You can send your feedback to Paula Zahn at:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?11
I can’t blog about this yet. I need to calm down some first.
She really should bring people onto her show who actually have a clue about the subject.
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January 5th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Ditto!! Ditto!! Ditto!! thank you for posting the link!
January 5th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I am with you RQ; this show demonstrated that none of the hosts any any understanding about international adoption. A very sad day for journalism and the international adoption community!!!
January 5th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
OK- I have NEVER seen anything so painfully inaccurate in my life. I called my husband in to watch it when it started, and we were both left dumbfounded when it ended. I think my favorite part was the implication that people who adopt from China are racist because they don’t want to adopt black or hispanic babies from the US. Ummmm….maybe it has nothing to do with race and everything to do with the adoption laws in our country that favor the biological parents. Unbelievable. I’m with RQ on this one. I don’t even know where to begin.
BTW- I’ve never posted before and just could not resist this.
Fuming in Atlanta
Jennifer
January 5th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Can someone post a link to what you are all talking about?
January 5th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Unfortunately, I missed it. For others who missed it, keep checking cnn.com, then click on PaulaZahnNow and then you can click on “transcripts.” The transcript is not up yet but the site says to keep checking as it is constantly being updated. After I read the transcript and then calm down, I will definitely send the show my thoughts.
SIS
January 5th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I have just sent Ms. Hahn an email. Her “experts” are clueless.
This was so frustrating to watch…..I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Jennifer-
I’m in Atlanta as well and I want to drive down there and I didn’t even SEE IT!!! I’m trying to think of anyone I know down there.
SIS
January 5th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
OH MY GOSH! I am sitting here trying to get to the contact page of Paula’s show and it must be bogged down with all of us FUMING mothers and fathers in waiting. I don’t even know where to begin with my comments… my three year old niece has a better understanding of the China vs. US adoption process than any of those three bumbling idiots on the PZ show. Let’s great real people – how could anyone possibly think that Americans (anyone for that matter) adopt from China to get smarter children!!!!!!!! I going to explode I’m SO MAD!
And with the regards to the attorney talking about families and agencies calling her about weight discrimination… one more time everybody… WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER WHAT CHINA DOES OR DOES NOT DO. Families and agencies can think whatever they want about the new regulations, but the bottom line is China can do whatever they want. Why can’t people understand that???? There’s no worldwide rule on what’s fair and not fair. If that was the case, well, there wouldn’t be homeless people, orphans, people dying of starvation, etc.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
I posted about this earlier under a different blog but I am right there with all of you. I think my mouth dropped to the floor. To take something as serious as adoption and turn it against the adopting parents…was I watching a news broadcasting program or some late night spoof?!
And to Jennifer in Atlanta…Your not alone
Sheryl fuming in Atlanta
January 5th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
That was terrible, at least we got to see footage of adorable babies! The guy that said people have to be “pinched all over” to get their BMI doesn’t know what he is talking about. They almost made fun of the whole situation. They made adoptive parents look racist and shallow in my opinion!
January 5th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
I just sent her show an email. That was a complete waste of my time and only perpetuates the biases described. How sad!
January 5th, 2007 at 9:13 pm
I’m going to send an email…..after I take a few deep breaths!!!!!
January 5th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Here’s an email I sent out to some lists that contain contact sites for CNN and the FCC:
For those of you who saw the segment on China Adoption on tonight’s Paula Zahn Now show, you are most likely outraged at the inaccuracies, stereotypes, racist comments and ignorant statements made by Paula and her guests. I’m planning to write an email tonight with criticism for the segment and a request to have the show do another segment apologizing for the comments and clarifying the reason people adopt from China. This segment left those not in the know with a very inaccurate picture of China Adoption in terms of people’s motivation to adopt from that country as well as a decrease in orphaned children. I’m certain others are wanting to do the same so below are contact sites for Paula Zahn Now, CNN and the FCC where emails can be submitted to draw attention to tonight’s show. I’m cross-posting this to make it easier for others to write and voice their concerns.
Send Comments to Paula Zahn Now
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?11
Contact CNN
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form6a.html?2
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Contact List
http://www.fcc.gov/contacts.html
Jenn
Cool New China Shirts and Merchandise
http://www.cafepress.com/labelmakers
January 5th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I’m sorry….I’m still trying to figure out if I was watching Paula Zahn or Jerry Springer.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Just sent a FLAMING email to the show. I’m sick, just plain sick. How dare they issue such overgeneralizations about adoptive parents. Talk about uninformed and shallow. I hope they are so overwhelmed with emails that they don’t even know where to begin.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Just emailed her show. Wow, I don’t think I have been this mad in a long time.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Did she have any waiting parents or parents who have already adopted from China? What was the point of the discussion?
January 5th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
If anyone finds a link for this, please post it!
I am so ready to send her an e-mail and I haven’t even seen it yet
January 5th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
No, she only had a panel of “experts” who had many opinions, but offered no facts. It was just plain sick. It was a bashing of adoptive parents… simply that. The point was to inform people about the changing rules that CCAA just issued.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
I can’t wait to see how many emails she gets. I sent mine off before they even finished blabbering on about it.
Talk about perpetuating stereotypes – they sure were doing a bang-up job at that.
Geez. This is why I don’t watch TV.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
I am speechless and I don’t know where to begin. I was in tears and quickly moved to anger. The ignorance exhibited on the show was shameful. CNN and Paula Zahn should be ashamed of their selves.
Susan R
January 5th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
I typically lurk but this has driven me out.
This show was appalling. Talk about stereotyping people.
We go to China because we want a smart baby? Why not adopt a US black baby?
One she should have panelists who at least knew what they were talking about. Perhaps interview some parents???? what a novel idea. Two — why we don’t adopt here has nothing to do with race and more with our adoption laws here.
oh I’m fuming!!
Jen in Atlanta
LID 9/11/06
January 5th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
AAK! I was in a restaurant and saw it come up on one of the overhead tvs. I couldn’t hear much of what was said, but could only read the tag lines. I wish I had heard it first hand. Can’t wait for the transcript.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
What I posted to Paula Zahn on her website:
How could giving a home to an abandoned child be construed into a racial motivation? Only the media could come up with that one! As a waiting parent of two years to adopt a little girl from China I am appaled at your report that seemed to focus on parents adopting from China being racist since we don’t adopt from the US.
My first adoption was from the US and due to the severe drug exposure of my first child and the complexities of an open adoption I did not want to go that route again. But, Thank you so much for turning me into a racist for wanting to give an abandoned Chinese girl a home.
Your lack of reporting could not have been more wrong or insensitive to what waiting parents go through who are in this process. Please try to fact check a little more closely next time.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Is anyone else having trouble posting?
January 5th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Please send in your thoughts to CNN, maybe it won’t make a difference, but it might help a little. This is what I wrote:
The segment of the show about adoptions from China was very insulting to adoptive parents. It was very obvious the panel knew nothing about adoption or the adoptive community.
1) People don’t choose to adopt from China because they think the kids will be smarter, better behaved or anything like that. It is not about race either. People choose China because the program is very stable and predictable compared to other countries. The children also tend to be well taken care of by the people who care for them in China.
2) There are only so many other countries that Americans can adopt from. Ethiopia is the only country I know of in Africa that is an option (unless you are a celebrity I suppose), and many Americans do adopt from there. There are only two places in Central and South America we can adopt from and one is likely to close soon. Some countries cost a lot more and people can’t afford it, some have an even longer wait time than China, some require an in country stay time that is longer than some people’s vacation, some require more than one trip, some have other restrictions that many don’t qualify for.
3) Why international rather than domestic adoption? There are not that many newborns or near newborns available in the US – less than the number of parents who are interested in adopting. Older kids have likely been in and out of the foster care system and may have behavioral issues that many prospective parents may not feel they can handle. In many states, the birth mother has an extremely long time in which she can change her mind – in my state I am told a birth mother can change her mind 6 months later. That doesn’t work for many people for many reasons.
Your panel seemed to completely disregard the issues prospective adoptive parents face. Many have gone through years of infertility treatment spending thousands of dollars on it, some have had multiple miscarriages, etc. This is their only chance to have a family. Adoption by any method is a difficult, lengthy and costly process. People make the choices they do – to be able to have a family – because those choices work best for them. To have people unfamiliar with the process criticize these parents on television with no way to add any input is unacceptable and offensive.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
adom12; I share the same opinions. I have NEVER written to a show before; here’s what I worte:
Today is a very sad day for journalism on your show. If you are going to speculate as to why people adopt children from international adoption programs you might want to ask the actual individuals why; rather than speculating as to the reasons. Adoption is a very personal decision; to relate it specifically to an issue of race is just sad. It suggests that the desire to parent is a commodity based decision. These are real people who have a desire to form a family through adoption. Too bad you did not explore the state of domestic and international adoption and the challenges that go with both avenues. To do an complete analysis of international adoption you really need to spend some time interviewing prospective parents, adoption specialists and others who work in the field. To completely characterize the union of a child with their family on racial terms only is not appropriate. Just because you make these assumptions about why a person would want to adopt a child, you should not assume that we all share these opinions. Please get your facts right; that’s what fact checkers are for.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
I think that 10 minutes before the air showed, they sent the producer out on the street to ask passer-byers if they would like to come on the show as “experts” on adoption. “Hey, sure, I’ve never been on TV before. That sounds great. I have some stupid, biased, and uneducated opinions I would like to share with America.”
January 5th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Still hoping and Catherinethegreat great emails. SHe will have a lot to read. I hope she actually does read it. I am a social worker and so I tend to be a squeaky wheel when it comes to injustices like these. I write to shows all the time or call into radio news shows that are off base. The power of small voices is the only thing that has ever changed the world (Margaret Mead said that)!
January 5th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Keep the emails going to the show because a lot of small voices can really make an impact!
January 5th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I got most of my anger out on the forum…and I did write to CNN…hubby helped! I have not seen so much emotion in him over this adoption until this story…
I hope not many watched it….I hate having to answer even more stupid questions about this!!!!
Going to bed…I can’t function!
~Linda
January 5th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
This is my first post…I had to send her an email….here it is:
Ms. Zahn,
You have done a great disservice to the international adoption community! The misconceptions, half-truths, sterotypes and irrelevant information given by you and your guests astound me. I am an adoptive Mom of a girl from China. My motivation to adopt my daughter did not stem out of a desire for a ‘model minority, destined to become a doctor china doll’ as mentioned by your guests. Nor did it stem from a lack of desire to parent an African American, Muslim or Hispanic child. My husband and I chose to adopt our child (as well as another child from China very soon) so that we could expand our family, be parents to a girl (we also have a son), give a loving home to a child without a family and have a sibling for our son. Had domestic adoption been a more reasonable route, that would have been a real consideration for us. Since domestic adoption is so unpredictable, often at times pitting prospective parents against each other to ‘compete’ for a child, as well as trying to win the favour of potential birth mothers, it is not a viable option for many families who have already suffered years of sorrow due to issues such as infertility. The fact that China offers a predictable, well-run international adoption program makes it one that many families choose. Why should prospective adoptive parents have to go through the uncertainty of being ‘chosen’ by a birthmother to adopt her child, potentially have the child taken after placement if the birthmother changes her mind, or have to endure year of giving the adopted child mixed messages about who his or her ‘real’
parents are? These pitfalls are never the case with an adoption from China.
