It's a girl!

So now we know, all the speculation about whether Angelina Jolie is pregnant or not can end. The baby stuff shopping spree at Harrods was for Zahara Marley Jolie, the Ethiopian orphan she adopted.

Ordinarily I don't care for celebrity gossip, but this story caught my attention because of the reason Jolie gave for adopting the little girl. She's quoted as saying, "My son is in love with Africa, so he has been asking for an African brother or sister." WTH?? Can anyone say COMMODIFICATION? Suddenly all things Africa(n) including babies it seems, are Hollywood's new "must have" along with Prada, Dior and _______ (insert obscenely priced designer here). Maddox, Jolie's son wanted a little African brother or sister so he got one, Oprah wanted a South African accent so she got a DNA test that showed she has Zulu Heritage, nice. Not! Sure, Angelina Jolie's work with UNHCR as a goodwill ambassador is noble as are all the charitable efforts made by other stars. But you'll excuse me if I don't break out the Dom Perignon just yet. What happens when Africa is no longer cool, or hip? When the attention of the stars moves on to other places? We'll still be here, you and I, left behind in a cloud of expensive scents and even more expensive promises, many still unfulfilled. At the end of the day, the solutions to our problems as a continent, must come from and be implemented by us.

I hope Zahara has a happy life. Really. One just can't help being cynical at the recent obsession with Africa, you would think our continent only recently began experiencing famine, wars and disease. I can't help wondering just how long this interest will last in the face of all the challenges that must be overcome in order for Africa as a whole to flourish.

I could try and explain my distaste even further but M does so far better than I can in 2 posts on Live 8 somewhat related to my own rant.