Question

Why did human zoos attract such large audiences during the modern period?

Answer 1

Human zoos, also known as ethnological expositions, were public displays of people, usually in an erroneously labeled "natural" or "primitive" state. They were most prominent during the 19th and 20th century. These displays often emphasized the supposed inferiority of their culture, and superiority of 'Western society'. Throughout their existence they've garnered controversy over their demeaning, derogatory, and dehumanizing nature.They began as a part of circuses and 'freak shows' where they were displayed in a manner which exaggerated their differences akin to a caricature.They then developed into independent displays emphasizing their inferiority to western culture and further justification for their subjugation.These displays were part of multiple World's fairs and then transitioned into sections of animal zoos.From there, animal zoos would make up many of the controversies spanning to modern day, as human expositions were slowly diminishing in prominence after the Victorian era.