It may seem hard to believe, but human zoos used to exist. In fact, some existed as recently as 80 years ago. One of the most well-documented examples of human zoos is the Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale, an exhibition of French colonialism located in Paris. On display for all to see were replicas of French territories like Madagascar, Indochine, Sudan, Congo, Tunisia, and Morocco. To make matters worse, these exhibits had actual human inhabitants — ones taken directly from the places the replicas were meant to represent.
If this sounds awful, that’s because it is. The Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale was home to countless crimes against humanity. While people were quick to try and make it a thing of the past, it’s important to remember the horrible things people in power are capable of doing.
Exposition Coloniale.
An old postcard from the human zoo.
An example of the dehumanizing exhibits people could see.
Entrance to the Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale.
Morocco Pavilion.
Dahomey Pavilion.
Indochina Pavilion.
(via MESSYNESSYchic)
What a terrible idea. Could you imagine ever treating another human being like some sort of animal? This is incredibly inhumane and I’m glad it’s a thing of the past.
