Sexuality, Gender, and US Imperialism after Philippine Independence: An Examination of Gender and Sexual Stereotypes of Pilpina Entertainment Workers and US Servicemen
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Date
2015
Authors
Santos, Paulla
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This paper examines the continuation of United States imperialism in the Philippines
after Philippine Independence in 1946 through the gendered and sexual stereotypes of
US men and Philippine women. These perceptions of the women as submissive and
dependent were constructed through women’s interactions with US military men, who
were present due to growing US concern of eastern communist influence in the second
half of the 20th century. Evidence from these rest and recreation areas near the bases
during this time suggests US servicemen were seen as powerful and wealthy, while the
Philippines appeared submissive and dependent on US power, as represented by
Philippine women’s behavior towards the servicemen. The Philippine presidencies of
Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino also transformed identities particularly of
Philippine women. These ranged from the support and promotion of Pilipina
entertainment workers to condemning and imprisoning them. However, this paper
illuminates instances of Pilipina agency that show how many Pilipinas were not simply
victims to US power within these entertainment districts, but also sought employment
opportunities in order to benefit from the circumstances created by US presence and
provide for themselves, their families, and their country. This paper then connects the
events around US military bases at that time to present-day stereotypes associated
with Asian-born women married to US men in the United States, as well as the current
discussions of reopening of the US military bases in the Philippines.
Description
16 pages
Keywords
Imperialism, Philippines, Pilipinas
Citation
Santos, P. (2015). Sexuality, Gender, and US Imperialism after Philippine Independence: An Examination of Gender and Sexual Stereotypes of Pilpina Entertainment Workers and US Servicemen. Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal, 9(1). doi:10.5399/uo/ourj.9.1.2