Sino si Maura? | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Summary

The script recounts the dark history of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, where indigenous Filipinos were displayed as human exhibits in what was dubbed the 'World's Largest Human Zoo.' It explores the story of Maura, an Igorot whose brain was taken for racial studies by the Smithsonian Institution. The narrative delves into the quest for justice and the归还 of Maura's remains, highlighting the ongoing fight against historical injustices and the importance of recognizing the humanity of those mistreated in the name of science and exhibition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses a dark chapter in history where around a hundred Filipinos were brought to America to be displayed as human exhibits at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, in 1904.
• 🏛 The 'human zoo' at the fair showcased indigenous people from various parts of the world, including the Igorot people from the Cordillera region in the Philippines, to demonstrate the diversity of cultures and the power of the colonizers.
• 🌍 The fair attracted approximately 20 million visitors from around the globe, highlighting the scale of the event and the number of people who witnessed the human displays.
• 🧠 A deeply disturbing revelation is that some of the indigenous people, including an 18-year-old Igorot named Maura, had their brains extracted after death for racial brain collection by the Smithsonian Institution.
• 📰 The Washington Post brought this dark history back into the spotlight, highlighting the lack of clear documentation about the individuals displayed and the circumstances of their display.
• 🏞️ The script describes a journey to the village of Mangkayan in Benguet, believed to be the origin of some of the indigenous people who were taken to America, indicating a quest for answers about what happened to them.
• 👥 The descendants of those displayed are now seeking to uncover their family histories, with some expressing shock and sadness at how their ancestors were treated.
• 📖 The script mentions a book 'Bone Talk' by Candy Gley, which explores the story of the Igorots at the 1904 World's Fair, aiming to correct historical misconceptions and give voice to the indigenous people's experiences.
• 🔍 An investigative report by journalist Claire Hily and artist Jana Leon, as mentioned in the script, is working to uncover the truth about Maura and other Filipinos' experiences at the fair, including the fate of their remains.
• 🏛️ The Smithsonian Institution is now considering returning preserved brains, including Maura's, to the descendants, acknowledging past wrongdoings and the importance of respecting the dignity of all individuals.

Q & A

What was the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, in 1904?

The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, was a major event in 1904 that showcased new technologies from around the world, modern transportation like steamships and airships, and featured an amusement park with various rides. It was a significant exhibition that attracted visitors from different parts of the world.

What was the most controversial attraction at the 1904 World's Fair?

The most controversial attraction at the 1904 World's Fair was the 'human zoo,' where approximately 10,000 indigenous people from various parts of the world were exhibited as human displays in what was called the 'world's largest human zoo.'

Which Filipino tribes were displayed in the Igorot Village at the World's Fair?

The Igorot Village at the World's Fair displayed people from the tribes of the Cordillera region in the Philippines. They were portrayed as 'primitive' and were part of the human displays meant to represent the cultures of various countries.

What was the purpose of exhibiting indigenous people from different countries at the World's Fair?

The purpose of exhibiting indigenous people was to showcase the diversity of cultures and to demonstrate the power and reach of the countries that had colonized these indigenous groups. It was also a way to display the 'exotic' and 'primitive' aspects of these cultures to the fair's visitors.

How many visitors did the 1904 World's Fair attract, and what was the significance of the Igorot Village within the fair?

The 1904 World's Fair attracted approximately 20 million visitors. The Igorot Village was a significant part of the fair as it was one of the 'human zoo' exhibits that drew large crowds and was a major attraction, despite the ethical concerns surrounding it.

What is the 'racial brain collection' mentioned in the script, and how is it connected to the World's Fair?

The 'racial brain collection' refers to a collection of brains or brain specimens from over 200 indigenous people from around the world, including some Filipinos, collected by the Smithsonian Institution. It was part of an anthropological experiment to study and prove racial hierarchies, with the brains of indigenous people, including those from the Igorot Village, being studied for supposed inferiority.

Who was Maura, and why is her story significant in the context of the World's Fair?

Maura was an 18-year-old Igorot whose brain was taken and studied as part of the 'racial brain collection' after she died a few days before the World's Fair began. Her story is significant because it highlights the exploitation and mistreatment of indigenous people during the fair and the broader historical context of colonialism and racism.

What efforts are being made to address the historical injustices related to the World's Fair and the 'racial brain collection'?

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has expressed intentions to return some of the preserved brains in their collection, including Maura's, to their respective communities. This act of repatriation is seen as a step towards acknowledging past wrongs and respecting the dignity of the individuals involved.

How have the descendants of the indigenous people exhibited at the World's Fair been affected by these historical events?

The descendants of the indigenous people exhibited at the World's Fair have been affected by these events in various ways, including feelings of sadness, anger, and a sense of injustice. They have also been motivated to seek answers about their ancestors' experiences, to reclaim their heritage, and to ensure that these historical injustices are not repeated.

What role have journalists and researchers played in uncovering and sharing the stories of the indigenous people from the World's Fair?

Journalists and researchers have played a crucial role in uncovering and sharing the stories of the indigenous people from the World's Fair. They have conducted investigations, written books, and created reports that have brought attention to the historical events and the individuals involved, helping to correct the narrative and provide a voice to those who were previously marginalized.