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Imperialism

Humans In Zoos: A Long History of ‘Exotic’ People Exhibitions

September 13, 2020 by Jaap Harskamp 1 Comment

Philippine Head-Hunters on display at the 1904 Worlds Fair in St LouisSocial Darwinism is an ideology that misapplied Charles Darwin’s ideas to the socio-political sphere. The theory proved fruitful to those who advocated the economic principle of laissez faire, and added an element of racial inequality as peoples were classified along an evolutionary scale.

The doctrine can be paraphrased in terms similar to these: “We (white men) belong to a superior race and civilization, be it in economic, military, or moral understanding. This primacy demands from us to direct and civilize the rest of humanity.” [Read more…] about Humans In Zoos: A Long History of ‘Exotic’ People Exhibitions

Filed Under: Adirondacks & NNY, Capital-Saratoga, History, Hudson Valley - Catskills, Mohawk Valley, New York City, Western NY Tagged With: anthropology, Bronx Zoo, Cultural History, Imperialism, Science History

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