Surfing the skin: Images of brides as the sexualized other in cross-border marriages

Abstract

This study is focused on gendered otherness in cross-border marriage and an examination of images of foreign brides in the context of cultural hybridity. It starts with the premise that skin is the place where cultural and racial identity is determined and mediates the formation of the gender identity of women. It examines and interprets images, faces and videos of bride candidates introduced by marriage agencies on their homepages, the text that introduces characteristics of the women and the marriage after-notes posted by men. Through the process of cross-border marriage, i.e., choosing a marriage partner and getting married, racial and cultural filters are noted as significant in the men's gaze of the images of desirable bridal candidates. This, in turn, revealed that women are objectified as cultural and sexualized others in the process.