American Factory Discussion Preparations

1.​ After the film…what is a possible thesis for it? (Jot down some possibilities here as you
watch before revising after we finish the film.)
It highlights the complexities of globalization and the clash between American worker
expectations and Chinese management policies, revealing the significant limitations of both
in navigating a globalized factory environment.

2.​ What were the 3 most persuasive tactics that the documentary employed to support
that thesis? Consider both content and style: documentary elements linked here and
rhetorical devices linked here

●​ They used interviews so that one could see from a primary source the
experiences of the workers. It increases credibility and ignites empathetic
emotions for the workers who have been negatively affected by the takeover of
Fuyao.
●​ The film portrays Chinese workers as more diligent, disciplined, and
adaptable, often contrasting them with American workers who are portrayed
as less willing to endure hardship and more inclined to seek higher wages.
This creates a narrative where the Chinese management style is presented as
more efficient and effective, potentially influencing the audience's perception
of the two cultures.
●​ American Factory showcases the significant wage cuts and economic
challenges faced by American workers as they transition to the lower-paying
jobs at Fuyao. This is further emphasized by highlighting the difference
between their previous wages at General Motors and the significantly
reduced pay they receive at Fuyao. This approach aims to expose the
economic consequences of globalization and the impact on the American
middle class, creating a sense of injustice and inequality. The film follows the
workers' attempts to form a union, which are met with resistance and
ultimately fail.
3.​ What do you think the limitations of this documentary are? What could the
filmmakers have done differently to solve those limitations, to be more effective in
their argument?
Drawing out more diverse experiences of the factory and broader society, such as of
unionists involved in organizing and community activists, might give a more nuanced
and balanced perspective.
An exploration of the legal principles that inform labor relations in the US, the role of
government in resolving disputes, and the broader political context of labor
organization might supply a better background.
Tracing the workers and their families for a longer period, and looking at how the
presence of the factory impacted the local economy, would give a better idea of the
long-term impacts of the investment.
Examining the opportunities and problems of working and residing in the US, their
visa situation, and if they feel comfortable complaining about things, might provide a
clearer picture of their experiences.
The filmmakers would have also examined their own presumptions and prejudices,
and sought differing perspectives that challenge their own knowledge.
 4.​ Think back to the beginning of AP Seminar…if we were to apply 2 different lenses to
the issues discussed within the documentary, what could those lenses be? What
questions are raised through each lens?

●​ Artistic ●​ Political and Historical

●​ Philosophical ●​ Ethical
●​ Economic ●​ Futuristic
●​ Social and Cultural ●​ Scientific
●​ Environmental

Lenses Questions raised within this lens?

Example: Ethical How does a company ensure its workers are productive while
honoring their humanity?

This question arose during the visit to the Chinese factory. They
simply merged their workers’ personal lives into their work: they had
a talent show and even weddings as part of a work celebration. But,
were these workers happy to have these lines blurred? Is loyalty to the
company their purpose for life? Do they deserve a personal life?

Fuyao Through the lens of Fuyao's acquisition of a former

General Motors plant, the documentary American
Factory exposes how the clash of cultures, labor practices,
and management styles between Chinese and American
workers reveals the complexities and contradictions of
global capitalism, highlighting the struggle for dignity and
fairness in the 21st century where globalization is very
prominent due to increased interconnectedness.

What are some other similar examples of global

capitalism increasing tensions between workers and
businesses?
General Motors Through the lens of Fuyao's acquisition of a former
General Motors plant, the documentary American
Factory exposes how the clash of cultures, labor practices,
and management styles between Chinese and American
workers reveals the complexities and contradictions of
global capitalism, highlighting the struggle for dignity and
fairness in the 21st century where globalization is very
prominent due to increased interconnectedness.

●​ How does the film depict the cultural clash

between the Chinese managers and American
workers, and how does this impact their
interactions and the overall work environment?
●​ What specific communication barriers or
misunderstandings emerge between the two
groups, and how do they hinder the smooth
functioning of the plant?
●​ How does the film portray the expectations and
values of each culture, and how do these
differences affect their approach to work and
management?
 5.​ Who are the 2 stakeholders that would be most impacted by viewing this
documentary? What type of argument might they see in the argument presented
here?

Stakeholder Argument type they Why would they see this type of argument in the film?
might see? Click here for
possibilities

Example: Residents Warning The film seems to be a warning about foreign investment in
of Dayton, Ohio American manufacturing. When the GM plant closed, it
severely hurt the economy of the area. It was demoralizing for
its workers. When Fuyao reopened the plant, it seemed like a
breath of fresh economic air. They had to hire local workers to
refurbish the plant and local workers to staff the plant. But, the
lower wages than what GM paid, and the difficulties with the
Chinese ownership and management of the plant made us feel
a new kind of bad. It seems you have to be careful about
short-term gains in such an arrangement.

Chinese workers
Following company They may see the American workers as less
directives, ensuring disciplined and productive compared to their
quality production, Chinese counterparts and may experience cultural
and adapting to a misunderstandings and loneliness while adjusting to
new culture are life in the US.
important aspects of
their roles in the
American factory.

Moraine, Ohio Dealing with an They may see it as a positive, because there is increased jobs
residents additional factory and they have easy access to glass and manufacturing jobs.
They may not like the low wages, though, and may strike some
and increased protests, which may disturb peace. They may view it as negative
number of jobs, due to noise and air pollution, and disturbance of peace, and
potential population population increase leading to high density of population. *
increase, but also
noise, pollution,
disturbance of peace,
etc.
6.​ Write four open-ended questions for your peers about the film to use during our
discussion, how, why, and to what extent questions work best as open-ended question
starters:

●​ What are some other similar examples of global capitalism increasing tensions
between workers and businesses?
●​ To what extent is the film biased towards the view of the original General

Motors workers?

●​ How does the film portray Fuyao from the perspective of the Chinese workers

and what kind of stuff do they enjoy that the Americans don’t?

●​ How much did the Chinese culture influence the American culture and vice

versa?