The crux of your report was supposed to be about the new regulations soon to be put in place by China regarding its international adoption program. You allowed your guests to get so far off track that it really did muddle the whole topic. Your one guest was completely correct in saying that China is a soveriegn nation, capable of and dervering of the abilty to make their own restrictions when it comes to the criteria potential parents must meet. If you had chosen to not gloss over the restictions themselves, you may have been able to get to the true reason these restrictions are being put in place at all….the continued wellbeing of the children being placed in adoptive homes. They DO have a right to be adopted by parents that are not putting their own lives in danger, such as by having a BMI over 40. China wants to know that these parents will be around for the long run for these kids. That reason also justifies not allowing anyone over age 50 to adopt. Truly, if one was to do some actual research on the reason for each restiction, one would soon be able to see the reasoning behind them all.
For the sake of truth in journalism, I urge you to do more research on this subject.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Fantastic emails – I wish I wrote that well!
I did congratulate Paula for insulting the entire adoption community.
Now I remember why I don’t watch CNN.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Could someone post a link to the transcripts once they are up on CNN? I hate that I missed it but am now very intrigued to read it after everyone’s posts.
Kim
January 5th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
I am pissed off, sad and speechless. My email has been sent.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Today’s transcripts are not there yet, but here’s the link:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/pzn.html
January 5th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
OFF TOPIC… but here’s something from our agency today. Have other agencies talked about this?
Do not post your child on an open website after you receive your referral. CCAA does not like families posting information about children until the adoption is official. Please keep your adoption goal and your child’s safety in mind when telling people your wonderful news. We ask that when talking about your child on a web site that you use the name you are giving them and do not post pictures until you are in China and safely have your child in your arms. Ya da, ya da, ya da.
I have to say that I’m a little freaked by this… do you think this is coming from our agency who had a client have a bad experience, or do you think this is coming from China????
January 5th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
wow! Fortheloveof….have not heard anything like that!!! Geeezzz…not sure what that is about.
On stanby for others input…
~Linda
January 5th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
My email to “Paula”:
I am agast at the show I just watched regarding Chinese adoption. How can you even put something so innacurate out there? As an adoptive parent, and and adoptee myself – I am truly amazed that you would throw together the “panel” and actually broadcast that?
Perhaps you could of included people who are part of the adoption community, and who’ve adopted from China or other countries. How about a show on the US Foster system?
This is not about smart, or cute. This is about building a family. Making adoptive parents into racists is just wrong.
I was beginning to wonder if I was watching a SNL skit, or if this was supposed to be a true informational piece?
January 5th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Wow, is it just me or is it open season on parents who adopt from China???
I can’t believe all the negativity I hear from people who don’t know I’m in the process. My child’s former pediatrician lamented to us about all the bi-racial and African American babies that have to be adopted by Europeans and Canadians, because Americans prefer to get their babies from China. He sniggered a little bit and said, “They don’t even realize hepatitis B is rampant in that country.”
Part of me is glad I missed the show, and another part wishes I saw it because it proves it’s not just my imagination…
Patti
3/21/06
January 5th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
I sent our comment to the show.
We are speechless, we don’t know where to begin. we are highly offended that we an other adoptive families have been judge by you and your guest without knowing our motives to adopt from China. It is appalling the lack of knowledge on the subject that you and your guest exhibited on the show. We feel that you did an injustice to adoption and adoptive families everywhere not to mention to the children of China. You missed an opportunity to educate people instead you spread racism.
You Paula Zahn and CNN should be ashamed of the show that aired tonight about Changes that are coming from China regarding adoption.
We did not in fact chose to adopt from China because we thought our daughter would be smarter or cuter or have a better work ethic then “American Black children” in foster care. I would suggest that you educate yourself on Domestic and International adoption and re-air a show that shows that you have done your homework on the subject. You are a better jounalist then what we saw tonight.
Susan and Rosario Rizzo
January 5th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
I have been a lurker on this site for a while too. This is my first post on RQ. Here is what I sent them. Oh on a lighter note, we are DTC TODAY!! ;)
I was so excited to watch your show tonight. I thought it would give a good rundown on the situation on adoption in China. Boy was I wrong!! First of all the reasons the the new restrictions have been put in place were not even portrayed correctly. MOSTLY Your panel was totally offensive. You have hurt so many adoptive parents tonight. Do you understand the road that leads most people to adopt in the first place? It’s usually years and years of heartbreaking infertility, pregnancy losses, etc. The decision to adopt is huge as well as from where.
I am an adoptive parent of a child from the US as well as a waiting parent for China. How dare you suggest I am adopting a child from china because she will be cute and smart and that I don’t want a black boy or US child. My husband and I desire to give an ORPHAN a home and were led to China because of the GREAT need these girls have for a home. Thankfully more and more people ARE in fact adopting from there and giving these sweet girls a chance, which is why the wait is so much longer and the new restrictions have been put in place. Your show imbarrased me. It made me hope and pray that noone that knows I am adopting from China watched the show as they will feel I am racist and my motive are wrong for choosing that country. You owe adoptive parents an apology.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
I emailed her right away. Another factless and inflammatory story on international adoption (like why did she choose to use the words “hard to swallow” and “unpalatable” when discussing the whole BMI thing with the overweight attorney…very calculated..if only she spent as much time checking facts). I really don’t care that people will ask me questions about this as I’d be happy to tell them she was way off base. What I do care about is that someone with a voice used it in total ignorance. This ignorance will have a negative impact on the children who remain in China’s orphanages, our relationship with the CCAA, who is sensitive to media criticism, and families who will be discouraged from adopting. Makes you realize how much of what you hear/read in the news is garbage!
January 5th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Does anyone know a link to a transcript or something where I can read the thing or view? I have to be prepared for when negative tv-aholics attack my husband and I.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Ok I just don’t really know what to say right now, but I did just put a post up on my blog about the show.
I can’t believe how unbalanced the show was and, let’s face it, racist.
Why didn’t she have at least one person educated in the process of adoption? She couldn’t find ONE representative from an adoption agency to discuss the issues logically?
Good lord!
January 5th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
I couldn’t get to my computer quick enough to email Paula Zahn here is a copy of what I sent her:
As an adopting parent on the China program I was happy to hear that your show was going to be discussing the recent policy changes to the China program. After watching your show I was very disappointed. The 3 speakers on your show should have done their homework on adoption. They should have spoken to agencies that deal with China and maybe even to some families that have and/or are adopting from China. To insinuate that someone or a family would adopt a baby for their looks and their intelligence is beyond insulting. Everyone that I have ever met or spoken with that has or is adopting from China did their research into adoption in the US and other countries before deciding which country to adopt from. Your speakers should have been an agency member and/or a family. The show was supposed to be about the new rules yet the speakers spoke more about why they think people adopt from China and not the US. Has either of them ever attempted to adopt from the US or any other country for that matter? I would like see another show where you get all the facts straight regarding International Adoption.
Adopting Parent
Canada
January 5th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
The video should be up on YouTube.com pretty soon. I noticed alot of her past shows were posted there. I did not see it but from what I’m reading here it sounds disgusting.
Rich Adams
January 5th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
I sent my email! I am so pissed right now! It was hard for me to calm down enough to write my email to CNN!
Michele
January 5th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
For once I’m actually looking forward to watching APC eat someone alive!!!
January 5th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
Y’know, I think what angers me most is that this was presented as an actual News program. It was, instead, that oily, sensationalized, “info-tainment” drivel, which is as close to real news as the National Enquirer is to the New York Times. Disgusting.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
I also sent in a comment. This really isn’t about the prospective adoptive parents or parents who have adopted and are home with their child. This is about the children. A show with guests promoting racism and prejudice towards children that goes unchecked or challenged by the moderator is unconscionable. Inflaming attitudes may help ratings, but that should never happen at the expense of children. Ms. Zahn should revisit the topic with adoptive parents and experts in the chinese adoption field as guests to correct the misinformation.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
“She really should bring people onto her show who actually have a clue about the subject.”
That would be a first — having watched Zahn butcher other subjects on her program.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Hello ya’ll, I am new here, from Columbus, GA. We adopted Mia from Ruijin, china, in February 06
I had to jump off the couch and go write an e-mail to Paula Zahn. I cannot believe how ignorant those people are.
I do not want Mia to grow up and hear that she was adopted because she was smart of a cute china doll. I am speechless.
Laura G.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
OK, here’s the post I sent to Ms. Zahn. I even left my work number at the newpaper where I’m a writer. Let’s see if I hear from her (Ha!)
Regarding the show on international adoption from China: As an adoptive parent, I’m incensed. As a journalist, I’m ashamed. I’ve never seen or read a story so inaccurate.
Oh, and the African-American woman I know who has also adopted from China agrees with me.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
The transcripts are up: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0701/05/pzn.01.html
January 5th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing while watching the story this evening. I actually screamed in disgust at the television.
I’ve written the show as well.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Holy cow – I just read the actual transcript. In addition to not having a clue about adoption, the attorney author of the weight discrimination group was also grossly inaccurate on U.S. law. U.S. agencies will not have any discrimination issues. The agencies are facilitating a private transaction that will be consumated in another country and subject to that countries laws. U.S. law does not apply outside of the terms of the contract. Has the woman even passed the bar?
January 5th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
I just read the transcripts. I’m so curious-did these people look as stupid as they sound???
January 5th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
I just got done reading the transcript again because I was so outraged while I was watching that I really didn’t hear everything they said. Once again, I don’t know what to say. I wanna reach in the TV and slap somebody, that’s for sure.
Laura G.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Oh my goodness. I don’t even know how to write to her…I didn’t realize they allow people to get on the air and say things like that.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
I sent one too, here’s my reaction.
