1 / 11100%
Research paper: Love at First Sight
1. Parading prejudices force towards women due to their gender is a clear call of sexism.
This consists of appropriate and inappropriate gestures, talking a distinct way, and showing
unseemly behaviors toward women. This is generally done by the opposite sex stereotyping
women based on their physical presence. With the grounds of sexism, it was backed in this
documentary stereotypical acts shown as well as different types of sexism. One of the most
prevalent acts of sexism in the feature was gender microaggression critiquing the women of
their allure this was done more so by men who went on the tour. From hearing them speak to
the ladies at the social ball scoping out what they like and addressing their findings. The main
idea of the marriage tours for Columbia is for men coming to another country for the sense to
have a good time and potentially find love.'
This type of transaction money for love does objectify women. Some of these acts of gen-
der microaggression were unintentional then other times you can tell there was an aim. Apart
from the film when some of the guys were asking the women sensual questions in a social set-
ting. This is a form of stereotyping and suggests the myth of what international women are rec-
ognized for their eagerness to satisfy. Handling their spouse and/or suitor with effigy for com-
modities as if they’re his domestic slave. Indication of ambivalent sexism was demonstrated
through the documentary the men that were arguing their reasoning for going on a marriage tour
indicating it was for love. Their action showed differently by requesting to remain anonymous on
the film. In Columbia, this is a profitable industry for introducing American men to women.
Even booking them for the marriage tours to find a companion as advertised on the tour site. This
comes off more so like a transaction for service or even sex for purchase.'
One of the men over the company advises the men attending the introduction meeting not
to forget why you came…when all the beautiful women come into the room try not to get lustful.
From looking at the bigger picture overall the women know they are somewhat being exploited
and this is a business but there has to be something in it for them which for most a better life and
family with an American man. A lot of the women advise that American men are better than the
men in their country due to they are faithful, loving, kind, and stable, and established. It is appar-
ent throughout the film that in some ways for the women sexism is overlooked due to their
wants.'
2. From the textbook research this chapter of stereotypes and subordination is the epitome
of the documentary. From the online site, the men pick through a virtual catalog of the women
they like and then execute a plan to meet when they arrive. As stated previously the stereotype
for foreign women consists of servant wives with a big sex drive. The prejudice of these
women’s attributes and roles is a clear gender stereotype in which is sexist canvasing a negative
image of the women. There is previously a stigma of intimacy with international women by the
selection of the women through a sexual glass networked. Illustration of this at the beginning of
the documentary a young woman was getting seductive photos taken for the website for potential
suitors. The cameraman even confirmed this notion advising her certain ways to pose.'
Even jokingly saying you may get a bad boy is a sexist gesture. On the dating sites as the
reporter stated on the documentary you have a headline stating foreign woman will take care of
your better they are waiting for you all of this is a ploy to bring American men over to these
countries for their gains but capitalizing off the women in the process. The forum for this type of
business international online dating is established on the commodification of potential relation-
ships and advertise women. From the reading of the chapter concentrating on stereotypes, this
implies the representation of international women as portrayed as sexy, and submissive, and ex-
otic. From the documentary, there was indeed a lot of self-stereotyping within the women know-
ing what the men liked they almost appeared trying to fit that mold. From the way, they dressed
and talked getting prepared for the social ball. These women’s belief to act and look a certain
way will get them a suitor. Customarily, this ends in resentment due to them being restricted to
the stereotypes.
3.' From the journal mail-ordered brides vs. Chinese cyber-matched brides, international
marriage from a conclusion of online dating has expanded in the previous years. The cyber-
matched bride (CMBs) a few call them others names given to. Myths circulating are these
women are opportunists wanting an improved life from a man. From late discovery, the disparity
of looking for relations international is truly a gamble. According to the research, people must
understand the difference between myth and reality when considered this type of relationship.
Some American men are either giving false hope and promises or looking for love like David in
the video. Information pulled from the peer review article spoke on research that has shown typi-
cally the mail-ordered brides endure from mistreatment from their partner if the end game is to
be married. A lot of international dating does not even get that far.'
The women are treated less than equal to American men according to the research from
the journal. Specifically speaking on some of the American men who potentially become suiters
are exploiters of these women. Or the women are being misled by some of these men to fulfill
their agenda which untimely leaving the women after they have gotten what they wanted. More
Which is typically is sexual favors wrapped up in marriage illusions while living out fantasies
taking advantage of these women. This would explain some of what the women’s experiences
and fear of men in their own country discussed in the documentary. This was why the reporter
herself was skeptical of the motives of the men when going internationally for a marriage tour.
From the film, twenty-five-year-old Karan from her explanation of what occurred in her experi-
ence, an American man wowed her giving her flowers taking her on a trip telling her he wants to
marry.'
