There are some seriously gross parts of history, aren’t there?
I’m glad you included that last paragraph, as the whole piece reminded me of a famous ‘human zoo’ I read about that was in Belgium. It seems that these were very much part of a larger culture of majority-white ‘Christian’ countries, who were still exploiting their colonies at this time. I think it was also a form of continuing slavery (I doubt those poor folks on display would have had much pay, or many options to quit!).
Thanks for commenting on the last paragraph. When I first started "The Forgotten Files", I kept my commentary to a minimum and thought "I'll let readers make their own conclusions" Of late, I've felt compelled to hold things up to the reader and point out the ironies and injustices.
Reinforces my determination to view with severe scepticism most any current or future public display of 'progress' however measured. Celebrated world's fairs today might make one cringe tomorrow...
Just when you think US history can't get more horrifying, Mr. Pappas shows you another example of American Jingoism and Racism. It's only by fully knowing our past can we ever hope to move away from dangerous ideologies and destructive behaviors.
There are some seriously gross parts of history, aren’t there?
I’m glad you included that last paragraph, as the whole piece reminded me of a famous ‘human zoo’ I read about that was in Belgium. It seems that these were very much part of a larger culture of majority-white ‘Christian’ countries, who were still exploiting their colonies at this time. I think it was also a form of continuing slavery (I doubt those poor folks on display would have had much pay, or many options to quit!).
Thanks for commenting on the last paragraph. When I first started "The Forgotten Files", I kept my commentary to a minimum and thought "I'll let readers make their own conclusions" Of late, I've felt compelled to hold things up to the reader and point out the ironies and injustices.
Reinforces my determination to view with severe scepticism most any current or future public display of 'progress' however measured. Celebrated world's fairs today might make one cringe tomorrow...
Progress is in the eyes of the beholder? Here's another example from the world of science: "From Plastic Wonderland to Wasteland" https://forgottenfiles.substack.com/p/from-plastic-wonderland-to-wasteland
That's a great point.
Wow. Just wow. Thank you.
Sometimes history can still surprise you
Cringeworthy history is still history, and I'm glad you're sharing it here.
You're welcome. "Cringeworthy history" would be a great title for this Substack
Yikes! Thanks for sharing that. How disgusting. But important to remember.
You're welcome. My goal is to be banned by the Florida Dept of Ed
🤣🤣😳👍
It shouldn't take much.
You should forward this post to DeSantis. When he finally chases Disney out of Florida he can turn Epcot into a human zoo.
DeSantis could call the park "KKK Summer Kamp" Oh wait, that's already been done https://forgottenfiles.substack.com/p/kkk-summer-kamp
Oh, god. But back to the human zoo. The "animals" probably learned skills that benefited them, right.
Just when you think US history can't get more horrifying, Mr. Pappas shows you another example of American Jingoism and Racism. It's only by fully knowing our past can we ever hope to move away from dangerous ideologies and destructive behaviors.
The subhead says it all. If I told this story as fiction, no one would believe it. “Civilized” doesn’t mean humane.