Unfair Labor? American Indians and the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago

Unfair Labor by David R. M. Beck, is an innovative examination of a landmark international gathering in the twilight of the nineteenth century and its impact upon diverse Native American groups and individuals who ventured there to work in its exhibitions, midway displays, and unsponsored off-site attractions. The 1893 exposition coincided with a demographic and economic nadir for American Indians. Preceding decades witnessed the destruction of traditional subsistence livelihoods without viable employment alternatives being generated. Given the exigencies of a rapidly intensifying capitalist market economy, the world's fair presented an unusual opportunity for Native Americans to earn money by collecting materials for and appearing in its extensive ethnological exhibits. “(Un)fair labor,” therefore, is this volume's central leitmotiv and analytical focus. Were Native American participants reasonably compensated for their contributions? Or, was the fair another example of exploitation of marginalized people? Beck skillfully guides readers through the background preparations and staging

Archaeology · Art · Art history · Economic history · Ethnology · Exhibition · Exposition (narrative · Livelihood · Native american · Political science · Sociology · Subsistence agriculture · Trophy · Cultural Identity and Heritage · Historical Studies and Socio-cultural Analysis · History · Law