Karan became pregnant with their child and advised the man they have to marry. The to-
tal span of their relationship was three months, she was in love with the man she stated. Finding
out the man had a wife in America and a second wife in her country with kids. The American
man has nothing to do with Karan and now she has a baby to take care of alone. This goes hand
and hand with the article on the alternative motives some of the American men have when look-
ing from an online bride. Even though this experience happened to Karan this did not deter her
from still wanting to find “happiness”. Background of Karan she lives with her grandmother, sib-
lings, and of course her child so happiness simply put from the video would be security, a
provider, and a family man. In the end, she did not find what she was looking for at the social
ball.'
One particular woman that stuck out to me when watching the social ball was Diana. An
older man name Lamar twice her age was grabbing on her and talking as if she was just an ob-
ject. The body language of Diana revealed how uncomfortable she was and that she was truly not
interested in Lamar. When asked questions by the film crew he replied she is very, very attrac-
tive, beautiful smile stating this is what make guys from the US comes to Columbia. Directing
her to smile and acknowledging her age difference was not a problem. This was not the case
when speaking to the reporter separately from Lamar, she expressed she was not interested. This
reverts to how some American men view foreign women as sexual figures and domestic ser-
vants.'
1. According to the chapter on Beauty Matters my finding was supported quite heavily in
the documentary. Two key issues when addressing this topic. Objectification handling a person
of interest based on sexual fascination. This was done repeatedly throughout the documentary
prime example at the social ball the way the men starred at the women as there were lustful ob-
jects as stated in the textbook this is a symbol of the male gaze. Even the tone of the men in the
documentary showed the motive of objectification. Confirmed by observing the body language
of some of the men at the social gathering it was evident there was a complete absence of bound-
ary integrity towards the women from the amorous conversation and unnecessary touching. The
second backed example dealt with the women meaning self-objectification behaviors of perceiv-
ing the self as an object and in a constant mode of comparing oneself to other women.''
All of the women in the film displayed examples of where their appearance could be a
deal-breaker in finding a suitor. Karan her dress shrunk in the dryer and it was tight as the result,
she became upset as this would possibly hurt her in finding a man at the ball. Another confirma-
tion of this was the women excessively looking at themselves in the mirror and comparing them-
selves to the competition speaking on how they have to look good and different to stand out in
the crowd. The act of self-objectification is a negative trait when done in routine reasoning being
this typically develops presentation anxiety and ultimately lowering esteem in some cases. These
women are held to a high standard as far as beauty standards throughout the world notably in
countries of international women it is the stereotype. Review of the ideal beauty standard inter-
nationally it was notated there was not any full-figured women in the documentary, any women
that look older in appearance, as well as didn’t notice any women who had visible disabilities.'
2. The narrative of women of color and their bodies was not discussed nor compared.
Stereotypes on foreign women however massively mentioned in the film in which is sometimes
compared to Latina/Hispanic women being sexualized. Negative narratives among other races of
women are out there. According to the textbook when looking at the film the women reminded
me of these petite barbie dolls all had long hair and appealing features. This may be a repetitive
notion but yes from the textbook the research is being supported by the evidence of the film
throughout. An example of this you kept hearing from the marriage tour manager telling the men
consistently Columbia has nothing but beautiful women all the women are perfect. This is a blunt
pattern some may see this as a positive but with that information comes with some negative con-
sequences. Being objectified, assaulted even solely due to how you are viewed by the ideology
of someone. The film overall was stereotypically the women were just limited to the physical at-
tributes you heard little to no information about other key things about them as in are your col-
lege education, what is your stance on your country’s economy and act. The only agenda dis-
cussed was their looks and what they liked in men. Overall, from what was being broadcasted to
the men by the company providing the tours it is a standard it seems the women have to obey by
the company’s culture.'
3. There is an obscene amount of reasoning why women may prioritize their physical pre-
sentation. One main example pulled for the film attractiveness can imply a high chance to find a
suitor. Mostly this is due to the pressures of economic and social status in their country. Regard-
ing the research, it was notated that appearance drives a lot of behaviors for women from social
to mental health. For some women, the belief or just what they are accustomed to physical body
appearance is their reputation in the community. Beauty and status typically go hand and hand
when discussing social class with women. From being labeled trophy wife or milf, physical ap-
pearance in ranking social class especially upon the women in the film to stick out from the oth-
ers.'
Bringing desirable characteristics to the table can get them to the socioeconomic status
they craved. Speaking frankly marrying a social standing American man for a family and to live
a better life is the ultimate goal. This was apparent in the film of women putting their appearance
first to get a chance for a suitor. The film itself explains “Love at First Sight” is this love or lust?
Men are looking for beautiful women, while these women are looking for social classman that
can elevate them in that aspect. The implications of these findings were indeed confirmed by
constantly having the women express what they can offer which to sum it up being submissive
and a beautiful wife. The connections presented in the film appeared to have compatibility of
nothing more than what was shown from the outer appearance. Possibly this was due to the little
time they had with each other well as both parties had alternative motives potentially.'
