Madonna and Brangelina have been in the news for their adoptions of African babies. But ordinary folks (well, ordinary white folks with quite a bit of resources) are also adopting African children in increasing numbers. Ethiopia has become a popular source of these children, which is raising some concerns in that country. There is a fine line between altruism and exploitation. there is no doubt that across Africa there are children in desperate need of a new home. And yet at the same time, there is an element of this adoption trend that smacks of exploitation and opportunism. The key is that there must be a legitimate and equal partnership with clearly established rules between the adopting couples and the legal systems of the countries in question. Hollywood should certainly not be the driving engine for the trendy accoutrement of an African adoption.
