Human Zoos tells the shocking story of how thousands of indigenous peoples were put on public display in America in the early decades of the twentieth century.
For more about the movie, additional information and clips be sure to visit the film’s website at https://humanzoos.org/
Often touted as “missing links” between man and apes, these native peoples were harassed and demeaned. Their public display was arranged with the enthusiastic support of the most elite members of the scientific community, and it was promoted uncritically by American’s leading newspapers. This award-winning documentary explores the heartbreaking story of what happened, shows how African-American ministers and other people of faith tried to push back, and reveals how some people today are still drawing on Social Darwinism in order to dehumanize others. The film also explores the tragic story of eugenics in America, the effort to breed human beings based on Darwinian principles.
This documentary does a great job of connecting the shameful racist moment of Human Zoos with the political past, the approaching fascist horizon of the time, and the present. It’s inspiring to read about the nascent civil rights struggle by Black leaders, and interesting to draw parallels to modern times.
The New York Times being quoted as saying about the protesters, “We do not quite understand all the emotion which others are expressing in the matter,” and denying the humanity of pygmy people has a sober recent analog.
The players change but the game remains the same.
The Bronx Zoo issued a statement in July 2020. I am unsure if the NYT has reckoned with their role.