I am stunned that your piece on adoptions failed to have one parent who has adopted from China. To call us racist for choosing China???? We did look into adopting an African American child through the US system. The children in the US system are victims of the system. Do not blame the lack of adoptive parents willing to adopt them. Try looking into what is involved adopting through the US system. What a joke!!! The drug exposed and abused children are not made available until they have been passed between parents unable to care for them and a system more worried about biological parents rights than those of the children. I did not feel qualified to handle the laundry list of issues that came with the children in the US foster care system. Even if we did struggle and then triumphed, well the biological parents could pass a drug test and take them right back. Oh and by the way, the association of Black Social workers has called the adoption of black children by white parents, racial genocide. Please check your facts and don’t judge us until you have walked in our shoes. We chose China because they have a system that is reliable and the US system is not! You should remember that I have a daughter who will now have to hear more racist comments from strangers based on your so called journalism. Heartbreaking to think that you could not present a fact based piece that could have high lighted the pros and cons of each route of adoption. You missed a chance to educate and instead fueled hatred towards the children from China that are now citizens of the US. Do children living in orphanages deserve to be without a family just because they are Chinese? Love has no boundaries. The children and the parents who have made the long journey to form a family through adoption deserve better, especially from CNN.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
For the love of…China
I could not agree more about posting referrals on an open website. Of course, I would never post my real name out here either! You can never be to careful. Incidents with kids being harmed due to their MySpace and Facebook blogs are proof enough for me that any and all information about my adoption will remain private. It is a sad comment on our society, but in the wrong hands, the amount of information given out on blogs is dangerous and frightening.
I also e-mailed Ms. Zahn and am still in a state of shock.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
The transcript is out there……..
January 5th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
I’m a long-time lurker here. I almost never post, but I love the site.
One thing people really don’t get is that adoption per se(international or otherwise) is not an act of charity. It’s a very personal family decision. The idea that racism motivates people to adopt from China, or anywhere, rather than domestically, is the equivilence of suggesting that people’s decision to have biological children is motivated by racism and an unhealthy desire for certain characteristics. Whenever someone gives me that attitude about adopting from China, like “There are lots of kids right here. Why aren’t you adopting domestically?” I want so badly to respond: “Why aren’t YOU?? Do I judge your decision to further your genetic line rather than give a home to an orphan?” But of course I always bite my tongue and smile. Somehow adoptive parents should be held to a different standard?
Sorry for the rant. This triggered something in me. Thanks for all you do, RQ.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
I just read the transcripts, and then I got down on my knees and thanked God I wasn’t born stupid. You have to have to take compassion on people that dumb.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Wow….she has really hit a new low. I thought I could give her more credit than this….obviously not
I sent a letter to the station.
Of all the ways to cover this subject she took the lowest road possible.
Sad.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
How awful! I read through the transcript, and was composing an email before I finished. Here is just a portion:
How dare you assume that adoptions from China are to have smart, intellectual advanced child. What a farce!!! You didn’t have an expert on Chinese adoption on your panel. Where was the family that has adopted? Those families are your experts. SHAME ON YOU!!!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
For those who did not see Paula Zahn’s segment, below are the transcripts.
ZAHN: So how would you feel if someone told you you couldn’t adopt a baby because you’re not thin enough, not rich enough, nor attractive enough? We’re bringing this story out in the open tonight because that’s exactly what’s about to happen when Americans try to adopt children from China, and some people say that is downright discriminatory. China is the most popular country Americans go to for foreign adoptions. Last year, nearly 6,500 Chinese children found parents right here in the U.S. John Vause is in Beijing tonight and he joins me live. So, John, what are some of these restrictions that are about to be put in place that we need to be aware of?
JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Paula, the Chinese government says these new measures are all about finding better homes for Chinese orphans, so as of this coming May, all foreigners, not just Americans, but anyone from overseas wanting to adopt a Chinese orphan must meet some of these following criteria.
They must not be morbidly obese, in other words, a body mass index of over 40, they must not have facial deformities, they must not take antidepressants.
On the other side of the equation, they must have a net worth of $80,000 or more. They must earn over $30,000 a year. They must also be, this is one of the biggest changes, they also must be a man and a woman who have, in fact, been married for at least two years, aged between 30 and 50. So in other words, no singles.
In the past, China was one of the few countries in the world who would allow singles to adopt kids. They’ve never allowed gay adoption but they have allowed singles in limited numbers to adopt kids but it seems that will be changing as well, Paula.
ZAHN: So what is the Chinese government officially saying about this, and why they want to institute these changes?
VAUSE: Well, the Chinese government is making no apologies for the new criteria. An official that we spoke to Friday told us in part, Quote, “Our job is to help the homeless children find warm families, rather than just children for childless families.”
At the same time we’re insisting there’s been no change to the actual adoption policy. They’re just introducing a preference system, because quite simply, there are so many foreigners who want to come here that they just outnumber the orphans who are available for adoption, and there are lengthy waiting periods for foreigners wanting Chinese kids. They can wait for a year, in many cases sometimes more, Paula.
ZAHN: John Vause, thanks so much for the update.
Joining me now, an attorney Sondra Solovay, an author of “Tipping the Scales of Justice: Fighting Weight-Based Discrimination.” She also has a new book coming out later this year. Welcome back.
Some of these rules, I think, are a little bit easier for us to swallow than others. I think some people think it’s probably pretty justified that prospective parents have enough money to care for a children, but what about weight restrictions, what about facial deformities, and how that could compromise someone’s ability to adopt?
SONDRA SOLOVAY, AUTHOR, “TIPPING THE SCALES OF JUSTICE”: These restrictions are definitely troubling. I certainly empathize with the difficult decision of figuring out which adoptive family is going to be the best for a child and the children we’re most concerned about. But you simply can’t tell by looking at someone if they’re going to be a good adoptive parent. We don’t have to rent “Mommy Dearest” to remember that a pretty face doesn’t mean a pretty family.
And certainly you can’t tell the amount of love a parent has in their heart by looking at the number on their bathroom scale.
ZAHN: But on the flipside of all this, doesn’t china have the right to create whatever rules it wants to, no matter how unpalatable some of them might seem?
SOLOVAY: Sure, they have the right, they have the obligation to do what they think is best to look out for their children. That’s absolutely true. It’s an interesting point as well, because some of these agencies that are in the U.S. are going to be in quite a predicament, caught between two different rules, rules in the United States prohibiting them from discriminating based on disability, based on weight, based on marital status and the restrictions that China imposed so it’s difficult for the agencies, too, but I think we need to bring our attention back to the children and the idea is to find the children the best, most loving homes they can, and those homes don’t come in a particular weight limit or a particular size.
In fact, we have this idea, I suppose, of a traditional home. But when children come from China to the U.S., many will be placed in homes that are going to be mixed race or mixed ethnicity anyway. These aren’t traditional homes and it’s the diversity in the U.S. that makes those families understand that they have the same rights as any other family.
ZAHN: How many angry calls are you taking from prospective parents out there about these new regulations?
SOLOVAY: I expect my office is going to be absolutely flooded with calls not only from parents, but from the agencies themselves, wondering about their rights and responsibilities. For example, in San Francisco, you can’t discriminate based on weight, so an agency in San Francisco is going to have a difficult time walking that line.
ZAHN: Well, Sondra Solovay, we’re going to leave that there and get more reaction now. Thank you for your time. From our panel.
SOLOVAY: Thank you.
ZAHN: One more time. Cenk Uygur, Roland Martin, Solangel Maldonado.
Obviously the Chinese government is making it clear it wants to be more selective will prospective parents, it wants to place these children in the best family environment it can. Isn’t that justified?
MALDONADO: Absolutely. I think we all know that China is a sovereign country. It has the right to place whatever restrictions on foreigners who are seeking to adopt their children that it wants. And adoption is really about supply and demand, and the reality is that there are many more Americans, many more Westerners seeking to adopt children from China than there are children available so the Chinese government can decide to do whatever it wants.
MARTIN: OK, why? What’s the big deal with Chinese children? Enlighten me, please, help me out.
ZAHN: You understand this better than anybody. Why don’t we see more Americans adopting black foster children?
MARTIN: That’s my point. What’s the big deal with Chinese children? Why the infatuation?
ZAHN: You think it’s something with the color of their skin? Is that what you’re driving at?
MARTIN: Maybe they think they can adopt a smart kid that is going to grow up to be a doctor? I don’t know. They need to realize that’s called training, not just inherent, it will happen when they’re born.
Angel, help me out.
MALDONADO: Absolutely. This is something I’ve been looking into for a long time. Americans have this love affair with girls from China. There is this belief, this perception, irrational as it might be that if you adopt a little girl from China, she’s going to be intelligent, she’s going to be more lovable.
MARTIN: Like the porcelain doll.
MALDONADO: We definitely see that idea of the beautiful Chinese little girl, as compared to do, they really want to adopt a black boy.
ZAHN: What difference does it make if the prospective parent has a facial deformity and the prospective parent weighs 70 more pounds than the scale says they should weigh.
UYGUR: I love the idea of them weighing people. All right. So you know, first of all, okay, so gay parents are out. That’s a clear rule, but then also Dennis Hastert’s out because he’s way too fat. They put him on the scale, sorry. But I’d probably be out.
I don’t know, maybe I’d have to go on an exercise regimen, to do the body mass indexes they pinch you in all of these different places.
ZAHN: You can fake it, suck it in.
UYGUR: Not me.
MARTIN: Paula, you raise the question – China, first of all, they do have the right to do it, but the flipside is what is the infatuation by Americans and other foreigners when it comes to adopting Chinese children? That is a real issue there, and why do we avoid other children and not just — children who are here in America, who are looking for homes, and who just like Chinese orphans want a nice place to live.
ZAHN: But realistically, how are you ever going to change that bias?
UYGUR: I think a lot of people are looking for Muslim children these days.
ZAHN: Yeah, right.
UYGUR: Because we started the Iraq war and there’s so many orphans. I’m sure they’re getting a lot of Iraqi children, right? No, of course, they think it’s cute and they’re smart and it’s really dumb, actually, of course. Roland’s right, it’s all in the training and it’s a shame because all over the world there’s other kids that need to be adopted especially in Africa, but for once, the celebrities are doing the right thing there trying to foster that.
MARTIN: Call the queen of Africa, Angelina Jolie. She can hook you up.
MALDONADO: I think what we need to do is we need to break down some of the misconceptions. For example, people believe if they’re adopting a child from China, the child is going to be healthier than a child they adopt in the United States and that is just not true. Even if the child is born …
ZAHN: It defies logic. The quality of the medical care many of these kids have suffered through the first several months of life.
MARTIN: What also ignores logic is that China is having an explosion when it comes to obesity as well so maybe they should start their own million pound challenge like we started in Chicago to deal with Chinese folks who don’t want to have overweight kids.
ZAHN: What are some of the other assumptions you think people in America make about the native intelligence of children based on whether you’re Hispanic – We had a guest on the other night when you were with us suggesting that Hispanic parents don’t take education as seriously as some other sets of our population. There’s a very complicated picture here.
UYGUR: And America is changing and some of the assumptions are going to change because of that. What really happens isn’t of course that Asians are smarter. Immigrant families foster a culture where they work hard and emphasize education so Jewish families went through that, Asian families went through that. But now Eastern European families are coming and doing the same thing and African families are coming and doing the same thing. So I can’t wait for 10, 20 years down the line, everybody’s like I’ve got to have an African child. Because they’re all geniuses.
