been forgotten – the story of how many indigenous people were cruelly and unjustly displayed in exhibitions throughout America during the twentieth century. This shocking display of scientific racism was at its most prevalent during the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904, where an entire village of Oglala Sioux people from South Dakota were exhibited as part of a human zoo. This horrific event was replicated by the early Bronx Zoo which featured members of tribes such as the Apache, Kutenai, and Crow.
The tragedy of these exhibitions lies in their underlying message – that indigenous people were inherently inferior to white Americans, thus justifying their dehumanization and exploitation. The documentary sheds light on this injustice which still reverberates today, not only in terms of racial disparity but also in terms of environmental degradation caused by colonial expansionist policies.
The film features compelling interviews with historians, anthropologists and indigenous activists who are committed to raising awareness about this dark chapter in American history. Through their powerful stories and vivid archival footage, viewers can gain insight into the horrifying treatment endured by countless people who had no choice but to endure these unconscionable humiliations and discrimination. By watching this documentary, one can develop a better understanding not only about what happened during this era but also about why it is so important for us all to acknowledge our collective past in order to build a more just future.
We urge you to watch Human Zoos: America’s Forgotten History of Scientific Racism to gain greater insight into this forgotten history and its continuing impact on our society today.