So, yes in the film women prioritized their appearance to be more favorable for the men
to get a better chance upon the other women in obtaining a suitor. From a psychology view, this
continues to be self-objectification for a purpose. The women's choice of wear was racy, some of
the women wore revealing clothing showing stomach, cleavage, thighs broadcasting a more ap-
pealing look for the men. Controlling their appearance ultimately will control the influence of
getting an American suitor is the objective conveyed in the film.'
1. From the textbook the two critical types of social support the first one emotional social
supports having the backing of a person or people that can give an array of emotion when
needed. To assist regarding the situation where that person needs sentiment, enthusiasm, even
intimacy it requires being their help. This was not presented in the documentary. If this type of
support was given to the women in the film may be their preceptive on love and self-value
would be different. Emotional support does not only assist with key issues going on in that
person’s life but will be tailored towards mental health. During the documentary, I did not see
any women who had that support. All of the main character women in the film showed being
alone and that finding a man would complete them. The second type of support that was used
in the film was active constructive responding. Answering constructively in a positive manner
promoting the prosperity for the person providing the information to the receiver, this was
demonstrated by the reporter multiple times throughout the film.'
When she went over to one of the women’s house to somewhat touch base on her dates
and time spent with David (potential suitor). When she was invited in the woman told the re-
porter that David was in her home he spent the night. The reporter did not respond negatively.
From the body language of the reporter and her emotions responding to the good news, her reac-
tion was genuinely authentic. Responding positively informing the women and David she is
happy for them. As well as asking the now couple follow-up questions on their relationship
showing care and extended that positive emotion.'
2. The women in the documentary truly have the ideal of marriage incorrect. Realistically
marriage does not form in the way it was presented in the film. Most of all the women in the film
who spoke discussed what they want and can do in a marriage. Qualities they detailed were be-
ing submissive, having a family, and the dream of marrying a social, financially stable American
man. Marriage from the textbook does provide benefits for the two people in this union ship. One
vital benefit that no one talked about in the film was wanting that stable source of social support
from their spouse. Another benefit that is key in a marriage is the physical aspect that was dis-
cussed and broadcasted in the film. Nevertheless, psychological and financial support was not
talked about amongst the women who were interviewed in qualities they want in a marriage.
These are considered institutionalized benefits of marriage. The women in the film only deliber-
ated on materialistic ideals and the dreamer marriage to just being married and live happily ever
after. This is not a realistic stance on marriage and nor from that notation are the women truly
prepared if this way of thinking is continued.''
3. According to research found two factors that are influential in Latin relationships com-
munication, relationship satisfaction. Communication has that flow and open line with your part-
ner. Relationship satisfaction the interpretation of one’s exchange of impression. These two fac-
tors support the experiences presented in the film. The reasoning being the marriage tour's main
purpose was to meet someone to fall for and begin a relationship with. The end goal is marriage
throughout the film interaction with the people communication was flowing and the conversation
was made. There was a sense of commitment in trying to connect with someone at the social
ball. The next factor that supported the film relationship satisfaction is itemized into attraction,
sexual relations, relationship advancement.'
This would be with David picking a woman he felt attracted to like the qualities she listed
on the website. They meet and started the first step into potentially having an intimate (not sex-
ual) relationship. Both even spoke about their attraction to each other. Which proceeded more to
sensual attraction kissing and holding hands as demonstrated by the two in the film. It was indi-
cated that they had sex when the reporter came to the women’s home and confirm that the two
were indeed in a relationship.
Karan the woman in the film who had the daughter from her telling of her relationship
with her previous suitor it appears as if he had more so of a sexual relationship with her than
anything else. She did not talk much in-depth regarding their communication. She did speak on
telling him they needed to get married due to she was pregnant. This did not happen possibly that
the communication was not transparent from looking at how it ended. Unfortunately, her story
was sex, being wined and dined and pregnancy, with the suitor ending the relationship.'
References:
Matsuda, Y., McGrath, J. M., Knafl, G. J., Worthington, E. L., Jr., Jallo, N., & Corona, R.
(2014). Examining relationship/family planning factors and sexual relationship power among im-
migrant latino couples in the united states. Hispanic Health Care International, 12(4), 161-173.
doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.fiu.edu/10.1891/1540-4153.12.4.161
Situ-Liu, A., & Liu, P. (2019). Mail-ordered brides vs. chinese cyber-matched brides: Myths and
realities. Deviant Behavior, 40(1), 74-95. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.fiu.edu/
10.1080/01639625.2017.1411041
Wang, X., Teng, F., Chen, Z., & Poon, K. (2020). Control my appearance, control my social
standing: Appearance control beliefs influence american women's (not men's) social mobility
perception. Personality and Individual Differences, 155, 8. doi:http://
dx.doi.org.ezproxy.fiu.edu/10.1016/j.paid.2019.109629
Students also viewed