MARTIN: Remember, those are learned traits that you learn based upon how you have been raised.
UYGUR: Of course.
MARTIN: You are simply not born, hey that, kid will have a great work ethic because they were born to an immigrant family. It simply doesn’t work that way because you got some lazy immigrant families. What do you think the assumptions Americans make about kids of Asian descent even here in America, they’ll work hard, they’ll own their store someday.
UYGUR: They’ll be brilliant.
ZAHN: All right. Hispanic …
MALDONADO: Well the idea about Hispanic kids, it’s sort of mixed. I think the stereotypes about Hispanic kids are both positive and negative. They believe that Hispanic kids are likely to work harder than black kids, but they also believe that they’re not going to be as intelligent as Asian kids.
ZAHN: Muslim kids.
UYGUR: They’re going to grow up to be violent.
Who is adopting a Muslim kid? Has anyone adopted a Muslim kid in the last 20 years in America?
MARTIN: You’ve got somebody sitting there saying, keep the Muslim kid out of chemistry class. Keep them away.
ZAHN: How about black kids?
Do you think the average American out there makes the assumption they’ll be lazy and never make it through high school?
MARTIN: I think they probably assume they’re going to sing for them like Jay Z and play like in the NBC.
ZAHN: Anybody would love to have Jay Z’s career.
MARTIN: I’d rather have Bob Johnson’s. He’s a billionaire and Jay Z isn’t.
ZAHN: Thank you, Roland Martin, Solangel Maldonado. Thank you, all. Appreciate your time.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Below is my response to Paula Zahn’s segment.
Paula,
I was appalled by your panels discussion concerning orphan children in China. As a parent of two daughters from this country, and a national spokesperson for one of the largest adoption agencies, I can honestly say your panels’ comments were completely offbase and racist.
Most of the parents I’ve worked with have either lost a child, miscarried a child, or are unable to conceive. Never has race played a part of their decisions.
Why China? Because they provide one of the most streamlined adoption programs in all the world. No other country can compare to cost ($15-20,000). Russia is between ($20-30,000), Ukraine ($20-25,000), Guatemala ($20-25,000). China Center for Adoption Affair runs one of the most ethical programs of any other nation. There are no bribes. There are no payoffs. As a matter of fact, a portion of our fees ($3000) is given to the orphanage for those left behind. Parents know upfront what the cost are, and there are little to no changes. No other country can compare to this record.
As to the reason my family and along with most others choose to adopt overseas is simple. It’s called the United States legal system. The laws in our country favor the biological parents, not the child, and definately not the adopted parent. As a parent who has lost a child due to a congenital disease, we wanted surety. Overseas adoption provides that. Within 24 hours of receiving both of our children, the adoption was complete. You can not do that here in the US.
To say that parents who adopt children from China because they are cute, smart, and of an Asian race is deplorable and inexcusable.
Next time you hold one of these roundtable discussions, I would encourage you to have someone with knowledge of the program debate the facts.
Sincerely,
Don Lepley
National Speaker
Chinese Children Adoption International/Southeast Christian Church
January 5th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Disgust! I didn’t see the segment, but just finished reading the transcript–down right tacky and painfully insensitive. These are children we’re talking about here–not labels! What a horrible show, overall, it seems to be anyway. I see it as a way to just rile people up and boost ratings for Friday evening numbers. This segment lacked intelligence and factual information–it was just like overhearing people, ignorant to adoption, talking about it in a grocery store or restaurant!
Of course, just this weekend a person I was attending a party with was telling me that if she were to adopt she would adopt an American child, because there are so many here that need homes. I replied, “They’re children, they all need homes. (and then) Are you seriously thinking of adoption?†To which, of course, she replied, no with a list of excuses as to why she can’t and so on. I just love people who have opinions on adoption and what they would do, yet are not involved in helping abandoned children in any way or have any idea whatsoever what is involved with adoption. Frustrating! Ugh!
Off to sleep.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Wow. Just…..wow. I…..uh……wow. Huh.
That’s what my email looks like so far. Still reeling.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
One bright side–the program’s audience was probably mainly comprised of adopting families, Friday night being the television ratings black hole that it is. Hopefully not many viewers would have given credence to the content because of that.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I almost never watch CNN – but had to see this one- the whole show was disturbing. I imagine her computer is smoking with all the emails she received – below are my comments:
Is the point of your show to promote racism and stereotypes??? I tuned in for the story on China adoption as a mother of a 3 1/2 yr. old Chinese daughter and was appalled by the entire show. It seems that your discussions on stereotypes did more to promote them than to dispel them. I don’t think people assume Muslim children will be violent – nor are African American students lazy, etc. In fact, I don’t think people even categorize people in that way – except maybe for the people on your show.
And as for the adoption segment, couples adopt for a variety of reasons – but nearly all choose international adoption because they are frustrated with the system in this country. If you want to talk discrimination you should look into the lack of rights for adoptive parents. All adoptive parents have the challenge of helping their child come to terms with the circumstances of their birth – and constantly reassuring them that they are so deeply loved. How much more difficult is that when the birth parents desire a role in the child’s life — but not so much so that they want to actually live with and parent them. The thought of having to raise a child with the birth parents constantly looking over our shoulders was more than enough reason to seek a child outside this country. Why didn’t you ask even 1 American couple why they chose to adopt from China? Did you have even one actual statistic that supported the idea that adoptive couples chose China because they wanted an “intelligent child”. Such poor journalism.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I did not see the program… It sounds like it woud only have upset me. Did anyone record the program? Will it air again? Is there a way for us to get a list of the advertisers who sponsored the program. It’s their advertising dollars paying for this crap. Perhaps if enough people complain to them and boycott their products, CNN might consider doing REAL research before airing misinformed trash…
Go to the people paying the bills….
Errrrrr!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
The more I read these transcripts the angrier I get. These panelists are just A-Holes!!!!! Forgive me! But come on!!! CNN intentionally went to a place that I will never forgive them for going. One of the panelists, the woman, is a lawyer who according to the web “Her current work explores the reasons many Americans prefer to adopt children of color from other countries over African-American children.” How dare CNN go there! How dare they not include adoptive parents. I thought Fox was bad….they just surpassed them in my book. Just horrible!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Tonight I also write to Paula Zahn and I clicked the positive button when I sent it off. Partially because I think it is more likely to be read and also because though her show was appauling, sickening. and disheartening as well as plain old untruthful it did shine a light on what some people, who are clearly incredibly ignorant, might actually believe. This being said it let’s us know what we are up against and helps us to be even better parents to all adopted children. It is my little pipe dream that they would redo the story and that Paula would have to apologize for her words and actions…but it is doubtful that will happen unless some politician or celebrity was offended ….lets just cross our hearts and hope to die.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
I have been an avid reader for quite some time now, but this is the first time I have posted. I had to put in my 2 cents on this one. (By the way, I so appreciate all of the hard work the RQ puts into this site.) As a newly adoptive mom, I also had to write into the program. This is what I wrote:
I watched the segment which aired tonight, January 5, 2007, concerning adoptive parents and the reasons why they choose China over babies in America. I must say that the discussion panel was pathetically clueless and one sided. They obviously have no idea about the reasons people adopt, much less, why they choose one program over another. Your panel has no idea the amount of research most parents conduct before entering into such a process. Many select international adoption only after a domestic adoption (here in the States) has failed. You obviously did not research the subject, otherwise, you would have found that domestic adoption agencies frequently discriminate against prospective parents over 40, and most certainly, single parents wanting to adopt. This is one of the many reasons parents select international adoption, because other countries value the knowledge and experience of older parents. Also, laws in America protect the biological parents to the point that children who have already been turned over to the adoptive parents can be taken back by the biological parents. This is incredibly devastating to an adoptive parent who has put their hearts, time, and many times, their life savings into the adoption process. An international adoption, although it has its problems, is more secure. Once the parents are matched to a child, the child in most cases becomes a forever member of that family. Another reason parents choose the international route is because you cannot adopt babies in America. You can foster parent babies in hopes of one day adopting, but this also rarely works. Parents know they can get an infant as young as 8 to 24 months old in other countries which can hardly be accomplished here in the good ole USA.
Furthermore, the racist comments about parents choosing Asian children over blacks or Hispanics due to their level of intelligence and work ethic is totally and completely unfounded. I am the parent of a Chinese baby, and that never entered my mind. I have spoken with literally hundreds of other adoptive parents, and that topic has never even been raised. Our reasons for choosing China are so completely different from what was represented on your program that I am appalled. You really should have (at the very least) consulted a parent who has adopted from China or a parent who is in the process of adopting from China. The fair and most accurate thing would have been a panel of adoptive parents who have adopted from China.
Needless to say, I could go on and on about this subject, because yes, I researched both domestic and international adoption for years before I ever started the process. Then, it took another two and a half years to go through the process. I carefully and thoroughly thought out my decision to adopt from China, and I do not regret it for one minute.
You really blew it, and I believe you owe the adoptive community a public apology for your arrogance and ignorance on the subject.
This may not help one bit, but hopefully, they will see that the adoptive community is not one to sit quietly by on something so deeply personal to each of us.
Thanks for the link RQ!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Meilismom — yes they looked that stupid. As if this is one big giant joke!! Or contest at that……who can go get the smartest child! I am really more sad than mad. I can’t believe with all the press orphans worldwide have been getting lately, I truly thought international adoption had found a higher level of understanding. Clearly I’m wrong. I’m with everyone else…..I now remember why I don’t watch CNN. It’s pathetic.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
I can not believe what I just read. I had to read it multiple times to make sure I was reading it correctly. I don’t believe I have ever read something that was plagued by such ignorance as the comments that were made not by one person but at least four people. I agree, she found the people on the street right before the show. It is so sad that adoption is portrayed in such a negative light. Obviously forgetting the meaning of adoption…providing a home for a child in need. How on earth can that get so screwed up! Sad….very sad! I just hope our friends at CCAA do not get wind of this!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Did anyone else notice on the transcipt that it stated “This was a rushed transcript and…” I cannot help but think we are having some impact for CNN to actually put a rush on posting the transcript! Power in numbers and voices! Yeah!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Waiting for eve…
My thoughts exactly. I have wanted to say those exact words many times! I would have liked to have said that to the person at the party, but I kept it simple and polite–trying to build that tough skin now for when I may have to repsond to rude comments when my daughter is with me.
I also think that what people don’t realize is that we’re not doing this to be charitable, we’re adopting to build a family, to be a mom and a dad and this is where the road lead us. I think instead of politely defending myself, I might just begin politely saying, ‘It’s personal.”
