Photographer : Sphark
There’s a battle in my brain! Ever felt overwhelmed by an issue, but unsure where you stood? When I first heard of Madonna’s adoption of Malawi baby David, I was initially angry, but then I started to wonder whether this anger was actually a reaction to my real emotion… jealousy.
Victoria’s deep brown eyes lock with mine. Her cheeky smile causes me to cry. I pull her closer toward me, my love for her is overpowering and I can’t believe that in a few days I may never see her again.
In 2005 I spent eight months as a health education volunteer in a rural village in Uganda and became particularly close to a young girl, Victoria. Cuddling her one evening I once whispered “I wish I could take you home with me.” Victoria fled, and with tears streaming down my face, I wondered what I had done. Later that night, Victoria’s mother came to me pleading. She begged for me to take Victoria. She loved her daughter so much that she would give her up, in the hope I could offer her greater opportunities. I hated myself for saying, No.
I’m reminded of this heartache as the story of Madonna adopting Malawi boy David Banda, consumes the media. Madonna is copping criticism but everybody is missing the point
—it’s not about Madonna, it’s about David and his family and what is best for them. “It is a blessing from God,” says Mr Banda, in regard to David’s adoption, who was scared that David may soon die like his other children.
Madonna has also donated $4 million dollars to the AIDS orphan charity ‘Raising Malawi’ but no amount of money given will compare to the opportunities she is able to offer David by adopting him. The problems in Malawi require long-term solutions, not even millions of dollars will suddenly stop the government being corrupt, wipe out the AIDS epidemic, or bring the education system up to scratch. It’s awesome that Madonna is working to change these things, but it’s equally great that she can offer Malawi baby, David, the opportunities that so many of us take for granted.
If I had the money and resources I would still be cradling Victoria in my arms. Before you criticise Madonna, think, wouldn’t you want the best for those you love?
Arghhh… I think I agree with Madonna’s actions, then I hear on the radio that she’s already decided to adopt a baby girl from Malawi, and take her daughter to help her “pick!” I’m screaming with rage. Stupid, stupid Madonna! Read more
How do I know this?
The Advertiser 2006, ‘Fresh hope little Michael will be in his new home for Christmas’,
The Advertiser, 24 October
The Advertiser 2006, ‘Row over a ‘blessing from God’’,
The Advertiser, 21 October
The Advertiser 2006, ‘I saved my new son’s life’, Madonna insists,
The Advertiser, 27 October
The Associated Press 2006, ‘Madonna adoption review hearing reset’,
USA today.com, 27 October,
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-10-27-madonna-hearing_x.htm
Luscombe, B 2006, ‘Exclusive: Madonna speaks out about her “big, big project”’,
Time.com, 3 August,
http://www.time.com/time/world/printout/0,8816,1222449,00.html
Mail Online 2006, ‘Madonna flies home without adopted baby’,
The Daily Mail, 8 November,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/text/print.html?in_article_id=410143&in_page_id=1
Reuters 2006, ‘Madonna’s adoption fears’,
Sydney Morning Herald, 30 October,
http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/i-became-transfixed/2006/10/26/1161749198402.html
Yahoo News 2006, ‘Madonna adoption plans trigger broad backlash’,
Yahoo News, 14 November,
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061017/ts_nm/madonna_backlash_dc
