Animatronics, Theme Parks, & Race
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- 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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00:00 - Introduction
03:00 - Historiography
11:40 - Methods & Purpose
16:10 - From World's Fair to Theme Parks
20:08 - From Wax Figures to Animatronics
34:00 - Case Study: Africa
47:04 - Case Study: North American Indians
57:03 - Case Study: The Middle East
01:07:25 - Case Study: Pandora & Avatar
01:11:58 - Conclusion
Footage of Disneyland's Indian Village was supplied and donated from The Mackenzie Rough channel.
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,"
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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2:25 These boats are really going slowly! 🚤
They sure are. Please share any thoughts or questions you might have
My favorite animatronic is probably Buzzy, just because of his kidnapping lol
My favorite animatronic is the walking Ben Franklin in the American Adventure (as a Philadelphia native). Plus the technology was quite unprecedented and very well done. The American Adventure's nationalism is another discussion, however.
@HistoricalMethodMan I thought about it more and I might change my answer to the Yeti at Expedition Everest (maybe there's a discussion to be had about that ride and how it depicts foreign culture's and native people?). I really like sasquaches so it's a really neat experince seeing it, even if it doesn't move anymore. I haven't seen the walking Ben Franklin, ill have to visit it at some point. What are your thoughts on the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom? Very strong nationalist views, but it's an outstanding show in my opinion, especially the newest version.
Yes, I enjoy how they hired local artists from the Himalayas, but I am unsure to what extent these artists benefitted.
I have many thoughts on the Hall of Presidents, but those are more surface level. It does its story, the history of the executive branch. I think it does a better job than The American Adventure with its nationalism, but it is definitely apolitical in its nature, expected by Disney.
This is so cool
Thank you! We think so too (:
Awesome video! Very informative!
I'm glad you found it informative! What ideas struck you the most?
@HistoricalMethodMan one thing I thought about a lot after watching was how significant these theme parks, their attractions and their characters can be on us as people as we develop. It's easy to dismissive the significance of this topic by saying it's for children, it doesn't matter, but for a lot of people, visiting Disney world becomes an early core memory that can shape them for the rest of their lives and I think the people that design these parks have a duty to make sure the narratives their pushing aren't harmful. I enjoyed how you deconstructed and talked about how it takes steps to distance itself from more problematic installments, at its core, it still follows the same themes of colonialism. You drew some really interesting comparisons. I think theme parks are art and as a result they're subjective and reflect the views of the people who design them, which can lead to some interesting discussion and analysis.
Thank you so much. Theme parks are not above being subjected to a critical eye.