Now I’m really off to bed! ;)
January 5th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
I was outraged and my husband who normally takes things with a grain of salt was livid!
I have already sent an email. That is the most assanine show I’ve seen in my life!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Well, I just sent off my “howler” to Paula, also. Keep it going, guys! Let’s give her people a little homework to read, since they obviously didn’t do any homework for tonight’s piece!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Now I know why I do not watch CNN. (I must have been watching O’Reilly when this trash was on.) I read a little of the transcript. I am speechless.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
UNBELIEVABLE!!! I started reading the transcripts and thought oh, this isn’t so bad and then BAM SMACK right in my face they landed a slap so hard I am still reeling. How dare they?!?! Here’s what I wrote the ignorant fools:
How uninformed and RUDE can one group of people be? After 7 years of heartbreaking infertility my husband and I began researching adoption. After much research we settled on China as the country from which to adopt our daughter. We NEVER, not once considered for a moment our future daughter’s intelligence or attractiveness. Americans are not adopting Muslim babies because every Muslim nation has laws forbidding such an adoption from taking place! Do your research! China has enough babies to match with foreign adopters they choose only to release 10,000 of them a year. The other million or 2 are left to be raised by an institution and dumped on the streets when they turn 18. Again, do your research. I am furious with Paula and the entire panel for such poorly researched and ignorantly presented information. You owe the world an apology.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Did any of them bother to ask why there are so many children in the US foster care system? Perhaps if they had a better system the numbers wouldn’t be so high!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Well, I read the transcript. I went directly to word and typed at least 3 different versions of what I wanted to say and when I calmed down I picked the one that was a tid bit more sane. I hope. This is what I wrote……….
Paula, the next time you decide to do a negative show on International adoption, please, by all means, get some educated people to interview. BMI, is Weight verses Height, uh…duh, not the pinch test.
Now that I have got that out of the way I have a question for you and your staff of so called adoption experts. What if your options to have a child were
A) In-vitro fertilization – which might take multiple attempts, several thousand dollars and months of mental anguish and also most important, the possibility of NO baby.
B) Domestic Adoption – Wait for possibly years, pay thousands of dollars to attorneys and finally the day arrives, you get to see and hold the child but, moments or days or years later the mother and/or father change their mind, they want to keep or get the child back.
C) International Adoption – China in particular, Share your life with a beautiful child that more than likely would spend its entire life in an orphanage because the government of the child’s country will only allow families to have one child. The babies are normally healthy, and adjust very well to their adopted families. The China adoption system is reliable and predictable. One trip, and the child is yours for no one to take.
I am very disappointed in your show and I would hope that all of the Americans that are in the process of International Adoption or have adopted Internationally will boycott your show and CNN.
I can personally say, I will never watch CNN again or look at CNN.com
January 5th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
i just read the the transcripts because I didn’t know what everyone was talking about…
first, I can’t believe what I just read
second, I have no words to express what my heart and soul wants to scream out right now
third, that was the most disgusting thing I’ve every read, and
finally, this only goes to prove that racism will never die in this country because people like that…media and so called ‘experts’ on racism continually perpetuate racism every second of every day and every year. The problem is that these people probably have no idea that what they said was wrong in every sense of the word…and in fact seemed to make light of it along with smart-a$$ed remarks. it’s simply unbelievable.
that’s all I have to say. now I’ll go back to being my rich/good-looking/thin self who only adopted my daughter from China because she’s more adorable, has far superior intellect, and will have a wonderful future in medicine…rather than some poor hispanic child, poor and drug-laden black boy, or some uber-violent muslim kid.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
OK,
I didn’t see the show but I just read the transcript. Who is this Martin dude? Was he trying to be funny or clever. He comes across as a complete idiot. Hopefully, everyone will realize what a Jack#$@ he is and not an expert in anyway. I can only say in my best NC accent “Gah lee” I’m sure he would have some intriging comment about southerners and the sterotypes that surround us as well. I suppose we could never foster a smart child through good rearing so we have to go to China to get a smart child. My biological 9 year old could debate him under the table anyday.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Was anyone (else) offended by the unnamed Chinese Government official’s quote of “Our job is to help the homeless children find warm families, rather than just children for childless families.” What are “warm families”?
January 5th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
RQ, and everyone else…….Did anyone else catch it when they said at the beginning, “China says if your fat, gay, or single, you shouldn’t. Should China get away with it?”. Who do they think they are???? Do they not understand China can pull the plug on adoptions anytime it wants to? Is there any chance this is going to cause us problems? That China is going to see this as bad press? Anyone’s opinions?? I just distinctly remember YEARS ago, Bryant Gumble saying that babies were Korea’s number one export, and then shortly after Korean adoptions stopped. Am I wrong? UGH!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
I too just sent an email. I didn’t catch the show but read the transcripts and found them unbelievable. I can’t believe how assinine the “experts” were and living and teaching in a community where we have a very high Vietnamese and Hispanic population, I can say that Paula and her “experts” can cross me off as having racial motivations for adopting from China. Just another group of un-informed people.
Tanya
January 5th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
I read all the time, and don’t normally post, but I wanted to share what I ended up writing. This segment really made me mad, in case it didn’t come through in my note to CNN.
Ms Zahn’s segment on the change in China’s adoption regulations was reprehensible. The panelists were ridiculous, uninformed, and cast a completely backwards and incorrect view of those who adopt from China. First, let’s stick with the topic of the change in the regs: Although I do feel for those who, in the future, will no longer be able to adopt from China, China is doing what it perceives to be a good thing for its children – ensuring that (1) it is finding those families who it believes have the best likelihood of providing stable environments with two healthy parents, and (2) it is likely attempting to check demand and lessen the attractiveness of for-profit human trafficking – which is also admirable. All of this is an attempt to promote the best interest of its children, and I applaud the efforts of the Government of the PRC, whether or not I agree with the exact methods of execution.
Now, let’s turn to the absurd statements of the panel. I am insulted by the characterization of my daughter as a “Porcelain China Doll”. In fact, did your panel realize that this term can be perceived as an ethnic slur for an asian girl? How ironic, given that in using this slur, they were trying to paint the FAMILIES who adopt as racist.
Moreover, I did not choose to adopt my child because I did not want to adopt a “black child” in the US. I adopted internationally because the laws governing domestic adoptions are, frankly, a mess. Perhaps that’s a better story line … ? Had Paula chosen to discuss the subject she digressed into with qualified people, she would have learned a great deal and possibly helped spur action to fix the US adoption situation.
Paula hit rock bottom today in my view. The attorney guest was sadly uninformed, Mr. Martin himself came off as a racist idiot and was highly offensive, and Paula … frankly was right there with Mr. Martin. The comments on the Muslims, the Latinos, the Asians, African Americans & Africans were so spurious, so ugly and so racist that it hurt to watch.
In sum, I want to note that I think it was utterly unresponsible to paint adoptive families as superficial “Chinafiles” – and racists – because they elected to adopt internationally.
I urge you to force each of the speakers to come on air, and apologize for their insensitive statements.
Shame on you. What will your sponsors say?
January 5th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
That is the first thing that came to my mind, China is already making changes…..is this bad press going to keep us all from getting our babies? They should be ashamed of themselves.
Plus, did you pick up on the comment that there isn’t enough children, not that there is boo coos of children that need homes and that they just are not “paper” ready.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Unbelievable! My husband and I just read the transcript and his reply was, “Wow. Thanks CNN and Paula Zahn for enlightening me and letting me know that I am a racist.”
What would we do without the media helping us so much in our daily lives? To singehandedly let tens of thousands of Americans know that they are racist. Not only does the media try to tell us how to think and feel, but now they can tell us who we really are inside. I know that there are some really good journalists out there who still uphold the principles of the trade, but, let’s face it, most people would never even consider Paula Zahn to be a real journalist anyway. Maybe CNN hired her because the National Enquirer didn’t have any openings?
Anyway, here’s a thought…not only should we email Ms. Zahn AND her bosses, but perhaps also the dimwits who comprised her “panel?” As far as I can tell, they are public figures who can also be accessed via email. Wjy should Paula get all the glory? They were just as ignorant and deserve our criticism as well.
I agree with the rest of you…now I remember why I don’t watch CNN.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
My husband said the China adoption community should file a class action suit against CNN for defamation of character. They basically called us all racists. I haven’t been this angry in years.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
After reading this transcript, I felt COMPELLED to reply. Here is my comment:
Paula Zahn’s “report” on Chinese adoption sickened me. My daughter, 21 month old Libby Mei, was left in a box in the gutter in front of an orphanage. She remained in this orphanage for over 13 months. Twelve days after returning from China with her, our 17 year old son, one of her adoring four brothers, died in an accident. After enduring these horrific traumas, this brave little baby was diagnosed with a condition which required that her entire cranial vault be removed, repaired, and reattached. We, as her parents, would have done anything , ANYTHING, to spare her from all of this! And yet, she soldiered on, blessing all who have met her, with her shining black eyes, and luminous smile. Must she now endure ridicule for the fact that she is from a foreign country? How dare you imply that adoptive parents choose Chinese children only for their looks or for their intelligence? Such a report only perpetuates the stereotypes that my family (and my daughter, when she is older) must endure. We have already been asked endlessly (even in the presence of our child) why we didn’t “get one from America”. The God I believe in doesn’t make such distinctions. Is Paula Zahn a mother? Would she like her child to have to address such a cruel, racist observation? Adopting a child from the states IS a wonderful choice. I laud all those who make such a choice (though it seems that none of those so critical of parents who adopt children from foreign countries ever actually adopt stateside children themselves). I commend all who bring a child into their home. I am quite sure, however, that most— like us, would say, “WE are the lucky ones, to be blessed with the love of a child– to have our hearts expanded in such a way!” I believe that racism in any form is really born out of fear or self- loathing. I feel very real pity for those who engage in such hateful behavior. They miss so much that is beautiful in life. We have found in our courageous, loving, ( and coincidentally– smart and lovely!) little girl, indeed, in each of our five very loved children, the joy that comes from opening our hearts! In the end, it made no difference WHAT country our daughter came from! Erin
(www.myadoptionwebsite.com/libby)
January 5th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
I just read the transcript and want to vomit. Who is this arrogant, ignorant Martin???? He states “OK, why? What’s the big deal with Chinese children? Enlighten me, please, help me out.” But who is he actually asking? Clearly, no one on the program wanted to know the answer. And then Zahn says “You understand this better than anybody.” Hello???? Is ANYBODY home? And then it’s Martin again with the “Like the porcelain doll” comment. How ignorant!!! They sit there joking about adopting Muslims or adopting from Africa like international adoption is a big joke. I’m so offended. I could scream. And don’t you love how they tell us to go adopt from other places without giving any specifics. Tell me, MARTIN, what other countries have ESTABLISHED programs? Spare me the smart A**ed Angelina Jolie comments. Oh.. and if you can name them, can you tell about their costs and requirements??? And then these idiots go on about “training” a child. OMG. WHO WERE THESE MORONS???? I used to check the CNN website several times a day for news updates, but I am done. If this is the level of intellegence required to report for CNN, I’d be better off getting my news from an Archies comic book.
