Orphans Deserve Better initiative created to counter Orphan horror movie

July 7, 9:29 PMInternational Adoption ExaminerCathy Doheny

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(courtesy of Christian Alliance for Orphans)

Orphans Deserve Better is a grassroots initiative that was created to counter the controversial horror movie, Orphan, about an adoption gone wrong, scheduled to open in theaters nationwide on July 24. The movie surrounds the story of an older adoptee, Esther,  who is "not what she appears to be". Though the ending does contain a hook that ultimately removes the orphan stigma, there is still a concern among the adoptive community that the title of the movie and the advertising alone will be damaging to the cause of adoption.

The Orphans Deserve Better introduction states:

However far-fetched some stories are, they can still subtly shape our values and perceptions. So when a major motion picture leaves a lingering impression that orphans are damaged goods and that adoption can tear apart your life, those who know the deeper truth must speak up.

Founded by the Christian Alliance for Orphans, the initiative seeks to educate the public about the real plight of the 145 million orphans in the world today by providing facts, including statistics on orphans and children in the US foster care system, as well as research findings on the psychological and behavioral characteristics of adopted children.

Adopted children and their futures vary as much as biological children do.  But studies show definitively that the fears stoked by a movie like Orphan are not supported by the data.  In fact, the opposite is most often true. 

In addition, the Orphans Deserve Better initiative was created to advocate for orphans worldwide by requesting that Warner Brothers donate a portion of the proceeds from the movie "Orphan" to "help the boys and girls who share the movie’s name". An online petition is provided for supporters to sign to urge Warner Brothers to make this reparation to the world's orphans. The petition also suggests that a message, regarding the reality of orphans worldwide, may be an appropriate addition to the conclusion of the film:

For the sake of the world’s more than 140 million orphans, people deserve to know better.  They should have an honest understanding of the deep needs orphans face—as well as the satisfaction and beauty that can be found in embracing orphans as a mentor or adoptive family, foster parent or nonprofit volunteer.

One of the most powerful aspects of the Orphans Deserve Better Initiative is an invitation issued on the site for supporters to share their own real-life orphan stories to counter the fictitious one portrayed in "Orphan". In a little over a week, more than 50 individual stories have been posted to the site, a testament to the joy and love brought to families by these precious children.

When asked by the Charlotte International Adoption Examiner to comment on the fact that some individuals consider "Orphan" to be "just a movie" and don't understand why many adoptive parents are offended by the film, Christian Alliance for Orphans President Jedd Medefind, stated:

Even though Orphan is ‘just a movie,’ it can stir emotions and leave impressions that last a lifetime. Even individuals who never see the film may absorb these impressions through movie previews, TV ads, online sources and conversations with friends. We didn’t want the themes of Orphan to be absorbed into the American bloodstream unquestioned. So we felt it was important to raise a simple, straightforward counter message. Far more importantly, though, we see this as a meaningful opportunity to address the broader culture about both the needs of orphans and how meaningful it can be to reach to them in love.

Orphans Deserve Better is the second major initiative created in reaction to the "Orphan" movie. A Facebook group was also organized in May to boycott the movie. The group, I am Boycotting Warner Bros. "Orphan" Movie, gained the attention of Warner Brothers Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications Scott Rowe, who issued a statement admitting that they had made a mistake including the line, “It must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own” and would be removing it from future trailers and advertising. Though many consider that amendment a step in the right direction, there is still unrest in the adoptive community over the concept of the movie, as evidenced by the still growing number of group members, which has now reached  3, 914.

 For more info: 12 Things You Can Do to Aid Orphans (part of the Orphans Deserve Better Initiative)