“Why do Americans hate children?” some Europeans ask. The United States (with the exception of some states), Lesotho, Papua New Guinea, and Swaziland are the only four countries in the world that don't guarantee paid maternity leave to workers. Based on the book by Joan Blades and Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Laura Pacheco's documentary The Motherhood Manifesto, narrated by Mary Steenburgen, combines personal stories, expert interviews, archival clips, and animated sequences (unfortunately weak and purportedly humorous sketches in which a “perfect” woman offers advice) about the disadvantages that working mothers face in America. In addition to paid maternal leave (which is available in California), many nations also provide additional tax breaks and support for both working families and parents who elect to stay home to raise a child or children. The film effectively points out the curious hypocrisy of American politicians who brag about “family values”—holding up stay-at-home motherhood as best for children—yet refuse to put pressure on businesses to offer paid leave or allow federal tax breaks for the working spouse. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Reagan)
The Motherhood Manifesto
(2006) 57 min. DVD or VHS: $250. MomsRising.org (dist. by Bullfrog Films). PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 1-59458-654-3 (dvd), 1-59458-653-5 (vhs). Volume 23, Issue 1
The Motherhood Manifesto
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