How to Have An American Baby Discussion Guide

How to Have an American Baby is a kaleidoscopic voyage into the shadow economy catering to Chinese tourists who travel to the US to give birth for citizenship. Told through a series of intimately observed vignettes, the story of a hidden global economy emerges–depicting the fortunes and tragedies that befall the ordinary people caught in its web. A Co-Presentation with Chasing the Dream, a public media initiative from The WNET Group. Streaming Until March 10th

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the
power of human connection and designed for people who want
to use How to Have an American Baby to engage family, friends,
classmates, colleagues, and communities. In contrast to initiatives
that foster debates in which participants try to convince others that
they are right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in
a spirit of openness in which people try to understand one another
and expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening
actively.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide
range of audiences think more deeply about the issues in the film.
Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that
best meet your needs and interests. And be sure to leave time to
consider taking action. Planning next steps can help people leave
the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when
conversations have been difficult.

For more detailed event planning and facilitation tips, visit communitynetwork.amdoc.org.

About the Authors

Leila Lin is a social science researcher trained in
economic anthropology, East Asian studies, and science
and technology studies. She is a co-producer on Leslie
Tai’s How to Have an American Baby and associate
producer of My American Surrogate. She holds an M.A. in
Anthropology from The New School for Social Research
and a B.A. in East Asian studies from Barnard College.

Jiayi Li is an MFA candidate in Social Documentation at
UC Santa Cruz, holding a B.A. in Film Studies from UC
Berkeley and participating as a fellow in BAVC Media’s
Emerging Media Maker program. Fluent in Cantonese,
Mandarin, and Taishanese, Jiayi previously served as
a reporter for Sky Link TV, where she produced, filmed,
and edited stories encompassing politics, violence,
economics, and the Asian American community in the
Bay Area.

 

DISCUSSION GUIDE PRODUCERS
Courtney B. Cook, Phd | Education Manager, POV
C. Rees | Education Editor, POV

 

THANKS TO THOSE WHO REVIEWED AND CONTRIBUTED TO THIS RESOURCE

Leslie Tai | Director/Producer, HOW TO HAVE AN AMERICAN BABY
Jillian Schultz | Producer, HOW TO HAVE AN AMERICAN BABY