Again, who were the advertising sponsors for this show???? BOYCOTT!!!!!!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
If you want to have an impact, don’t reply or comment to Paula Zahn. Send your messages to CNN News Services and its corporate executives: to David Payne and Susan Grant. Send emails to Time Warner, CNN’s parent company. Better yet, bring this ridiculous piece of journalism to the attention of CBS, NBC and ABC. After CNN’s recent problems with Nancy Grace’s “reporting†I’m sure the other networks would love to take Ms. Zahn and CNN down another peg.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:00 am
I wrote her about my disgust with her segment about 5 minutes after it was over. I hope I get a response back. That was really irresponsible and insulting for CNN to air that!
January 6th, 2007 at 12:01 am
I just have to add my own rant. Here’s what I sent:
I’m sitting here trying to find words for what I saw this evening as a group of people took what could have been an intelligent discussion of China’s adoption policies and instead chose to drag adoptive parents and their children through the mud. I have questions that I would like answered. Are any of the people on the show adoptive parents? If they aren’t, why not? Are they racist? Do they discriminate against people who do not share genetic makeup with them? Are they experts on international adoption? Are they aware of the differences in domestic adoption and international adoption? Have they researched the cost, time, requirements, and stability of adoption from each country that Americans can adopt from? Have they looked into the Iraq international adoption program? No? Maybe because there isn’t one?
This show was nothing more than ignorant people making flippant comments in an attempt to appear intelligent and worldly. How dare people who have obviously done no research and have no personal experience with China adoption stereotype us and our children?
For the record, I am in the process of adopting a child from China. I am single. Am I upset that my daughter will most likely not have a sister from China because of China’s new policies? Sure. Is the rollercoaster ride that I’ve been on for almost two years worth it? Absolutely! Even though my daughter is not home with me yet, this show brought the “mama bear” in me because this is exactly the type of ignorance that I worry she will have to face someday. Will I think my daughter is smart and beautiful? Of course. Will it be because she is Chinese? Of course not. It will be because she is my daughter. -Noelle
January 6th, 2007 at 12:02 am
apparently my post never appeared.
hmmm
January 6th, 2007 at 12:10 am
OK, I almost never post here, and I have never replied to something on TV . . . I don’t have cable, but I read the transcript.
EGADS!!! I also just scrolled through the posts here and still have a question:
What the heck was the panelist talking about adopting from Iraq? In my reply to Paula Z I said the person obviously had never put together a dossier for an adoption and had no clue what was legal/possible.
Was the person on the show actually suggesting adoption from Iraq was possible? (I don’t know what his tone was.) And am I wrong, but wouldn’t that sort of be impossible right now? It is as though they think anyone can just waltz into any country and say “I’d like one of your babies” and people just hand them over.
I am just stunned that they think one can go through this whole process . . . LONG LONG complicated process, yearning for a baby, and have the mindset that these people suggest!!
How is it that the segment started out as a discussion about how China is discriminating and then the panel suddenly starts making incredibly inane and discriminatory comments about people adopting from China?
cac2b: I really do hope that the other networks get hold of this! That’s a great idea!
OK, I’ve got to stop fuming or I’ll be fuming til 2 a.m.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:10 am
I just sent my e-mail to CNN. I’m disgusted and saddened by Paula Zahn’s piece. It was racist and horrible to anyone who has adopted a child domestically or internationally. Shame on her/them for their flip, thoughtless comments. They leave me speechless. UGH!!! I want to scream.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:13 am
I agree, we do need to find out the sponsors and boycott them as well as CNN.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:18 am
basically I was saying that I ended up going and reading the transcripts because I didn’t know what everyone was talking about.
I am disgusted by what I read, left a comment on CNN, and wanted to say that it is people like that (media and so-called ‘experts’) that are the reason that racism will never die in this country. They continue to perpetuate it every day. The problem is that they probably don’t even know that what they said was wrong in every sense of the word (or just don’t care…) and in fact seemed to make light of the whole thing.
I also made a sarcastic remark and could be why my earlier post hadn’t showed up here…. lol
January 6th, 2007 at 12:21 am
I just looked up Roland Martin from the Chicago Defender. I sent Mr Martin and CNN my comments-
rmartin@chicagodefender.com
January 6th, 2007 at 12:24 am
bloominchina, I agree. And I also agree with your earlier post, like listening to bunch of morons at the grocery store. Paula is just another useful idiot for any cause that feels politically sexy in the moment…. What a missed opportunity for her to have done a meaningful story. Instead she spun it like a top. In my email to her, I said, Next time, dig a little deeper…and smarter.
Not sure if anyone mentioned this yet, but wasn’t there something so vile and completely racist about the comments made about chinese girls (these characterizations that were of course attributed to adoptive parents). I think these people were projecting a lot of their own racist views onto us, and they didn’t realize how transparent they were. They view adoption from a distance, with anger and some of their own preconceived ideas about Chinese children, and their own bigoted feelings about black children — and who is inherently lovable, and who isn’t. To them, what adoptive parents must feel was a given. It was disgusting. It was their own bigotry. Do they read RQ and see people writing about wanting to adopt a compliant China Doll who will grow up to be an MD? Do they see adoption agencies advertising high IQs and chinese baby success stories of playing piano and violin?
I agree with you, Katiesmom, why not a panel of adoptive parents? A lawyer? A weight discrimination expert? Who are these people. Come on.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:26 am
tgredthread, I guess you were posting about their bigotry while I was writing and wondering if it had been covered. well said.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:32 am
My husband suggested sending an email to NPR too – he listens a lot and think they might take a story like this seriously. I might do it, but haven’t yet.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:36 am
I just want to post this comment to get your feed back on how this sounds to you all. Please let me know if it sounds o.k and that I should e-mail it to CNN. Thanks
Although I did not personally see the segment today regarding international adoptions, China in particular I just finished reading a transcript.
Quite frankly I am appalled at the ignorance CCN has shown and blatantly portrayed international adoption as an issue of racism.
My husband and I chose China for the outstanding program and the predictability. Here in Canada domestic adoption is extremely unpredictable, you could wait five to ten years to adopt domestically, sometimes never.
Not once did it cross, or enter into my husbands or my mind that we wanted to adopt from China because they are smarter or because the colour of their skin.
We are adopting because we know we are unable to conceive naturally. We have come to terms with that, but we still want to have a family. After weighing all the options we decided that China would be best for us. We have waited a long time to build our family, longer than any pregnancy would ever take.
I really encourage CNN to retract their statements, and produce another segment where they will research a little further and find loving couples and families that just want to complete their family.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Don’t forget to include the folks at Investor Relations at Time Warner. I don’t think the parent company is going to look too fondly on her broadcast. They can be reached at ir@timewarner.com
January 6th, 2007 at 12:48 am
To Shorty1972, Send it, well written.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:51 am
Really base, flippant, soundbyte-type remarks that are better suited to stupid shows like Punk’d or Jacka**, said specifically because they hadn’t a clue about the subject and were winging it in hopes of becoming better known to the viewing public and having their 15 minutes.
What complete losers.
January 6th, 2007 at 1:08 am
thanks, I will send it. I just can’t believe how ignorant some people can be. I work with children who have disabilities and when we go to the mall or somewhere in public and I get the children who stare at us. I can deal with this because children are curious why my client is different than they are. Once their curiosity is satisfied it is like “oh o.k. that’s cool” I guess this kind of thing CNN has done has given me another layer of skin to add to my already thick skin that I have.
BTW, T&G, I loved the A farting story. Too cute! Sorry I haven’t commented, but I will!
January 6th, 2007 at 1:10 am
I just read the transcripts and I was really horrified!!!!!
I think they had alot of nerve to do a show on this.
When the topic was China’s new regulations. What a
slap in the face to the entire adoption community. I
Just wonder what MEG RYAN WOULD THINK ABOUT
THIS SINCE SHE BROUGHT HER BABY DAISY HOME
LAST YEAR. I watch CNN atleast once a day I guess
I will start watching Fox. It takes alot to tick me off
and I am really angry about this!!!!
January 6th, 2007 at 1:27 am
You all are too nice! I just sent CNN an email and while I didn’t use any profound language, however I would have liked to, I focused on their own stupidity and lack of knowledge. I told them that on their next show, some of us would gladly pay our own way to be a guest on their show to keep things straight. I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but they couldn’t even keep a conversation going in the same direction. Their thoughts were ALL over the place. Clearly a “winging” of a show. I’m just not looking forward to people asking me why we aren’t adopting an African American boy. Ugh!
Ziggy
LID June 6
January 6th, 2007 at 1:48 am
I hardly ever post and never write letters like this, but I haven’t been this mad in a long time. RQ, you are the best, and thank you for rallying the troops for this! I never watch CNN so I never would have known about this atrocity. Here’s what I wrote to them:
I just finished reading the transcript from your show on the rule changes for Chinese adoptions and I am absolutely incensed! Your panel has absolutely no knowledge of adoption, domestic or international, and you did the hundreds of viewers (do you even have that many?) a disservice by spewing such ill-informed racist smut. We want to adopt a baby from China because we think she’ll be smart rather than a black kid from the US because we think he’ll be dumb? I’ve never heard anything more absurd or offensive. Have your panelists ever had a discussion with an adoptive family about their reasons to adopt? Have they ever had a discussion with a family who adopted a child from the US only to have the parents change their mind?
The decision about whether to adopt domestically or internationally is very personal and very well-researched in most cases, which your show could learn a lesson from. Ironically, an earlier segment in the show was about how great it is that women are rising in American politics. One of the reasons many families cite for adopting from China is to bring a young girl out of a society that doesn’t offer the same opportunities to women as to men. But your panelists wouldn’t know that because they clearly know nothing about adoption.
I wish I could say you lost a viewer, but I haven’t watched this irrelevant network in years. This show proved my decision to abandon CNN many years ago to be the right one.
January 6th, 2007 at 2:03 am
I share in your outrage and couldn’t help but express the following:
Ms. Zahn,
If there were an award for irresponsibility in journalism, you have just won it tonight with your segment regarding Americans adopting children from China.
I am beyond words…that you and members of your panel could be so cold in presuming that you understand what motivations lie behind any individual or couple’s desire to adopt a child from China.
There has often been a very long, painful journey to making the decision to adopt. In my wildest dreams, I never thought that our desire to have a child would be classified as racist. You further insulted the thousands of families across our country who have adopted from China by stating that our motives for adopting a child are based on the desire to have a child who is more intelligent??? I cannot believe that you would subscribe to verbalizing such archaic stereotypes. The cold-heartedness of these allegations is unbelieveable! I literally could not believe what I was hearing.
