Animatronics, Theme Parks, & Race - Historical Methods (Pt. 1)
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- 00:00 - Introduction
03:00 - Historiography
11:40 - Methods & Purpose
16:10 - From World's Fair to Theme Parks
Please use my Amazon Associates link to order Theme Park Design by David Younger: amzn.to/44ltVr1
I will receive a small commission and you will be supporting the channel to help me continue what I'm doing. This book is a great resource for all theme park fans!
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Embark on a captivating journey through the intricate history of animatronics, theme parks, and racial representation, employing a meticulous historical methodological approach in this thought-provoking video. Join us as we delve into the convergence of culture, technology, and societal dynamics within the realm of theme parks.
Drawing inspiration from recent refurbishments made by entertainment corporations, such as Disney's transformative changes to The Jungle Cruise, we examine the ongoing debates surrounding cultural representations in theme parks. Witness how these actions reflect an industry's response to growing concerns over unfair racial portrayals and strive for inclusivity.
By skillfully weaving together historical research and analysis, this project aims to achieve multiple objectives. Firstly, we highlight the cross-cultural depictions, perceptions, and receptions within the themed entertainment industry, tracing their roots back to the historiography of World's Fairs. Secondly, we extend the study of wax figure technology into the emergence of animatronics, uncovering the profound implications of these advancements during the latter half of the twentieth century.
Recognizing animatronics and their immersive environments as invaluable primary sources, we critically explore how themed entertainment corporations sought to replicate the human form through animatronic technology. However, we acknowledge the persistent dehumanization of non-White and non-Western bodies, which serves as a continuation of Western representations found in public World's Fairs and carried over into the private theme park industry.
To effectively navigate this multifaceted exploration, this video is organized into distinct parts. We commence with an exploration of historiography and methods, solidifying the significance of theme park attractions as accessible and informative primary sources. Next, we investigate the evolving contexts of wax and animatronic exhibitions, tracing their transition from diplomatic World's Fairs to corporate theme parks.
Welcome to our UA-cam video exploring the fascinating world of cultural representations in theme parks! In this thought-provoking video, we delve into the twentieth-century debates over these representations and the recent actions taken by entertainment corporations to revise outdated attractions. Discover how themes of inclusivity, racial representation, and the evolution of animatronics have shaped the modern theme park experience.
Join us as we dissect the historical context, highlight primary sources, and analyze the impact of theme parks on late twentieth-century visual culture. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we explore the intertwining histories of world's fairs, wax figures, robotics, and the body, shedding light on the rich tapestry of themed entertainment.
With in-depth case studies and insightful theories from renowned scholars, we unravel the construction of the "Other" and the persistence of dehumanizing Western representations. Prepare to be captivated by the complexities of theme parks as both mirrors and windows into society's symbols and desires.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and implications of theme parks. Subscribe to our channel for more fascinating explorations into history, culture, and society. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together!
Hashtags:
#ThemeParks #CulturalRepresentations #Inclusivity #Animatronics #VisualCulture #WorldsFairs #WaxFigures #Robotics #Historiography #TheOther #MaterialCulture ##ThemedEntertainment #PrimarySources
Attractions Studied:
Disney's Animal Kingdom: Orlando, Florida - "Africa" themed land, "Kilimanjaro Safari," "Festival of the Lion King," "Animal Kingdom Lodge"
Disney Parks: Global - "The Jungle Cruise"
Phantasialand: Brühl, Germany - "Deep in Africa Adventure Trail"
Busch Gardens Africa/The Dark Continent/Tampa: Tampa, Florida - "Ubanga-banga Bumper Cars," Stanleyville Park area, "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Akbar's Adventure Tours"
Great Adventure/Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari: Jackson, New Jersey - "Congo Rapids," "Skull Mountain"
De Efteling: Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands - "Monsieur Cannibale,"
Once again I’d like to thank the algorithm for bringing me a super interesting video regarding the parks we all love and how things have changed (or need to, still) over time.
Glad you enjoyed it! Theme parks are not above constructive criticism and discussion, and as much as I love them, I do think about these things (:
Wanted to let you know that parts two and three are out on the channel (:
SUBSCRIBE! Sources below:
Please use my Amazon Associates link to order Theme Park Design by David Younger: amzn.to/44ltVr1
I will receive a small commission and you will be supporting the channel to help me continue what I'm doing. This book is a great resource for all theme park fans!
--
PRIMARY SOURCES
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“Aladdin’s Oasis” (Dinner Show). Disneyland. Anaheim, CA (1992 - 1995). In Yesterland.
Alden, Robert. “Illinois Received Loan from Fair; Pavilion Doesn't Expect to Repay $250,000 Advance.” The New York Times (September 3, 1965).
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SECONDARY SOURCES
The Abandoned History of Akbar’s Adventure Tours - Busch Gardens Tampa’s Forgotten Simulator. UA-cam. Expedition Theme Park, 2021.
“Akbar’s Adventure Tours: May 1998 - August 2007.” (Blogpost) Theme Park Nostalgia. August 6, 2013.
Alexie, Sherman. “ART VIEW; Beyond Talking Indian Chiefs.” The New York Times. October 23, 1994.
Bailar, Melissa. “Uncanny Anatomies/Figures of Wax.” The Journal of the Midwest Modern Language Association 49, no. 2 (2016): 29-53.
Benjamin, Walter. “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” trans. Harry Zohn (New York, NY: Schocken Books, 1969).
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Bruner, Edward M. “The Maasai and the Lion King: Authenticity, Nationalism, and Globalization in African Tourism.” American Ethnologist 28, no. 4 (2001): 881-908.
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Walker, Lauren. “De Efteling adjusts controversial ‘racist’ attraction.” The Brussels Times. June 25, 2021.
Weber, Dana A. “Vivifying the Uncanny: Ethnographic Mannequins and Exotic Performers in Nineteenth-Century German Exhibition Culture.” In Fact and Fiction: Literary and Scientific Cultures in Germany and Britain, edited by Christine Lehleiter, 298-332. University of Toronto Press, 2016.
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The analysis of culture-based attractions as a consumable good seems to follow the same trends as the changing diversities in children's toys. I'm specifically thinking of the barbies of the world dolls boiling down an entire nation into a single tiny commodity, but there's so many examples of the commodification of culture (especially non white cultures in a way designed to appeal to white folks). Really interesting topic, I can't wait to get the chance to sit down with part 2 and see more of your analysis
I absolutely agree! The commodification of cultures and commodity racism began with Victorian era soap boxes post industrialization. Cheap mass printing allowed for branding and marketing, and then we see it there.
Barbie is another great example, especially in this vein where it is a mechanical reproduction of the human body. I didn’t think of Barbie, excellent example!
The full video is up (blue thumbnail, marked FULL), I hope you enjoy
Amazing video
Thanks for the visit
@@HistoricalMethodMan fr surprised this haven’t got more views yet keep up the good work
@IDK-ui5en let’s hope!!! Share with your friends (:
Wanted to let you know that parts two and three are out on the channel (:
Omg bro I thought that you were a big UA-camr like with this type of content it’s crazy ur not big hope u get ur big break soon and W vid
Thank you!!! The UA-cam channel is my summer project, so let’s hope we can strike it big soon!
Wanted to let you know that parts two and three are out on the channel (: