Meet the Robinsons - Adoption

[Wishing on a star]

I know that there are many families here who have been blessed by adoption. Many with adopted kids. Many adoptee's.

I thought I would pass along this notice.

____________________________________________________
NEW YORK, April 9, 2004 - The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute today
called for an urgent meeting with Walt Disney Pictures to discuss the
potentially negative impact on children and families of its new movie, "Meet
the Robinsons," which is generating strong criticism in the adoption
community because of its insensitive portrayal of adoption and, in
particular, of an orphaned child.

"I'm sure the filmmakers were well-intentioned, but their apparent lack of
understanding about the realities of orphanage life (and of the effects of
rejection on children) led to a storyline that is upsetting many adopted
boys and girls, particularly ones who spent time in orphanages themselves,"
said Adam Pertman, Executive Director of the Adoption Institute. "Many
parents, practitioners and mental-health professionals also are worried
about the impact the movie could have on children who still need loving,
permanent homes and on the public's general perceptions of adoption."

Adding that "it's hard to achieve good outcomes with insufficient
knowledge," Pertman asked for a meeting with Disney executives to explain
the movie's problems, discuss what can be done to mitigate them and, most
important, to provide information intended to improve future films involving
issues relating to orphans, adoption and foster care. Experts in the field,
as well as representatives of affected families, will be invited to the
meeting, which Pertman deemed "very important . because this is by no means
the only movie, or the only studio, that has generated this kind of
controversy and concern."

The Adoption Institute has received numerous complaints about "Meet the
Robinsons" since it opened, including from practitioners (some of whom have
sent warnings to parents not to take their children to the movie); from
adoptive parents (many of whom have reported their children became
distressed, especially because the central character was rejected by more
than 100 potential adoptive parents), and from birth families (particularly
because the child ultimately chooses to reject his birth mother).

"I'm sure lots of people will defend this movie as simply entertaining and
point out that it has a happy ending," Pertman added. "But when anything is
this disconcerting for so many kids and parents - whether the reason is its
treatment of race, gender, religion, adoption or any other aspect of
identity - then we need to stop and think about whether there's a harmful
downside, even if it's inadvertent.

The Adoption Institute is the pre-eminent research, policy and education
organization in its field; it is nonprofit, nonpartisan and independent of
any interest group. Its unique projects and programs include the only Media
Education Initiative of its kind, designed to improve the understanding and
treatment of adoption and foster care by professionals in the news and
entertainment industries.

To learn more about the controversy over "Meet the Robinsons" and the
Institute's work - or to arrange an interview - please contact Pertman at
617-332-8944 (office), 617-763-0134 (cell) or
apertman@adoptioninapertman@ad. The Institute's award-winning website is
www.adoptioninstitu www.ad

 

[Disney4Drew]

I have two sides to this...

1. I am adopted and thought NOTHING of the adoption part of the movie. It never even crossed my mind. What did stick out was that family can come in every shape and size and does not need to be biological.

2. A friend of mine with an adopted daughter was upset by this portion of the movie. As I said, the thought never even crossed my mind (as an adoptee). So, I had to take a step back and try to look at it from her perspective.

Honestly, I think this goes to the old adage that we as adults read waaaaaaaay more into things than children ever would. The movie is ficition, the orphanage was fiction. Seeing this movie would never deter me from adopting a child or think less of a child who was given up for adoption. Calling mental health experts in to talk about the possible "effects" this movie could have on a child is ummm interesting. I think society needs a big chill pill, IMO.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thanks!

However, I feel just the opposit about the adult/children comment.

The children who are currently coming to terms with their adoption and their identity are the concern. In your experience it was indeed a child adoptee who was upset by this. Where, clearly adults can just disregard it and handle it just fine.

And, of course, these Disney cartoons are geared to, and marketed to, children.

 

[Octoberbeauty]

I think some people just have to have something to get upset over. If they took the movie as a whole- the whole thing was promoting how we all have somewhere where we belong! Not only that, but the director of the orphanage treated him like her own. She was very kind to him. He ended up with a great life that was just perfect for him!! What? Are they going after Annie next?

My hubby is also adopted and thought nothing of it.

 

[ckay87]

I haven't seen the movie - can someone give a quick summary of the adoption plot or would that spoil it for others? (not me, I probably won't see it.)

Orphans in children's fiction is an age-old theme. If we all give it some thought, we could rattle off piles fictional orphans. Was this film so different than Oliver Twist, Madeline, Cinderella, BFG....?

PS - I'm adopted too. I was always comfortable with my situation. My parents must have done something right.

 

[mickeyfan2]

We have four adopted children in our family and I did not find the Robinson's movie offensive. Three of them did come from orphanages. We are all one family now and the way they joined our family does not matter.

 

[MommyBoo!]

Thanks!

However, I feel just the opposit about the adult/children comment.

