Menschen ausgestellt im Zoo - Das dunkle Kapitel Völkerschauen | Panorama 3 | NDR

Summary

This documentary delves into the dark history of 'human zoos' or Völkerschauen, where people from different cultures were exhibited alongside animals. The Hagenbeck company was a major organizer in Europe, and the film seeks descendants of those displayed. It tells the story of Christian Karembeu's great-grandfather, exhibited as a 'cannibal' in Hamburg, and the painful legacy of exploitation and deception. The documentary explores the impact on the exhibited people's descendants and their quest for recognition and debate about this shameful chapter in history. It also addresses the reluctance of institutions like Hagenbeck to openly discuss their past.

Takeaways

• 🎟️ The script discusses the dark history of 'human zoos' or 'Völkerschauen', where people from different cultures were exhibited next to animals in zoos.
• 🌍 Hagenbeck, a company in Europe, was the largest organizer of these exhibitions, which took place worldwide, from polar regions to Chile.
• 🏃 The descendants of those exhibited are being sought, as they carry the painful memories and legacies of their ancestors' mistreatment.
• 📜 Contracts were often signed on behalf of the indigenous people by colonial representatives, without the individuals' consent or knowledge.
• 🏆 Christian Karembeu, a football star and sports director, shares his family's story of his great-grandfather who was falsely presented as a cannibal in Hagenbeck's zoo.
• 🎭 The exhibited people were made to perform and entertain, often in demeaning and exploitative ways, which deeply affected their dignity and identity.
• 💔 The psychological impact was profound, with many unable to forget the humiliation and trauma, which was passed down through generations.
• 📚 The script highlights the importance of remembering and acknowledging this history to foster understanding and prevent repetition of such atrocities.
• 🤝 There is a call for dialogue and openness from institutions like Hagenbeck's zoo to confront their past and contribute to healing and reconciliation.
• ❌ Hagenbeck's response to requests for meetings and discussions about their past is depicted as evasive, with references to ongoing, yet incomplete, internal reviews.
• 🌐 The narrative spans various cultures and regions, emphasizing the global impact and legacy of human zoos, and the need for a comprehensive accounting of these events.
• 📽️ The script ends with a plea for the stories of the affected individuals to be told and not forgotten, as a step towards achieving peace and understanding.

Q & A

What was the role of Hagenbeck's firm in the context of the video script?

Hagenbeck's firm was the largest organizer of so-called 'Völkerschauen' (people shows) in Europe, where people from different cultures were exhibited alongside animals in zoos.

Why is Christian Karembeu seeking to connect with the history of his great-grandfather?

Christian Karembeu is seeking to connect with the history of his great-grandfather, who was exhibited as an alleged cannibal in Hagenbeck's Tierpark, to understand his family's past and to raise awareness about this dark chapter of history.

What was the initial promise made to the Kanak people that were brought to Europe?

The Kanak people were initially promised that they would be taken to Paris to represent their homeland at a colonial exhibition for a few months, but they were misled.

How were the Kanak people deceived upon their arrival in Paris?

Upon arrival in Paris, the Kanak people were informed that they had to stay for two years to generate revenue for the organizers. Instead of being presented at the Parisian Colonial Exhibition, they were taken to the Jardin d'Acclimatation zoo.

What was the reaction of the Kanak people when they were forced to perform as 'wild cannibals'?

The Kanak people felt humiliated and desperate, being forced to act like wild cannibals. They were so distressed that they wrote letters asking for help from the French colonial minister.

What did Christian Karembeu do to raise awareness about his great-grandfather's history during the 1998 World Cup?

Christian Karembeu demonstrated his silent protest by remaining silent during the playing of the French national anthem at the 1998 World Cup, to draw attention to the story of his great-grandfather and the Kanak people.

How did Hagenbeck's Tierpark respond to the request for a meeting with Christian Karembeu?

Hagenbeck's Tierpark did not agree to an official meeting with Christian Karembeu, citing that the public review of their 'Völkerschauen' past was not yet complete and they were not ready to comment at that time.

What was the general public's perception of the 'Völkerschauen' during the time they were held?

The 'Völkerschauen' attracted a large audience and were seen as spectacles, with the people presented being viewed as 'primitive' or 'warlike', often in a demeaning and exploitative manner.

How did the descendants of the people shown in the 'Völkerschauen' feel about their ancestors' experiences?

The descendants' feelings varied; some felt deep pain and humiliation, while others, like Mattis Haetta, had more positive recollections of their ancestors' experiences, although this perspective is difficult for many to understand.

What action did Celina LlanLlan take to honor her ancestors who were exhibited as 'Firelanders'?

Celina LlanLlan brought the remains of her ancestors back to Chile and conducted a proper burial, seeking to provide closure and honor their memory.

What is the current stance of Hagenbeck's Tierpark regarding the historical 'Völkerschauen' and the requests for acknowledgment?

Hagenbeck's Tierpark has not provided direct responses to the specific inquiries about the treatment of the exhibited people. They have referred to the ongoing review of their past and have not committed to an official statement or meeting regarding the matter.