|
Note:
These two sources should be treated together since they both refer to the present international marriage market and can easily be compared and contrasted. Both are taken from matchmaking companies on the Internet (with all original spellings retained).
Part 1
Source:
Life-Mates, a company specializing in matchmaking between Philippine women and American men, <http://www.life-mates.com>.
The Filipinas make excellent wives...They are much more culturally compatible with Americans [than other Asians] and adapt here easily. They speak English and are not Buddists. They have that demure feminine mystic....and are family oriented instead of duty oriented.
The Filipinas like [the] traditional role of being wives, and they like being women! Being married is important to them. They're not career oriented but are hard workers. They keep themselves and home immaculately clean. They're exceptionally feminine, charming, slim and enjoy being so.
...They stick to their traditional ways of dealing with a husband and family. According to the U.S. Dept. of State, over 50,000 American men marry Filipinas every year....
After arriving in the U.S., these ladies form their own circle of friends with other Filipinas married to Americans....Each Filipina reinforces the cultural attitudes of the others. They don't mix with American women whom they see as immoral and shameless....
Why do They Want American Men?
The Filipina is looking for security and stability, which she cannot find in her country. Their per capita income is about $700/yr. A good salary for a working girl is about $100/mo. Most make much less than that and it takes a college degree to compete for a cashier's job. The unemployment rate is about 20%. Many of these ladies would not mind living in the Philippines after marriage to an American. So, getting to the U.S. is not their real motive.
She genuinely seeks marriage because her culture is family oriented. No husband, no life. Her peers will often ridicule her if she's still unmarried after the age of twenty-four....The complaints most often voiced by the Filipinas are that Filipino men are lazy and irresponsible womanizers. She believes the American man will treat her better and is far more responsible....
She generally seeks a mature man who's emotionally fit and not a womanizer. Age and looks aren't as important as stability and loyalty....
Some Ads from Filipinas [Names Removed]
AGE: 27 HT: 5'2" WT: 102
RELIGION: Catholic
EDUCATION: College graduate
OCCUPATION: Physical therapist
COMMENTS: She likes reading and aerobics; seeks a mature and emotionally stable man who's responsible, God-fearing, loving and caring.
AGE: 21 HT: 5'4" WT: 108
RELIGION: Catholic
EDUCATION: High school graduate
OCCUPATION: Factory worker
COMMENTS: She likes cooking and dancing; seeks an honest and sincere guy who's responsible and loving.
AGE: 22 HT: 5'1" WT: 100
RELIGION: Catholic
EDUCATION: College level
OCCUPATION: Student
COMMENTS: She likes sports and movies; seeks a sincere, humble, simple, dedicated guy who's loving.
Part 2
Source:
The Indian Matrimony Service: <http://www.22support.com/matrimony/women.htm>.
Caste: Hindu
Age: 36
Height: 5'6"
Physician brother seeks physician for beautiful/gentle American born (French) sister, 36, medical professional (Board Specialist) (divorced/no children). Returned from 2 years in India (visiting faculty—medical college hospital). Deeply respects/participates in Indian customs/traditions/religion/values. From highly educated family of physicians. Also, portrait painter, classical ballerina (soloist, Europe/Russia/USA). Enjoys swimming, trekking, movies, intern'l travel, music. For matrimony to Physician (M.D.) Indian/Hindu (40+ years)--established in USA--also dedicated to ongoing medical humanitarian projects in India. Please have spiritual--kind--loving soul, good family background, moral character and traditional Indian values. Vegetarians/non-smokers, please.
Caste: G Saraswat Bhramin
Age: 30
Height: 5'5"
This Ad is for a relative of mine. She's a Masters holder in Computer Science and is working in a very large U.S. company with global presence. She's tall, fair and very beautiful. She is a divorcee and is looking for educated Gowda Saraswat Bhramin groom, 40+ years)--established in USA--also dedicated to ongoing medical humanitarian projects in India. Please have spiritual--kind--loving soul, good family background, moral character and traditional Indian values. Vegetarians/non-smokers, please.
Caste: G Saraswat Bhramin
Age: 30
Height: 5'5"
This Ad is for a relative of mine. She's a Masters holder in Computer Science and is working in a very large U.S. company with global presence. She's tall, fair and very beautiful. She is a divorcee and is looking for educated Gowda Saraswat Bhramin groom, bachelor or divorcee, in age range of 31-38 settled in USA or Europe/Australia or elsewhere willing to come to USA. You may call me (Ajay) at...or email me.
Caste: CATHOLIC
Age: 39
Height: 5'2"
Alliance invited for very fair, slim, Malayese widow with two children, graduate, presently working in the Gulf. Visiting the U.S. soon. Response requested from well settled family loving U.S. Indians preferably Kerala Christians.
Click here to e-mail immediately.
Questions about Source C
In your group, discuss and write down answers to the following questions:
1. In Part 1, what characteristics of Filipinas are mentioned to make them attractive to American men? Why do you think so many men look for a bride from the Philippines?
2. According to the company, what motives do Filipinas have in looking for an American husband?
3. What do you think about the way women are portrayed in Part 1?
4. Compare the ads by Filipinas and by Indians:
- What is the social background of the Filipina and Indian women?
- What are their criteria for a husband in terms of social status, race, profession, religion, etc.?
- In general, who wrote the ads?
5. If you compare mainstream American and Indian men, what common criteria do they have for wives, and what are the differences?
6. Where do you see traditional values reflected in each of the sources? Where do you see breaks with tradition?
7. Roleplay Exercise (optional): Mr. John Doe is determined to look for his second wife in the Philippines. At this moment, he is getting ready for a trip over there to personally get to know his intended new wife who is twenty years younger than he and with whom he has only corresponded a few times. Set up a discussion between Mr. Doe, his sister (who is an ardent feminist), and his more traditional mother. Present this to the class.
|
