a better life for the child being adopted.

The moral here is what is best for the child.

Until you have spent time in a third world orphanage you can not understand, although the likes of Madonna and Angelina Jolie have raised awareness, there will never be an end to the problems faced by third world countries.

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Answer 3

It's a big issue. Why do people have a pet ?
You can adopt a child because you want to give one human being all the love and care that you can give,
But adopting doesn't mean you feel like the parent.
When there are difficulties you need to be very committed to be able to give it your all to find solutions which are good for all concerned.
Sometimes "famous" people have more possibilities in every field than others.
Certainly, intense contact with other cultures will only develop our human potential especially when there is real love.

Answer 4

Well I think it's a great idea, children need to be raised in the best environment possible. And if a parent can give their child up just to get that out of life, it's great

I suppose you're talking about the MAdonna case, I think she could've handled that way differently, with the adoption procedure. But it gives that child a chance to grow up in a better neighborhood and be a better person, than turn out like so many other disease ridden children in Africa who in turn dies from diseases they have no help or money to treat.

Maybe my views are wrong, but that's how I see it

Answer 5

I don't understand why people are making such a big deal out of this! So many people have been adopting kids from all over the world, for so many years, why do they now all suddenly care?
What's the difference if they're from Africa? Kids in orphanages and foster care have only one dream and that's to belong to a family that's loving and caring.
Why would anybody be so selfish as to want to deprive them of something most of us take for granted ( like family)?
They're not taking children from parents, those kids have been put for adoption!!! It's heartbreaking to see that some people can turn something as beautiful as providing for a child and turn it into a big ugly public mess. I say, shame shame shame!!

Answer 6

I think we should be working towards minimising childhood poverty in these affected countries, so that children can thrive amongst their own people and cultures.
I don't think there is anything intinsically 'good' about taking a child from its family and environment just because you can afford to do so.
Being rich does not make you a good parent, neither does being very poor.
Extremely wealthy people can help a lot more through programmes and local projects instead of indulging theyr'e whims in needless and cruel publicity stunts.
That's my opinion.

Answer 7

wow can't beleieve madonna has such an effect on our society that this question comes up although it is an excellent question. i'm not sure i think it's such a bad thing. if i was homeless and i couldnt afford to take care of my dog i would want to give it to a family that could. now don't get me wrong i am not comparing children to pets bu what i am trying to say in the simplest terms is that... if i'm living in a hut and i know that my child has a better chance at a good life with healthcare, and eduaction, a stable home enviroment and a true chance at a future i would want them to have it! by any means necessary... i mean isn't that why people have children in the first place isnt that why we nuture and educate them, so that they can grow up be better and more successful tahn us, so they can be more productive and contributing members of not just society but earth in general.

Answer 8

I think that it means the kid will probably have a better life - enough food to eat, a proper home, etc. But you've got to feel a bit for their parents.

Answer 9

I think it is wrong vary wrong if the parents and family have been killed then maybe id make an exception..However i know a lot of these adoptions are not the case ..

Answer 10

Anytime a poor kid is adopted it is a good thing. Don't knock the good things in life.