Class differences
These factors significantly impacted a major decision in this character's life
- loss of scholarship
- loss of financial support
- lack of options (network and finance)
- surrogacy as a last resort
Why did Mia agree to carry the Ryans' baby?
How financial troubles can limit someone's options?
How financial troubles can make someone do something that they don't want to do?
Why couldn't Bebe Chow sleep or work when she had her baby?
“I have nobody to help me. I cannot go to work. I cannot sleep. All day long I just hold the baby and cry.” (Ng 88)
- She's a single parent
- She has no one to rely on
-Her husband left her
"Colour-blindness refers to the insistence that one does not see skin colour or differences between people, and the belief that everyone has the same opportunities. This outlook prevents us from recognizing the historical roots of racial inequality and from seeing how inequalities based on ethnic origin continue to persist in our societies."
What is racial blindness?
This societal belief leads people to see poor and single mothers as irresponsible.
What is prejudice against single mothers?
How do Lexie's and Mrs. McCullough's current views on motherhood contrast?
- abortion vs adoption
“I interview for receptionist, they tell me my English not good enough. Nowhere I can find work." (Ng 88)
Why couldn't Bebe Chow get a job easily?
In the show and in the book, Elena finds many ways to investigate Mia's past, often trespassing the boundaries of legality and morality. Here are some examples of her actions:
- She offers donuts to one of her friends who is a police officer in exchange of Mia's criminal record
- She searches through her friend's office to find Pearl's medical record in order to confirm that she had an abortion
- She speaks to Mia's parents on behalf of a false pretenses
- She's willing to use Mia' story against her to ruin her relationship with her daughter
At what lengths is Elena willing to go in order to get what she wants?
How do Elena's network connections help her get further in life?
This central question is explored throughout the novel regarding raising children.
What makes a good parent?
"Did you not understand
me? You need me to speak in Ebonics?” (Ng 59)
How does this quote reflect Shaker Heights views on race? Base your answer on the colorblindness theory.
(put video from show)
This invisible advantage benefits characters like Elena without them recognizing it.
What is class privilege?
This conflict lies at the heart of the novel’s message about motherhood
What is love vs. stability?
This concept explains unequal treatment based on racial identity.
What is racial bias (or discrimination)?
Wealthy, two parent household with kids, a big house in an affluent neighborhood and a high paying job.
What type of household does the court tend to favor when it comes to parenting?
What seems to be the norms in Shaker Heights?
This type of parent is judged more harshly in the novel.
What is a poor single mother?
"People like them never win, Elena." (said by Mr. Richardson to Mrs. Richardson about Bebe, during the trial
How are immigrants perceived by society?