Denunciation of Human Zoos: A Stain on the History of Humanity

Human zoos represent one of the most shameful and dehumanizing chapters in modern history. These were episodes where human beings, often from indigenous or colonized communities, were displayed as curiosities or "spectacles" for public entertainment. This practice, which developed primarily during the 19th and 20th centuries, not only betrayed respect for human dignity but also perpetuated racist and colonial stereotypes that have left a lasting impact on contemporary societies.

Human zoos originated within the context of European colonialism and the growing interest in anthropology. Exhibitions of individuals from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas were organized to "showcase" cultural diversity to visitors in Western metropolises. However, these exhibitions were not a respectful cultural exchange but rather a cruel form of spectacle and objectification.

Individuals were often brought against their will, forced to live in degrading conditions, and presented as "primitives" or "savages" to reinforce colonialist ideas of racial and cultural superiority. Venues such as the "Jardin d'Acclimatation" in Paris or the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 became infamous for hosting these humiliating displays.

These human zoos did not only deprive people of their freedom but reduced them to mere objects of spectacle. Spectators were encouraged to observe, judge, and often mock individuals who were portrayed through crude and racist stereotypes.

The consequences of these practices are still felt today:

• Racial Stereotypes: Human zoos fueled racism, reinforcing the idea that certain cultures were inferior and less "civilized."

• Collective Trauma: Many communities whose history is tied to these exhibitions continue to bear the weight of trauma and shame.

• Anthropological Distortion: The misleading representation of indigenous cultures hindered a true understanding of their richness and complexity.

Some names symbolize the pain and injustice associated with human zoos:

• Sarah Baartman, known as the "Hottentot Venus," was exhibited for the shape of her body, endured terrible exploitation, and died far from her homeland.

• Ota Benga, a man from the Congo, was displayed in a cage at the Bronx Zoo as a "specimen" of the African race.

• Jumbo the Pygmy, one of the individuals exhibited at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, was treated as a curiosity rather than a human being.

  
  

The Need for Condemnation and Reflection  

As the founder of the Universal Christian Church, I firmly believe it is our duty to condemn the errors of the past to ensure they are never repeated. Human zoos are an indelible stain on the history of humanity, a reminder of what happens when power, racism, and ignorance triumph over compassion and respect.

Today, it is essential to:

• Educate and Raise Awareness: Future generations must learn about these episodes to understand their impact and the lessons they hold.

• Seek Symbolic Justice: Communities that suffered due to human zoos deserve formal apologies and recognition.

• Promote Respect: Humanity must celebrate cultural diversity as a treasure, not as a curiosity.

The stories of figures such as Sarah Baartman, known as the "Hottentot Venus," or Ota Benga, a man from the Congo forced to live in a cage at the Bronx Zoo, speak to injustices so profound that their consequences are still felt today. The collective trauma and systemic racism are legacies of these inhumane practices, serving as a reminder of what happens when power and ignorance prevail over empathy and respect.

As the founder of the Universal Christian Church, I strongly denounce these atrocities and call on institutions to take responsibility for the past. Museums, governments, and civil society must work together to transform historical memory into an opportunity for reflection and change. The world must never forget the victims of human zoos, for only by remembering can we avoid repeating similar mistakes in the future. Our mission is to fight all forms of dehumanization and to promote a vision based on equality and universal respect.

Africans, whose lands and freedoms were violently taken during centuries of colonialism and slavery, are reclaiming what was stolen from them. It is time to heal the wounds of the past and restore the dignity of African peoples. Africa, exploited and outraged for generations, must regain possession of what rightfully belongs to it. Its children are advancing demands for justice and recognition, determined to build a new era of independence and prosperity. The Universal Christian Church wholeheartedly supports this resurgence, and alongside Emperor Ocee and the vision of a New Africa, we are committed to working for a continent that symbolizes strength, dignity, and innovation.

Africa is no longer a continent bowed down but a giant rising with determination to reclaim its rightful place in the world. Its unity and resurgence are a powerful message for all oppressed peoples. Through collective action and faith, Africans are writing a new story, one that celebrates the value and resilience of a land that has suffered for far too long.

Eleazar Majors

Founder and First Patriarch of Universal Christian Church