by Prin Dumas

Created on: June 27, 2008

There are a few things that come to mind when I think of foreign children in Third World countries of this world: poverty, hunger, and disadvantage. In turn, it would be wonderful if everyone with the socioeconomic means could offer a better life to such children. Celebrities have this type of means: leisure time, money, flexible schedules, and multiple resources. Many parents of an average lifestyle may only wish to provide some of the amenities and comforts that a famous and wealthy parent automatically can easily provide.

All wonderful realities aside, one should also wonder about the domestic group of orphaned children who may be overlooked in lieu of what may seem like a needier child overseas. I'm not sure if the teen mother who gives up her child for adoption with the hope that her baby will be granted a better life expects her said baby to grow up in an orphanage. It is something to consider when celebrities are overly lauded for their generosity. What about the three year old toddler growing up among a bunch of other unwanted American infants?

It is important to reach out to poorer countries. Donate. Volunteer. Visit. Change lives. Go ahead and do something, but do not forget the needs right in front of your front door. It sometimes seems a little silly to embark on these altruistic ventures, almost implying that the "poorer and less fabulous" Americans can handle the needs of the less exotic needy in America. That's not exactly a humanitarian's ideal. I would think it important for priorities within the local community to be first for anyone with money and influence. Although it is nice to maintain that underdeveloped countries need more assistance from wealthier citizens of the world, perspective is necessary.

Here's a thought:
Saving one child from absolute misery is wonderful, but it may do nothing for the original community of the adopted child, since he will be removed from the surroundings to do anything to "give back." An American adoption removes the disadvantage from the immediate community and raises a child to grow up to make use of the generous advantages his adoptive parents have provided-in his own country, making it better. How does one saved African child, moved to another country, help Africa?

There are celebrities who place focus on All-American issues. If there is a natural disaster, you can guarantee that a Country music star somewhere is raising money with an outdoor, feel-good concert. It seems that the mainstream Pop Culture, however, focuses on being "exotic" in every which way. If they're dieting on some rare species of tuna from some unheard of sea, they're also specifically selecting their families to be from places that no one else can claim to peruse. Correct me if I am wrong, but I doubt adoption should be riddled with any type of hierarchical competition. Look in front of you when you want to help-that is real food for thought.

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