Abstract:
This study examines the political and sociocultural dynamics of Filipino-American
relationships through the lens of Orientalism, Occidentalism, and Postcolonial Feminism. Using
critical discourse analysis of American men's profiles on FilipinoCupid.com and semi-structured
interviews with Filipina informants, it highlights the impact of colonial legacies and digital
platforms in perpetuating power imbalances and racialized stereotypes. Findings reveal that
Filipinas seek relationships driven by personal, individual aspirations, with idealizations of
American men rooted in Occidentalism, whereas American men’s portrayals and expectations
align with Orientalist fantasies. Even so, the rise of postcolonial feminism highlights the desire
of Filipinas to redefine their individual identities within a broader cultural and historical context
by voicing out their desires and fighting back against the stereotypification they face in online
dating platforms and transnational relationships. The study underscores the interplay of historical
and modern influences in shaping transnational relationships.