If one chooses the U.S., China, or any other country from which to adopt, it is a very personal choice that involves many, many different factors. I am sickened and saddened that you would cheapen the reasons we had for wanting our beautiful daughter to this basest of levels.
You and the members of your panel should be ashamed. Please take the time to reread the transcript of this segment to understand how racist the content of of it truly was. It was appalling to hear it, but to read it, one would have a hard time believing that he/she were reading something printed in 2007.
I would hope that you will have the decency to extend an apology for the deep hurt that you have caused so many people who heard this story tonight.
I, for one, will never watch your show again.
January 6th, 2007 at 2:08 am
Here’s Roland Martin’s contact info:
E-mail
roland@rolandsmartin.com
let’s give him he!!
January 6th, 2007 at 2:31 am
geez, none of the guests seemed to have anything to do with adoption.
what i hate the most is that this bad press is just what makes china not want to keep open, and we have nothing to do with it, and can do nothing to stop it.
i didn’t watch the show, just read it (i prefer to give her seconds of my time at most!), but i loved the “coming up next, who’s smarter? men or women?”
obviously Paula scored one for the men with this show.
Paula zahn gets paid for this???? arrrrrgh! why are americans so stupid??? (i am an american btw) :p
let’s start writing the sponsors. anybody know who they are?
wBw
January 6th, 2007 at 2:34 am
We sent an email…people are such flipping idiots! I also met an idiot today while at the store this lady was asking,”why is that kid jumping around like a retard?” ummm because MY nephew has Downs Syndrome! ( didn’t she notice him?!) ugghhhh people are all nuts today!
January 6th, 2007 at 3:23 am
Paula Zahn just tossed what credibility she had right out with this one. Not only was the “report” ridiculous, but it was downright CRUEL. It boggles my mind the level of crass insensitivity to adoptive parents. If I had connections and a bucket of money, I dare say I’d be calling my team of attorneys right now, as insulted and HURT as I feel as this moment. Humiliated is how I feel…humiliated by THEIR racism and stereotypes! Why didn’t they just say we all want to adopted Chinese children because we think they are all destined to be concert pianists??? I think they just fell short of saying something like that.
I think THEY are they ones who are falling prey to racism and bigotry here, and trying to second guess the intentions of thousands of adoptive parents is LUDICROUS and INSANE on their part.
Okay, I will count to ten (again!) and breathe and attempt to not be the ugly person they want to make me out to be.
January 6th, 2007 at 4:01 am
How sad the transcipts of CNN’s Ms Zahn. I am flawed that journalism within the US can be so racist and hurtful to our adoption community….globally. You Ms Zahn owe a lot of apologies to a lot of people….globally. This includes CCAA who do not deserve to be disrespected on their changes.
How dare she blanket cover her interpretation of brainy, beautiful, right skin coloured daughters ( and sons)…the only reason to adopt. She should have darn well done some decent educating of herself before sticking her proverbial foot in her mouth. I am glad I don’t have to tune out to CNN, it’s already done for me.
I am cross, sad, wild and out right insulted by the transcipts of what I’m sure would have been a gut renching show to have witnessed.
January 6th, 2007 at 4:20 am
Hi there! You go guys! Let it rip, and go do your thing! Got my own spin on this one. Bit left of centre…
We’re they even speaking English? I didn’t see too many meaningful sentences, let alone whole ones, with grammar and stuff. That had to be the worst bunch of panelists on the face of the earth! (Loved the speculation as to where she got them from.) I needed subtitles – we speak actual English here in Oz. That was tough, even for an addict of USA TV shows. To take a leaf from the RQ book, the U-ffect (being both affect and effect) was hilarious. What the…?
Were they honest to goodness, serious lawyers? OMG!!! Did they really say what I think they said? How much did they pay for their law degrees, and are they now now unemployed and disbarred (would be in Oz – thats seriously naughty stuff)? Find out the law schools that allowed them to graduate, and don’t send your kids there!
That show is one thing I am glad to say doesn’t seem to have been exported to Oz. I read the transcript, and almost p**d myself – from laughing so hard. I was worried that I was going to be really upset, but it was soooooo over the top, it was just unreal/surreal, and you are right, where is that fake news guy – was he back stage, or coaching from the audience – its really hard to take anything that is that totally crappy with any level of seriousness. Sorry, I just couldn’t.
Sure, she doesn’t do anything much for international relations, or for impressing the folks out here in other countries, but she and her panel are clearly a minority, and a kinda funny one at that – my own knowledge of the adoption community is one of greatest respect, and nothing that bunch could say would detract from it, especially as they couldn’t mount a serious argument for or against putting a cracker in dip, let alone something of international importance. I reckon the Wiggles would have done a better job as panelists and experts – at least they’ve met a few kids in their time!
I know the show seems to purport to be a serious current affairs type show, but hey, come on – we all know that those cheap budget, ‘stereotypecasting’, scare mongering, type shows are compiled for the entertainment of folks who just can’t think, and who like to have stereotypes and fear of the unknown in their lives (aka the bogeyman, reds under the bed, and so on), and have absolutely no basis in reality.
Reality shows have more factual information! Can we run a “Survivor – Paula Zahn Show”? or should it be, “Paula Zahn – the biggest LOSER”. I like the play on the obesity theme, and the fact that in terms of credibility, personal and as a journalist, she is such a *loser*. Can’t imagine a Pulitzer for this ‘journalist’, but I daresay she’s just fighting to hold on with flagging ratings. It sounds like she’s been relegated. Please, tell me she isn’t a real blonde – it would upset me terribly (as a stereotypical 6 ft tall, blue-eyed blonde Aussie), and I’d have to start dying my hair again!
I don’t think they understand the meaning of hypocrite, but they is all darn good examples. Wonder if we can interest the Webster’s people in a new example?
Okay, I had better go – am busily trying to finish off last minute travel type preparations, and I wanted to share a hug, a tim tam (chocolate biscuit to die for), a quick drink and a laugh at their expense, and the gentle commiserations of a friend from Down under Oz (pity you can’t drop her off on an island somewhere, that doesn’t have TV crews). Hope to get our TA next week!
And maybe, I’ll see some of you in Shanghai soon. (I love the security words!!!), Cheers Toto
January 6th, 2007 at 4:26 am
I was shocked when I read the transcript. I thought guest speakers were supposed to be knowledgeable on the topics being presented.
Christine V.
January 6th, 2007 at 5:52 am
I just read the transcript … What a stupid stupid stupid report ! Everybody should flood them with e-mails !!!
RDT.
January 6th, 2007 at 6:17 am
Do they know that you are not able to adopt from Iraq as an American? So uninformed and irresponsible!
January 6th, 2007 at 6:27 am
About showing your referals (with photso) on the web:
In my country, we have been told for years that CCAA clearly does not want this. The babies are not officially ours until all papers are signed in China. Things may also happen down the route that we don’t know (some babies die or adoptions are cancelled).
I (and my fellow adoptive parents here) have never understood why Americans don’t respect this wish from CCAA. Now some of you are saying you are not even aware of it?
January 6th, 2007 at 6:28 am
About showing your referals (with photos) on the web:
In my country, we have been told for years that CCAA clearly does not want this. The babies are not officially ours until all papers are signed in China! Things may also happen down the route that we don’t know (some babies die or adoptions are cancelled).
I (and my fellow adoptive parents here) have never understood why Americans don’t respect this wish from CCAA. Now some of you are saying you are not even aware of it?
January 6th, 2007 at 7:40 am
Just checking in – thought I had posted before, but it has fallen into the ether. Don’t worry folks, no one takes that Paula person seriously – though I applaud the group effort in giving her a piece of our collective minds. Thanks!@
January 6th, 2007 at 7:56 am
This show was horrible. Here is my email:
Ms. Zahn,
If your intent was to do a show about Chinese adoption regulation you totally missed the mark. If, however, your intent was to show how people of all backgrounds and beliefs will totally twist and manipulate a conversation to perpetuate their own prejudices, you were right on the money. You handled the subject abominably, and you have lost my trust as a reporter. As an adoptive parent, I know that most of what was on your show was complete hogwash, designed merely for ratings and the advancement of someone’s own personal agenda. If it was yours, shame on you. If it was someone else’s, shame on you for being used to do it. Either way, there is a real story here, about real people who adopt real Chinese children for very real reasons. And if you wanted a real story about that, you should have included some of them on your panel. It’s obvious that whoever planned this did not want that. That person wanted to incite ill feelings toward these adoptive parents and the children as well. There could be no other reason. If that was your motive, you used your position well. If it was someone else’s and not yours, then you need to be more careful about responsible journalism. You certainly do not make the cut on this one.
You missed the real story. You owe the viewers an apology. Not only the adoptive parents, but everyone who tuned in to see a segment about Chinese adoption. It would more aptly have been titled, “Why it’s ok to adopt black and hispanic and muslim children, but not the Chinese.”
You totally missed the mark on this one. Admit it and apologize. And be more careful in the future. Your credibility and CNN’s is riding on it.
January 6th, 2007 at 7:59 am
Guangdong, this is the first time I hear about this. I posted my referral when we received it and our agency never said anything about not doing that. I even posted it on the agency forums. I understand things are unpredictable, but it was posted as a referral, not an adoption announcement. I am sure everybody is aware things could go worng.
Has anybody else being told by their agency not to do that?
Laura G.
January 6th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Dear Paula Zahn Now,
I am appalled at the lack of senstivity Paula and her guests showed on her program regarding Chinese Adoption. We have a 3.5 year old from Chongqing, China and regard her as our greatest gift because of the cruel hand of infertility. We are already logged in for a second adoption and are expecting an 18 month wait for another “porcelin doll.” How repulsive! My brother is an attorney in Palm Beach Florida and stood firm against us from adopting domestically (any race) due to the lack of support the courts offer adoptive families. At any time there could be a biological parent who wants the child back citing coersion. We would have little or no recourse. He suggested international adoption and we chose China. Not for any other reason but that we would only have to travel one time. Other countries require 2 seperate trips to get the child. As for the new regulations, China can do whatever they want to do regarding their children and while I respect the journalistic rights of free speech (I am an educator) it was hurtful and cruel to say that those of us who adopted a Chinese daughter are looking for perfect, smart child. Ellie, unbeknonst to us, suffers from seizures. Do we fault China for not making us aware of her disoder? Absolutely not. It is our reponsibility to see to her health and well being. Do we expect her to be the most brilliant child ever just because of her Asian heritage. No. You insult the large population of adoptive parents who simply wanted to raise a family due to infertitlity. I do expect to raise a well educated and well adjusted child using the skills we have. If she wanted to be a doctor we would support her. If she wanted to be a teacher like her mother so be it. If she wanted to be a journalist, I would show her your transcripts from this particular program ( I am saving it) and inform her that “spinning” information for the sake of sensationalism is not the mark of a INTELLIGENT jounalist.
