Movies Aren't Just for Off Hours (Post from The New Social Worker)

Quick! Name three celebrities who have adopted a child in the last decade.

Easy, right? I thought of Angelina, Madonna, and Nia Vardalos. I’m not sure why Angelina came to mind and not Brad, but, well, now I’ve thought of four. Why do we know this?

Adoption stories are in our media; their growing presence suggests a growing audience for stories about adoption. Filmmakers see it. In the last few years, adoption has been featured in Despicable Me, Kung Fu Panda 2, Meet the Robinsons, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Juno, What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Martian Child, among others.

In a somewhat cyclical relationship, film is formed by public consciousness and, in turn, forms public consciousness. Filmmakers give audiences what they want (a story) rather than what might be more helpful (thoughtful, thorough information on adoption).

Read the rest at The New Social Worker