Prompt Cast
The Horrific History of Human Zoos and Exploitation of Indigenous Peoples
TLDR Human zoos were exhibits that showcased people from different cultures in a demeaning and exploitative manner, highlighting Europeans' fascination with other cultures and belief in their own superiority. These exhibitions involved treating people poorly, living in terrible conditions, and even dying, perpetuating racist ideologies and exploitation of indigenous peoples.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Human zoos were exhibits that showcased people from different cultures and backgrounds, often in a demeaning and exploitative manner.
04:37
Human zoos were a result of Europeans' fascination with other cultures and the belief in the superiority of white Europeans, leading to the exploitation and demeaning treatment of people from different parts of the world.
09:12
Human zoos were not only artificial performances, but the people involved were also treated poorly, living in terrible conditions, getting sick, and being buried in unmarked graves if they died, which highlights the horrific nature of these exhibitions.
13:35
Belgian citizens flocked to see the human zoo exhibit in 1897, and while some argue that the Congolese villagers were paid and had agency in participating, many still suffered and died, highlighting the complex nature of these exhibitions.
17:52
Otabenga, a Congolese man, was brought to the United States to be exhibited in a human zoo after his family and village were slaughtered by the Belgians during their colonization of Congo.
22:43
Otabenga, a Congolese man, was captured by slave traders and sold to a labor camp before being exhibited in a literal cage with animals at the Bronx Zoo in New York, where he was poked, prodded, and subjected to racist treatment until protests led to his release.
27:18
Oda Banga, after experiencing a life of tragedy and displacement, ultimately took his own life in the United States, where he never felt at home, despite efforts to integrate him into American society.
32:40
The Igorot people were put on display at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where they were forced to perform their sacred rituals and sacrifice and eat dogs every day for the entertainment of white crowds, making it the most successful exhibit at the fair.
37:30
Human zoos continued to perpetuate racist ideologies and exploitation of indigenous peoples, as seen in the case of human safaris in India's Andaman Island as recently as 2017, and the protest art in Oslo recreating the World's Fair of 1914.
42:27
The podcast ends with a discussion about a listener who adopted an elephant in the hosts' name and donated to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the hosts mention that if anyone wants to get in touch with them or sponsor an elephant, they can visit the Stuff You Should Know website.
Categories:
Society & Culture
