Fantasy, Racial Sexual Governance, and the Philippines in Imperialism, 1899-1913

Metroimperial Intimacies: Fantasy, Racial-Sexual Governance, and the Philippines in U.S. Imperialism, 1899-1913 (Perverse Modernities: A Series Edited by Jack Halberstam and Lisa Lowe)

by Michael Green

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5788 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

FREE

The American colonization of the Philippines from 1899 to 1913 marked a period of significant transformation for the country. This article explores the interplay of racial, sexual, and governance structures that emerged during this era, shaping the political, social, and cultural landscape of the Philippines.

Racial Governance: White Supremacy and the Colonial Mindset

The American colonizers brought with them a belief in white supremacy, which permeated the governance structures they established. Filipinos were seen as inferior to whites, and this racial hierarchy influenced policies and practices across society.

Whites occupied the highest positions in government and the military, while Filipinos were relegated to subordinate roles. Discriminatory laws were enacted, such as the "Segregation Act" of 1901, which separated Filipinos from whites in public spaces like schools and restaurants.

Sexual Governance: Gender Roles and the Control of Sexuality

American colonialism also brought about significant changes in sexual governance. Victorian morality was imposed on the Philippines, leading to the suppression of traditional Filipino sexual practices.

Women were expected to be chaste and subservient to men. The "Anti-Prostitution Act" of 1901 criminalized prostitution and targeted Filipino women accused of engaging in sex work.

Men were encouraged to maintain sexual dominance and control over women, reinforcing patriarchal norms. This sexual hierarchy mirrored the racial hierarchy, with white men at the top and Filipino women at the bottom.

Fantasy: Imperialism and the Search for Exotic Others

Beyond the imposition of racial and sexual governance, American colonialism also gave rise to fantasies about the Philippines and its people. Filipinos were often depicted in popular literature and media as exotic and sexually desirable.

This fantasy allowed the colonizers to justify their rule and maintain a sense of dominance. It also contributed to the objectification of Filipino women, who were seen as sexual objects for white men.

Resistance and the Emergence of a Filipino Nationalist Movement

Despite the oppressive governance structures and fantasies, Filipino resistance emerged. Nationalists began to question the racial and sexual hierarchies imposed by the Americans.

They wrote novels, poems, and essays that expressed their discontent and called for independence. They organized protests and boycotts to challenge discriminatory policies.

Legacy of Imperialism and the Postcolonial Era

The legacy of American imperialism continued to shape Philippine society and politics even after independence. Racial and sexual hierarchies persisted, leading to ongoing discrimination and inequality.

However, the nationalist movement sparked by imperialism helped lay the foundation for a more equitable and independent Philippines.

The American colonization of the Philippines from 1899 to 1913 was a complex and transformative period that had a profound impact on the country's racial, sexual, and governance structures. The interplay of these factors created a society characterized by white supremacy, sexual hierarchy, and fantasies of exoticism. However, Filipino resistance and nationalism emerged as a counterforce, paving the way for a more equitable and independent future.

Metroimperial Intimacies: Fantasy, Racial-Sexual Governance, and the Philippines in U.S. Imperialism, 1899-1913 (Perverse Modernities: A Series Edited by Jack Halberstam and Lisa Lowe)

by Michael Green

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5788 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

FREE