Activists have a purpose and that is to correct the wrongs in the adoption industry. I support that a million percent… What I hate that happens is when some of the statements that have to be made to let the industry influencers know how wrong some of the practices are then trickles to the adoptees and can influence THEM to feel a certain way about themselves. I know we have to be somewhat dramatic to get a point across but we don’t want adoptees to internalize these dramatic statements and use them to feel even worse about themselves. I am speaking from experience. I was highly offended by statements that say I was purchased and that I had price tag on me. I wondered if I should feel bad about myself because I was purchased simply because my parents went through the adoption agency process. I thought about it for a long time and realized that yes, my parents had to pay a price to adopt but the price tag was on the process, NOT ME. I am in no way condoning the inflated price adopting parents pay, however, I know that the money is going towards selfish people doing the work to make the adoption work and also birth mothers who are requiring more and more “compensation” for their part in the process. These are just a few of the unethical things going on in the industry but this one statement about being purchased really bothers me because I feel like it hurts adoptees. We need to understand the difference between activism propaganda and what our own truths are. Do not get confused or take on these negative perceptions upon yourself. Let them affect the people it is intended to affect and remember that no one can EVER determine your self worth, only you can do that. Trust me, you’re a valued human being and don’t let these perceptions become your reality. If you think that’s not true, contact me and I’ll tell you how wonderful you are!