'Madonna wants good press'
2006-10-17 14:57
London - Controversy and criticism have
followed Madonna every step of the way on the path to stardom,
more often enhancing her career than hindering it.
But even she may be surprised by the strength of the
backlash over her plan to adopt a small boy from Malawi.
One-year-old David Banda arrived in London on Tuesday and
the welcome he received from the international media camped out
at Heathrow airport and outside Madonna's London home was a sign
of how radically his life was about to change.
That change is what concerns many children's charities, who
wonder how Banda will cope with leaving a Malawi orphanage for a
world of luxury homes, private jets and press intrusion.
"What we're saying is, rather than taking this child
overseas and caring for him in a totally alien environment, why
not support the father to take care of his own son in his own
community?" said Philippa Lei of the World Vision group.
Banda's mother died shortly after giving birth, but his
father is alive and has told reporters that he only intended to
leave David in the orphanage for a short time. He did, however,
welcome Madonna's decision to adopt his son.
The debate about the adoption has inevitably moved to the
internet, where similar concerns are being aired.
Motives questioned
"To take him away from his father is cruel and selfish, an
act designed to provide Madonna with favourable publicity,"
wrote one contributor responding to an opinion piece in
Britain's Observer newspaper that was strongly in favour of
Madonna.
"That child will grow up to resent her for taking him away
from his natural parent."
Not everyone is against the adoption. Madonna's supporters
point out that she is donating considerable time and money to
Malawi and that, on balance, the boy stands to gain.
"Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan and Mia Farrow have done it too,
drawing criticism of rich celebrities, Western arrogance, racism
and fashionably cute babies. But surely what counts most is the
happiness of one child?" Britain's Guardian newspaper wrote in
an editorial.
Madonna's motives have been questioned, as commentators
wonder whether the 48-year-old is imitating other "A"-list
stars.
Jolie has adopted children from overseas and Africa has
become a major draw for celebrity campaigners including Gwyneth
Paltrow and U2's Bono.
"I think in her mind she thinks she's doing the right thing
and putting her money where her mouth is," said Michael Musto, a
celebrity columnist for the Village Voice in New York.
"But I think the cynicism is coming from the fact that this
looks like a copycat of Angelina's actions and Madonna seems to
view an African orphan as the latest hot accessory."
Another raw nerve exposed by the adoption story has been
what outsiders view as the special treatment given to Madonna
because of her wealth, fame and power.
Malawian law bans adoptions by non-residents, but officials
are granting an exemption to Madonna.