I read this blog today and found out that NBC is having a "America's Favorite Mom" contest and a prime time special that runs Sunday night. I also found out that NBC separated adoptive moms into a separate category in this contest. Well, they actually started out by calling the "adopting moms" category the "non-mom moms" category. I am so angry, this is the e-mail I sent to NBC...
"Subject: Mom Contest
To Whom It May Concern,
I am sure you have been bombarded with e-mails from offended mothers who have families created though adoption. Being an adoptive mother myself, I am going to voice my opinion on this as well. It was brought to my attention this evening that you included adoptive mothers under the “non-mothers” category (which has now been changed to “adopting mom”) of your contest. I adopted my daughter from China last year, and I cannot believe that NBC would actually state that an adoptive mother is a “non-mother”. I am absolutely appalled.
What I am really trying to figure out is why adoptive mothers are getting a separate category in this contest anyway? Why are we being separated from mothers who gave birth to their children? Are adoptive mothers not working moms, single moms and stay-at-home moms as well? And why is it that a biological child is called a person’s “own” child? My daughter is my “own” child and my “real” child although I did not give birth to her. I could not love her any more if I had given birth to her and she is my whole world. What your network should be teaching people is that a mother is a mother - no matter how a child came into her life - period.
I will not be voting in your contest or watching the primetime special. And after this, I won’t be watching the Today Show either.
I think you have some big time apologizing to do…"
So, that was my e-mail. Nothing will probably come of it, but I just had to speak my mind.
* UPDATE * Looks like Teleflora is the one who really goofed up with the category title - but NBC still allowed it so my opinion of them has not changed. Teleflora has apologized on their site now (and in my comments section actually). I still don't like the category being called "adopting moms" but under short notice and heavy fire, I guess it is the only word they could think of to describe all three candidates. If they want to have a category for moms that are mothers under extraordinary circumstances next year (for example a sibling raising her brothers and sisters), they could call it "extraordinary moms" or something like that.
8 Kind Words:
Beautifully said Lisa!
Sincerely,
Amy B.
You have GOT to be kidding! Good E-mail response.
ladybug hugs,
;D
Lisa-
I sent a similar letter via email after reading your post. I USEd to be a big fan of the Today SHow and NBC..not anymore!!!
Patti
My name is Jennifer, and I work with Edelman (www.edelman.com) on behalf of Teleflora’s “America’s Favorite Mom” program. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this issue.
After closer examination, Teleflora recognized how this may have been offensive to moms who have adopted children… moms who are indeed real moms in every sense of the word. This show of insensitivity was in no way intended and Teleflora offers its deepest apology. It was always Teleflora’s intent to salute and celebrate all moms.
Please know that in response the concerns expressed, Teleflora immediately changed the name of the “Non-Mom” category to “Adopting Moms,” which has already been posted on the “semi-finalist” page at http://www.AmericasFavoriteMom.com.
I thought you might want to know that we are paying attention and appreciate your input and perspective. On behalf of Teleflora, I hope you have a very happy Mother’s Day.
Wow... and Miss Jennifer Almer did very poor damage control on top of it all.
Bye bye NBC!
Great letter - and obviously from Jennifer Almer's response, they still don't get it!
How dare NBC refer to you, me and thousands - millions - like us as 'non-moms'. How DARE they infer to OUR children that their family relationship is less than that of their biological siblings, cousins, friends and neighors. The fact that they changed the category to adopting moms is still divisive and plainly, not necessary. Do we all not cuddle and love our children, hold them when they cry, attend parents evenings at their schools and do the million and one other things that MOMS do.
It is disgusting, insulting and insensitive: and false.
To steal Melissa's wonderful quote: Biology is the least of what makes you a mother.
Thanks for this post. I will also be emailing them.
I CAN'T BELIEVE THE NERVE!!! I am very proud of you response!!! What were they thinking!!! Have the best Mother's Day ever!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Shay
Darn right we're moms!!! I was so infuriated by this that I couldn't see straight.
I can't have children for medical reasons and I guess they don't understand that there are women out there that refuse to put themselves through IVF and other fertility treatments because they're expensive or because of religious reasons or are like me and would rather live then potentially risk my life with a pregnancy.
I guess I also have a bit of a bone to pick with some women who would rather put their bodies through torture rather than adopting because all they want is a biological child and an adopted child just wouldn't be the same. Selfish, selfish, selfish is all I have to say about that.
Good for you for speaking out.
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