| On my computer screen is a picture of a girl, "Pretty | | | | "This is such an invasion into these kids lives, |
| and vivacious". Another girl is described as "very | | | | exposing to the entire world that they are an orphan |
| glamorous". On another page an African American girl | | | | or making it out that they haven't got parents that |
| is listed as "currently in therapy" and "developmentally | | | | love them." emailed one woman who had been in an |
| delayed". A boy is described as "on medication to | | | | orphanage as a child. "And with these girls it looks like |
| assist him with symptoms of ADHD." and "does not | | | | they are advertising their sexuality. It could cause |
| have contact with any of his family members." One | | | | some pedophile creep to come forward and adopt |
| girl "is very sensitive, can misread social cues and | | | | these young girls." |
| often believes people are making fun of her". A girl | | | | "If it gets children adopted, it's worth it." I'm told by a |
| "occasionally exhibits disruptive behavior". A boy of 16 | | | | woman at one agency. I imagine her picture on the |
| is described as an "attractive little boy". | | | | web with a description like this: Helga, age 22 |
| All of the pictures have the child's first name included. | | | | "Sometimes insensitive, slightly challenged, needs help |
| Is this a fraternity boy's prank? Who would put | | | | to learn to consider others feelings." |
| pictures of children on the web with their names and | | | | One more click and I find myself at the Rodent |
| such descriptions? | | | | Adoption Listing website which displays a picture of a |
| The website is one of many on the internet | | | | 12 month old Champagne Hood and a 6 month old |
| advertising children. Near the listings of older children | | | | Mink. "These two girls are very sweet, friendly, |
| are listings of couples, singles and gay people who | | | | active and extremely outgoing." |
| "look forward to expanding our family and cherishing | | | | Several websites caution people not to say children |
| the addition of a new baby". None of the prospective | | | | are "put up" for adoption because it brings to mind |
| adopters' ads says "occasionally exhibits disruptive | | | | the time when children were literally placed on raised |
| behavior" or "can misread social cues", although surely | | | | platform at a public meeting like so much meat. Isn't |
| it happens. Even listing their ads seeking an infant | | | | the adoption photo listing just as humiliating? Even |
| shows great insensitivity toward children who have | | | | the rodents get a nicer advertisement than the kids. |
| been advertised as available for years. | | | | |