The Darker Side of Exposition
An exploration into the unseen side of world fairs.
“Expositions are the timekeepers of progress. They record the world’s advancement. They stimulate energy, enterprise, and intellect of the people and quicken human genius. They go into the home. They broaden and brighten the life of the people. They open mighty storehouses of information for the student. Every exposition, great or small, has helped this onward step.”
President William Mckinley 1901
Contents
Introduction 3
Human Zoo’s or enhancement of knowledge. 4
Expo’s and Racism 5
Expositions and money. 7
Sustainability of Expositions 9
Conclusion 12
Works Cited 13
Introduction
Exposition, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is ‘A large public exhibition of art or trade goods’ (Dictionaries, 2014). Since their birth in 1851, Expositions have always been at the forefront of design and innovation, showing the latest and greatest ideas to the rest of the world as well as breaking architectural boundaries. They reflect the contemporary events and attitudes of society at the given time. Expositions become a microcosm of society bringing the world together for one big show and a chance to top each other at who is the best. President William Mckinley gives a very positive view of exposition through his quote, expressing how much Expos have done for industry and world relations. Prince Albert, whose idea it was to initially hold a world exposition, his aim for the exhibition was ‘a display of international goodwill, as a peaceful pageant of national identities’ (Kemper, 2000) However there was a very dark side to the world fairs amongst the fairground rides and pleasure gardens a darker side lurked. Racism, imperialism,...
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Figure 1- Netherland Pavilion 2000 9
In her article, “Lecture Me. Really”, Molly Worthen addresses the issue college students know all too well: how to lecture properly. Published in the New York Times, Worthen writes a passionate article about lecturing but from the perspective of a professor. Worthen presents the idea that lecturing, although some may think ineffective in the classroom, is a way to truly challenge and engage students into critically thinking. Worth dictates this idea with an excellent build up logical argument but lacks the proper evidence to support her claims creating a faulty argument.
The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 changed America in enormous ways. Probably the most prominent being that it directly changed America's and the world's perception of America and our capabilities. Not only was it the first in America, but the Chicago World's Fair propelled America...
Originally, the Expo planners wanted countries to exhibit within "theme" pavilions, instead of in their own national pavilions. This would allow for more effective international coverag...
From first impression, Burnham found that Chicago had a murky factorial image lined with a “fantastic stink that lingered in the vicinity of Union Stock yards” (41). The dreadful surface that Chicago was maintaining allowed Burnham to be determined to collaborate and recreate its image. His efforts would also make a reputational comeback for America’s poor representation in the Exposition Universelle (15). One major feature that transformed public opinion of the state was to illuminate the entire fair with clean white buildings that outlined the goodness of the area (252). Eye-catching whiteness contradicted the presumed dirtiness of the town. Making a contradiction from what was assumed of the city would allow the fair to generate a much bigger transformation. The lights also gave the fair a unique, whimsical edge. “The lamps that laced every building and walkway produced the most elaborate demonstration of electric illumination ever attempted”, incorporating new technology in a grand-scale way merely to keep the theme of brightness ongoing throughout each day and night (254). Most importantly, it displayed the town’s potential to become a thriving and respected city. The theme of whiteness interlaced with the neoclassical outline in The World Fair’s de...
The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 was the turning point between old Victorian, provential, and backwater ways in the US, and the modern outlook and culture we enjoy today. It was built on a scale that had never been seen before. It provided technological wonders, new cultures, and a look into a brighter future. It helped to take the US from being a backwater, second rate power to a world super power. It was progressive in the labor and safety movements. In short, it was a major turning point in American history.
Findling, John E., Historical Dictionary of World's Fairs and Expositions, 1851-1988 New York: Greenwood Press, 1990
The World’s Fair of 1893 was set to commemorate the 400th year anniversary of Columbus’ voyage to America. When the top leaders in the US heard about the opportunity of hosting the fair, they quickly showed their interest. The main cities that showed interest were New York,...
Findling, John E. Historical Dictionary of Worlds Fairs and Expositions 1851-1988 Greenwood Press, Westport Connecticut. 1990.
The “White City” was a vast collection of architecture and arts that were put on display in the year 1893. The Chicago World Fair, also called the “White City”, was a major event in American history that impacted America’s culture, economic, and industry. The Chicago World Fair was held to honor Columbus’ discovery of the New World. The real reason why it was made was to proudly have back their wealth and power. Larson said, “the tower not only assured the eternal fame of its designer, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel but also offered graphic proof that France had edged out the United States for dominance in the realm of iron and steel…”(15). To accomplish this, architects led by Daniel Burnham and John Root made numerous buildings and beautiful scenery
Baxandall, Michael. "Exhibiting intention: Some preconditions of the visual display of culturally purposeful objects." Exhibiting cultures: The poetics and politics of museum display (1991): 33-41.
Though Barragan is referring to the popular Art Fair, this doesn’t sound too far off from the mandate of events like Nuit Blanche. He continues to say, “This idea of “staging the unexpected” is explained clearly by Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore, authors of The Experience Economy, which states
A world’s fair in Lewisburg is a wonderful idea! Lewisburg is large enough to host the state fair, and I believe it is, in fact, large enough to host the world fair. There are several hundred open acres to house vendors of all sorts and the parking area is already available. This town has already been recognized as the smallest little town in WV. In short, Lewisburg has Come on, come all to the first ever West Virginia World’s Fair. It has a nice ring to it don’t you think? This year several towns are being considered for the spot of host for the World’s Fair. It is my belief Lewisburg, WV should be this year’s host of the fair due to the fact that Lewisburg has much to offer. Lewisburg is a location close to the airports, home of the state fairgrounds, and was voted coolest little town in West
The initial component of Module QF5000 involved collaborative work with our peers culminating in an exhibition demonstrating our understanding of historical perspectives in the early years. The following essay will discuss my individual reflection upon this process both personally and professionally.
Chandler, Albert. (January 2000) "Culmination - The Paris Exposition Universelle 1900." http://charon.sfsu.edu/PARISEXPOSITIONS/1900EXPO.html (26 April, 2001). "Progress of the Preparations for the Exhibition of 1900." The American Architect and Building News. Vol 57. no. 1133 11 Sept 1897. 90-91.
...survived public lashings and invasions since its erection in 1889. Even though some thought it would detract from the gloriousness of Paris, it brought in millions upon millions of people from every nation who had the desire to see the breath taking monument that is the Eiffel Tower. Thousands, if not millions, spend their lives dreaming and wishing they can one day visit the Tower, jars are labeled ‘Eiffel Tower Fund’ and spend years filling up. The Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris, has brought delight and bliss to many with its income and the addition to science around the world.