Madonna was interviewed by Ann Curry in a segment that aired on the Today Show this morning, and I tried to view it with an open mind since Madonna normally bugs the hell out of me. I came away from it thinking she’s the same stuck up narcissist she’s always been, but at least she’s doing something good in the world.

Madonna was promoting her documentary “I Am Because We Are,” which is about her “Raising Malawai” organization and includes footage about how she adopted baby David Banda in October, 2006. There was a lot of controversy over the adoption, because Madonna flouted Malawain law, which requires adoptive parents to spend a year in the country before they’re allowed to take a child home.

Madonna got a little indignant when she was talking about social workers visiting her home, and she clearly thought all the procedures and questions went overboard. I have no experience with this and she may have a point. Considering how she kind of broke the law to adopt David maybe she shouldn’t talk about the process to the press as if it’s so annoying to her. Here’s a transcript of most of the interview that I typed up in case you can’t watch the video below:

On starting “Raising Malawai”
“Having children and having a family forces you to think about people besides yourself…

“I got to a point where I thought ‘I have so much and it’s a great tragedy if I don’t use what I have to make the world a better place’… I know that sounds… like a cliche or whatever, but it’s the truth.”

On people being suspicious of her motives
“I appreciate and I understand how people people can be cynical… We live in a society where people are naturally suspicious of acts of altruism or generosity.”

Ann Curry: “Or maybe they might be suspicious, because they might think ‘Madonna changes all the time. Is a fad or trend?'”

[Madonna’s voice sounds a little nervous]: “My reinventions are part of my evolution, and my growth as a person. There are aspects of it that are frivolous and there are aspects of it that are real.”

On the difficult of adopting David
“I don’t think anyone who understands how complicated it is to adopt a child could say that someone chose to do that as a fad, it’s just too difficult… It’s too traumatic.”

On social workers bothering her
Ann Curry: “It’s been hard then to adopt David.”

“We have not even been granted the full adoption. It’s supposed to be happening in the next month. For the last 18 months I’ve been a foster parent. I’ve been visited every 6 weeks by social workers who come into the house and make sure that you’re being a good parent and that David’s health is thriving, and ask you all kinds of invasive questions. You have to put up with it and endure it, and I’ve been finger printed about 20 times, undergone psychological evaluations.

“I think everybody who goes through adoptions has to do this so I’m not alone, but you know I’d do it again.”

Ann Curry: “Why?”

“Because David is amazing. Because he’s brought so much joy to our lives. Well I love him. It was worth it. I think most people will suffer for the things they love.”

On her fame and spiritual quest
Ann Curry: “At this point in your life, there’s some part of you that’s softening. Something that’s looking for wisdom, usefulness.”

“Well thank God I’m searching for wisdom and usefulness. One hopes that one gets to that point in their lives sooner or later.”

Ann Curry: “Do you ever wish that you could just be anonymous?”

“No. I have moments of it, but I don’t want to wish I’m not me. I don’t wish I was someone else.”

Ann Curry: “What is is that you want to feel about your life?”

“That my soul reached its true potential and that I did everything that I was put on this earth to do.”

Ann Curry: “Which is?”

“Well who knows, we’re about to find out.”

Here’s the video of the interview:

Madonna is shown at the “I Am Because We Are” premiere at the Tribeca film festival yesterday, thanks to PRPhotos. I really love her hair.