The children who are currently coming to terms with their adoption and their identity are the concern. In your experience it was indeed a child adoptee who was upset by this. Where, clearly adults can just disregard it and handle it just fine.

And, of course, these Disney cartoons are geared to, and marketed to, children.

Disney4Drew siad that it was the parent who was upset, not the child.

There is a long thread on this on the families board. You might want to check it out.

 

[lillygator]

I think some people just have to have something to get upset over. If they took the movie as a whole- the whole thing was promoting how we all have somewhere where we belong! Not only that, but the director of the orphanage treated him like her own. She was very kind to him. He ended up with a great life that was just perfect for him!! What? Are they going after Annie next?

My hubby is also adopted and thought nothing of it.

Exactly...it's a shame really.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Thank You Mickeyfan!

It is good to hear that your children had no problem with this, even though a few could.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Disney4Drew siad that it was the parent who was upset, not the child.

There is a long thread on this on the families board. You might want to check it out.

Ohhhhh, I guess I was thinking that the daughter was upset.

Thanks!

I didn't know there was a thread on the other board.

 

[Soubrette]

Just wait until we hear the statement released by the Association for Time Machine Advocates...they REALLY hated the movie

Not to poke fun at a serious issue, but I think children are many times much, much smarter than we give them credit.

 

[MommyBoo!]

Here's the thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1412151

Only 2 pages, so not too long. It looks like the general opinion is the same though. And, the press release is from a different agency.

I kind of thought that choosing not to know the birth mother was just that - a choice, not a rejection. He's only 12, he could always change his mind later in life (that would be the sequel ).

 

[mickeyfan2]

Thank You Mickeyfan!

It is good to hear that your children had no problem with this, even though a few could.

I should have said extended family. I have no children. I view all the family members as that family members.

 

[antmaril]

My DS (20) is adopted from South Korea. He saw this movie and loved it. He didn't mention anything about the adoption subject matter.

 

[Disney4Drew]

Disney4Drew siad that it was the parent who was upset, not the child.

There is a long thread on this on the families board. You might want to check it out.

Thanks! That was exactly what I meant!

 

[Aidensmom]

It's fiction. All adoptions are not alike, all adoptees do not experience the same feelings, there is no way possible to portray an adoption story that would be to everyone's liking.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but the article says it is distressing that the child was rejected by over 100 potential parents. Are they trying to say this is some kind of outrageous, unthinkable, never-in-a-million-years would happen scenario? I think they need to be removing those rose colored glasses. That kind of thing really happens, pretending it doesn't does not make the world a better place, just a more ignorant one.

Perhaps it would be insensitive to show the movie to a group of older children who are still hoping for the right family to come along, as it would hit too close to home, but I don't think Disney did anything wrong by portraying this in the movie.

Is "Cinderella" boycotted among stepfamilies?

 

[tiggersmom2]

It's fiction. All adoptions are not alike, all adoptees do not experience the same feelings, there is no way possible to portray an adoption story that would be to everyone's liking.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but the article says it is distressing that the child was rejected by over 100 potential parents. Are they trying to say this is some kind of outrageous, unthinkable, never-in-a-million-years would happen scenario? I think they need to be removing those rose colored glasses. That kind of thing really happens, pretending it doesn't does not make the world a better place, just a more ignorant one.

Perhaps it would be insensitive to show the movie to a group of older children who are still hoping for the right family to come along, as it would hit too close to home, but I don't think Disney did anything wrong by portraying this in the movie.

Is "Cinderella" boycotted among stepfamilies?

Excellent post!!! I so agree.

 

[donnajon]

I am quite upset that this child was portrayed as being rather dorky, same as Chicken Little. Disney is protraying people who wear glasses as not attractive and are unliked by society. As a mother of two children who wear glasses, I am going to boycott Disney and get the optomotry folks to join my boycott! None of the attractive characters wear glasses. Where is the glasses wearing princess?
Of course, I am kidding! Just pointing out how you can make something ridiculous out of anything!!!!

 

[JennaTX]

I am quite upset that this child was portrayed as being rather dorky, same as Chicken Little. Disney is protraying people who wear glasses as not attractive and are unliked by society. As a mother of two children who wear glasses, I am going to boycott Disney and get the optomotry folks to join my boycott! None of the attractive characters wear glasses. Where is the glasses wearing princess?
Of course, I am kidding! Just pointing out how you can make something ridiculous out of anything!!!!

I was thinking of my response until I realized you were joking.

 

[JadenLayne]

As a mother to be to an adopted daughter I haven't seen it yet but I've read about it. The first thing that popped into my mind was Annie and the second was the movie with John Ritter and he adopted the little boy named Junior........it was hillarious!!!!

I think some people look for anything to complain about. Of course when I see it I'll share more but for now I can't imagine Disney meaning anything negative about adoption!