Critical Analysis #3: Reproducing Empire

 Like the book Taking Haiti, Reproducing Empire is about the United States mission to implore its rule overseas. To be specific, this book in particular is about U.S. Imperialism in Puerto Rico. Through the lens of sexuality and reproduction do we see how relations between the two countries took their shape. Similar to the occupation of Haiti, the United States saw social and economic opportunity. Under this guise of trying to "rescue" Puerto Rico of its "backwardness" do we see the blame being contributed to the sexuality and overpopulation of a country which has led to its economic ineptness. 

The author Laura Briggs starts out by revealing to the reader how the laws around sexuality and reproduction did not just begin with Puerto Rico. She provides examples of the laws put in place in other countries by other European countries to control  sexuality. From these laws do we see the birth of the strategy the United States developed in how to handle the situation in Puerto Rico. 

Overall, from what was gathered, the goal in limiting the sexuality and reproduction

of Puerto Ricans one could see the positive effects of what it could do for the social and economic situation in Puerto Rico. What also could be seen is how it could save the American nuclear family. In Briggs' book, Puerto Rican women, notably the prostitutes, were deemed dirty and diseased by the U.S. So when American soldiers went there the laws were put in affect to protect them but also the women at home. By controlling the women of Puerto Rico could the United States control their own fate.

It is interesting in seeing how most of this blame lie with the women of Puerto Rico. Was prostitution and lack of birth control really the entire blame for the poor social and economic conditions that existed in Puerto Rico? What about the government? It is hard to believe that it started with this in particular. 

Overall, I found Briggs' outlook at the colonization which took place in Puerto Rico to be very interesting. To see sexuality used as a weapon one cannot help but wonder how far some countries would go to gain power.

-Jessica Ebikake