Jeanne
Orlando, Florida
LID 6/15/06
January 6th, 2007 at 8:07 am
WOW!!!! I am so proud of us for getting mad and coming together like this and writing them!!! It sounds like someone at CNN is going to have a busy day reading through all these emails!!!! This puts a smile on my face today as I go to work!!!
I LOVE THIS RQ COMMUNITY!!!!
January 6th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Roland Martin’s e-mail address at The Chicago Defender:
rmartin@chicagodefender.com
He’s the Executive Editor of this publication.
January 6th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Hi all,
I, too, wrote a disgusted letter to PZ.
cac2b, you’re absolutely right and we ALL need to innundate the CNN head offices and ownership with these emails as well — I was going to suggest the same thing.
however, I never thought of sending them to CNN’s competition — that’s brilliant!
TG — your original post is up there and when I read it, I laughed as hard as I’ve ever laughed….brilliant, as well!
January 6th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Paula Zahn and her guests demonstrated no knowledge of international or American adoption processes and were completely inaccurate in their facts and research. Paula Zahn agreed with all her guests on their opinions. As a father of an adopted Chinese girl and in the process of adopting another Chinese girl soon, I was upset beyond belief that CNN could demonstrate and support such a cruel, insensitive, racist, and downright horrible opinion segment. Paula Zahn and her guests demonstrated a racism and intolerance that I expect from extremist religious television shows and other non journalism shows, not international journalism channels such as CNN. Paula Zahn and her guests should immediately apologize to all parents of adopted Chinese girls and the girls themselves. My wife and I adopt Chinese girls to give them loving parents, a good home, a great education, and a future in the great country of the United States of America. We would gladly adopt any baby of any ethnicity anytime, whether the baby is black, white, or any other ethnicity. For Paula Zahn to imply that parents who adopt Chinese girls are racist is the most irresponsible thing I have ever heard on network television, and CNN should be ashamed of themselves. In short, I’ll be watching MSNBC from now on since they actually practice real journalism.
January 6th, 2007 at 8:48 am
OK, I read the transcript, and sent a long email. I can’t believe they think we are racist for adopting from China. It sounds to me that they are ignorant on the subject of adoption, domestic or foreign. And perhaps they are actually racist…?
January 6th, 2007 at 8:58 am
We have been RQ lurkers for a long time. Paul Zahn’s segment finally got me to register. Here’s my email:
Your segment on China’s new adoption guidelines was a wonderful example of why I don’t watch programs like yours—and why such programs should not exist. What a flawed concept it is. Ask people who know nothing about a topic what they think, and call it a news program.
You do a shallow, if somewhat accurate, introductory news report on the complex issues surrounding China’s new adoption guidelines.
Then you interview a discrimination lawyer about the BMI criteria. How does American discrimination law apply to the policies of the Chinese government?
But more ridiculous was the discussion when you tossed it to your “panelâ€â€”all of whom are uneducated and uninformed about China’s new policy, in particular, and the complex matter of adoption and especially international adoption.
Your job as a journalist doing this story was to educate people about international adoption and the new issues that have arisen in the China program. Instead you presented a discussion by people who knew nothing about these matters. Your panelists perpetuated myths and demonstrated the same insensitivity about international adoption that many of us battle every day.
You are no doubt aware that you have caused an uproar in the small China adoption community. In a way you have provided us a service. We are even more aware of the racism and misinformation we confront with our children as we attempt to become loving families.
But you have probably made life more difficult for our children in the future, when they confront the insensitive attitudes and misinformation that you allowed your panelists to promote.
January 6th, 2007 at 9:18 am
I just read the transcript and also wrote an email stating how horrnedous I felt the interview was and requested Paula Zahn to apologize to all adoptive families.
January 6th, 2007 at 9:21 am
These “panelists” think we are racist for adoptiong from China?? I did not see the program, but just read the transcript on CNN.com. I felt like I was eavesdropping on the conversation of ignorant racist people.
What do ANY of these people know about adoption anyway??
I’m so insulted. My email goes to Ms. Zahn today
January 6th, 2007 at 9:23 am
what hasn’t been said? what really gets me is the flippant, lazy manner of all involved. take an interesting, important, complex issue and willfully reduce it to idiotic drivel. so much of 24-hr cable news is geared simply to fill in time and/or ignorantly whine about topic A, B or C. what was zahn and her producer thinking bringing these yahoos in? and why would they want to be there? everything is watercooler-fodder. zahn freakin lives in new york city! surely she has friends and likely colleagues who’ve adopted from china. our comments aside, i certainly hope this lazy-assed spot will come back to bite her.
January 6th, 2007 at 9:25 am
oh, and where’s the youtube? ;-)
January 6th, 2007 at 10:19 am
I never wrote a tv show before, but I have now. How incredible! I was stunned the whole time I read the transcripts.
Please let this go up on youtube!!! The comments seemed so flippant, I would like to see their actions.
January 6th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Having read the transcripts … I don’t know what to say. I’m thinking this was some attempt at a freeform comedy show? Satire or something??? Obviously intended to be as inflammatory as possible. I don’t watch CNN. Is this the direction it is going in??? Just a bunch of fools shooting off their mouths?
The stuff about Iraq kills me. There would be a line around the State Department to adopt Iraqi orphans if such a program were available. Americans were clamoring to adopt tsunami orphans and many got an education in IA when they realized that was not possible.
Still shaking my head over this three hours after reading the transcript…
Patti
http://redvelvetcake.typepad.com
3/21/06
January 6th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
I just sent my letter in…I can’t believe how wrong they got it
January 6th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I cannot believe how stupid and ignorant people can be. Do they even listen to themselves when they speak. I am speechless right now and that is a huge feat for me!! I am going to ask my family to join in my letter writing campaign!!!!
Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LID late March
January 6th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Very frustrating to see such uninformed opinions given a wide forum to issue stereotypes. Below is the email sent to Paula Zahn.
As future adoptive parents, we are angry and very saddened by the stereotype labeling your panelists inflicted upon all adoptive parents. Our reason for adopting is to give a deserving child a loving home and not because we think our daughter will be smarter or any of the other foolish stereotypes your panelists stated. Domestic adoption would be a greater option for many parents if our own countries laws were changed to make it a more viable alternative.
I’m sorry you did not have anyone from the adoption community to have more educated and thoughtful opinions on this matter.
January 6th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
I often wander where this stereotyping comes from.
Most of the Specialists at our hospital are black not Asian.
Our Pediatrician is Chinese and says he finds it insulting when people assume that if your Asian then you must be way off the intelligent scale. He often has people ask him if all his family are doctors, and he says abruptly NO.
My daughter is Haitian and my son is Chinese, and sometimes people ask me if my daughter is good at singing
and dancing LOL. I took my son somewhere, and someone asked him if he was going to be a doctor LOL.
January 6th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I’m thinking of starting an email campaign to the competing networks informing them of Zahn’s racist piece of crap ‘journalism’ and begging them to run a story that not only explains the new regulations, but explains WHY people choose to adopt from China and other countries. Uggg!
A friend of mine wanted to adopt domesticaly. She has a big beautiful house out in the country. When they started the homestudy process for domestic adoption, they were told that they had to put in a drain field and do tens of thousands of dollars of changes to their property before they could adopt (and believe me… their property is to die for!)… they decided to switch to Russia because they didn’t have to meet the same requirments… so not only do some SW’s recommend against caucasians adopting African Americans, but also our state has tougher requirements for domestic adoption than what is required for international adoption. Why is that??? And for that, Zahn’s ‘panel’ feels they have the right to call us racist?
January 6th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I just finished reading the transcript and am disturbed. I am an attorney from Puerto Rico, and thereby hispanic…. And never though someone would ever hint I was a racist because I did not adopt a hispanic child. Of course, these people were not there when even our social worker recommended the international adoption route. we could have waited for years and years, and ended up with a referral of a child, only to be told at the last minute that they had decided to give the birth mother one last chance. So ridiculous!!!
January 6th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
I saw this last night. I was SO ANGRY that I couldn’t even fall asleep. I just kept composing emails to her in my head. What an idiot. A whole panel of ignorant jackbutts. GRRRRRR!!!
January 6th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
It’s such a breath of fresh air to see Paula ask such obviously open-minded, compassionate guests to join her on the show.
With the number of times they mentioned erroneous stereotypes, I wonder if they really understand what “racism” is?
January 6th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
I think that I am more proud of being a part of this RQ community than anything ever. The cohesiveness here is so comforting in the light of Zahn’s/CNN ugly abrasiveness and heartlessness.
A supportive hug goes out to all.
January 6th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
CNN story is a load of crap. They should interview people that are adopting internationally and get the real truth.Also they should talk to people who have tried to adopt in this country,then they would have a clear picture of all the red tape we have got to go through and the rejection . My husband and I are foster parents and we have tried for 3 years to adopt a baby or toddler and we and others in the system are not having much luck. Thats how we ended up looking to China. We have two boys with us now in foster care ages 9 nad 12 ,they are up for adoption, I can tell you this ,that the older children can be very difficult to form a family with, in our case its been a year and a half of suffering for us, we treat them as if they were our own. But they just can’t return the love.We wondered why so many people in the foster to adopt community would not foster older children ,I now know why…I’m sure there are many cases where it has worked out with older children, I wish ours would have. I read on the internet the other day that the USA is the 4th largest supplier of African American babies to Canada, I was shocked. We have had a African American baby in our home and a caucasian baby and they both went to the birth families relatives, which is fine, but obviously CNN does not understand how difficult it is to even adopt a baby from foster care.
January 7th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I’ve been away from the Internet for a couple of days, but was so glad to see today that I was not the only person absolutely outraged by that the segment.
I know RQ advised to keep our comments fact-based, but I couldn’t help myself. Here’s what I wrote:
“In my 40 years, this is the first time I have been so disgusted by a network’s irresponsible presentation of a news issue that I feel compelled to write. The guests discussing China’s “Adoption Crackdown” on Paula Zahn Now (January 5, 2007) seemed to lack even a basic understanding of (1) the processes and hurdles involved in international versus domestic adoption; (2) people’s reasons for choosing international adoption over domestic and China over another foreign country; and (3) China’s impending restrictions.
How dare those people – relying only on their own ignorance and factually void assumptions, judge my reasons for choosing to adopt a child from China.
Unbelievable. Shame on you CNN and Paula Zahn.
Next time, at least please balance your uninformed and not-too-bright (quite frankly) discussion participants with a thoughtful individual who knows something about the issue in question.
Unbelievable.”
Still can’t believe it.
Jackie