An evaluation of racist depictions and cultural appropriation found in theme parks and their attractions and its effect on visitors from marginalised backgrounds.
Author: Bex Reubens
1 Commentries
Keywords: racism, marginalised backgrounds, marginalisation, culture, representation, cultural depictions, cultural appropriation, tourism, travel, theme parks
Abstract: This paper explores the affects that poor cultural depictions can have on individuals, including those from the culture, with a focus within theme parks. It discusses the potential impacts and offers recommendations and guidance for the use of this type of cultural representation.
Theme parks are fun attractions that use a wide range of themes and attractions to entice visitors. These can range. However, some theme parks use and create inaccurate and sometimes harmful (for example, stereotypical or racist) cultural depictions while doing this. This then affects a variety of visitors, but mostly can affect viewpoints detrimentally and harm individuals from the specific culture shown.
In general, cultural representation is important as it amplifies voices of those from marginalised backgrounds (backgrounds, races, sexualities and cultures that are minorities) and educates others who are not from the represented cultural. However, it must be done correctly as to avoid cultural appropriation and exploitation. These benefit the majority group and not the minority, taking from them and their culture. Representation can be done correctly by being led by individuals from the culture, not using stereotypes and by doing extensive research and understanding rights and wrongs.
Within tourism, commodification of culture can occur which detracts from the culture, creating bad impressions of it, and can often harm the original group. It can lead to misinformation and harmful stereotypes and inaccurate portrayals which tourists believe to be the truth. This massively impacts already marginalised cultures and greatens the divide between groups. Often it leads to fake portrayals of culture and lifestyles, becoming meaningless and performative. This harms the original culture and weakens its importance and value, both in general and to its people. Commodification of culture can have advantages however, as it can lead to further growth of the culture due to high demand, re-igniting of old traditions and some form of education which can be seen as better than none.
In theme parks, the use of culture is common but often inaccurate to a degree. In the past, cultural representation has been done wrongly and created warped views of specific groups, causing them harm. A case study that shows the worst of this was the existence of a ride called ‘Monsieur Cannibale’ at Dutch theme park De Efteling. It opened in 1988. This ride featured an extremely racist depiction of African culture, dehumanising and berating Africans and implying many disgusting things about them. This would have had a negative impact on a variety of guests, not just those who are black or from African backgrounds. This widens the cultural divide and strengthens racism and marginalisation as it alienates and degrades black and African people and cultures. In addition, De Efteling is a family theme park, meaning children were likely exposed to this. From a young age, they may believe that racism and stereotypical depictions are acceptable due to the rides presence. Having it in a well-acclaimed theme park almost does justify its existence. Later, a petition was begun to remove the ride and it was reported that there were a variety of complaints from guests about it. It is shocking to think that this caricature ever existed. The ride was removed only in 2021. It is alarming that it took so long to remove something so racist. The removal shows how much we have advanced as a society however, as we now understand the significant harm and offensive, which is positive to consider.
Rather than using existing and marginalised cultures, it may be best for theme parks to use non-marginalised, fictional or their own cultures in order to avoid the various issues they can create when depicting cultures inaccurately. It can be done well, however not without extensive research and, importantly, input from individuals from the cultures themselves. For example, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge employs Cultural Representatives who are individuals from across Africa who share their culture with guests in various ways, such as storytelling and through traditional music and instruments. This however creates emotional and performative labour and can result in commodification of culture. Additionally, staff may be asked offensive or probing questions about their culture for the role. This can affect them negatively. The concept is positive however as it relies on authenticity and pushes cultural education. This can help to reduce stereotypes, racism and marginalisation and inevitably connects individuals from different cultures together. Another element is the inclusion of genuine African artefacts. This avoids the dangers of representation, as they are not representations – they are genuine, authentic pieces. This takes away the concern of them being inaccurate. In addition, they are not used as props, but as genuine pieces of art to be admired. They can inform and educate visitors.
Modernly, there is debate on wherever cultural depictions should be included entirely in modern day theme parks, however it is said that they have value, resulting in cultural appreciation, celebration, education and good storytelling. However, this is only true when done correctly and it is to be noted that this accuracy takes time, consideration, research, input, dedication and precision.
Allen, V. (2024). Representation & Cultural Memory. Kiel: Kiel University. Available from: https://www.cultural-studies.uni-kiel.de/an-introduction-to-the-study-of-british-and-american-cultures/representation-cultural-memory#fn-5. [Accessed: 20th May 2024].
Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: Sage Publications.
Mbaiwa, J. E. (2011). Cultural commodification and tourism: The Goo?Moremi Community, Central Botswana. In: Tijdschrift voor economische en sociale geografie, (102, 3). New Jersey: Wiley Blackwell.
Abstract: This paper explores the affects that poor cultural depictions can have on individuals, including those from the culture, with a focus within theme parks. It discusses the potential impacts and offers recommendations and guidance for the use of this type of cultural representation.
Theme parks are fun attractions that use a wide range of themes and attractions to entice visitors. These can range. However, some theme parks use and create inaccurate and sometimes harmful (for example, stereotypical or racist) cultural depictions while doing this. This then affects a variety of visitors, but mostly can affect viewpoints detrimentally and harm individuals from the specific culture shown.
In general, cultural representation is important as it amplifies voices of those from marginalised backgrounds (backgrounds, races, sexualities and cultures that are minorities) and educates others who are not from the represented cultural. However, it must be done correctly as to avoid cultural appropriation and exploitation. These benefit the majority group and not the minority, taking from them and their culture. Representation can be done correctly by being led by individuals from the culture, not using stereotypes and by doing extensive research and understanding rights and wrongs.
Within tourism, commodification of culture can occur which detracts from the culture, creating bad impressions of it, and can often harm the original group. It can lead to misinformation and harmful stereotypes and inaccurate portrayals which tourists believe to be the truth. This massively impacts already marginalised cultures and greatens the divide between groups. Often it leads to fake portrayals of culture and lifestyles, becoming meaningless and performative. This harms the original culture and weakens its importance and value, both in general and to its people. Commodification of culture can have advantages however, as it can lead to further growth of the culture due to high demand, re-igniting of old traditions and some form of education which can be seen as better than none.
In theme parks, the use of culture is common but often inaccurate to a degree. In the past, cultural representation has been done wrongly and created warped views of specific groups, causing them harm. A case study that shows the worst of this was the existence of a ride called ‘Monsieur Cannibale’ at Dutch theme park De Efteling. It opened in 1988. This ride featured an extremely racist depiction of African culture, dehumanising and berating Africans and implying many disgusting things about them. This would have had a negative impact on a variety of guests, not just those who are black or from African backgrounds. This widens the cultural divide and strengthens racism and marginalisation as it alienates and degrades black and African people and cultures. In addition, De Efteling is a family theme park, meaning children were likely exposed to this. From a young age, they may believe that racism and stereotypical depictions are acceptable due to the rides presence. Having it in a well-acclaimed theme park almost does justify its existence. Later, a petition was begun to remove the ride and it was reported that there were a variety of complaints from guests about it. It is shocking to think that this caricature ever existed. The ride was removed only in 2021. It is alarming that it took so long to remove something so racist. The removal shows how much we have advanced as a society however, as we now understand the significant harm and offensive, which is positive to consider.
Rather than using existing and marginalised cultures, it may be best for theme parks to use non-marginalised, fictional or their own cultures in order to avoid the various issues they can create when depicting cultures inaccurately. It can be done well, however not without extensive research and, importantly, input from individuals from the cultures themselves. For example, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge employs Cultural Representatives who are individuals from across Africa who share their culture with guests in various ways, such as storytelling and through traditional music and instruments. This however creates emotional and performative labour and can result in commodification of culture. Additionally, staff may be asked offensive or probing questions about their culture for the role. This can affect them negatively. The concept is positive however as it relies on authenticity and pushes cultural education. This can help to reduce stereotypes, racism and marginalisation and inevitably connects individuals from different cultures together. Another element is the inclusion of genuine African artefacts. This avoids the dangers of representation, as they are not representations – they are genuine, authentic pieces. This takes away the concern of them being inaccurate. In addition, they are not used as props, but as genuine pieces of art to be admired. They can inform and educate visitors.
Modernly, there is debate on wherever cultural depictions should be included entirely in modern day theme parks, however it is said that they have value, resulting in cultural appreciation, celebration, education and good storytelling. However, this is only true when done correctly and it is to be noted that this accuracy takes time, consideration, research, input, dedication and precision.
Allen, V. (2024). Representation & Cultural Memory. Kiel: Kiel University. Available from: https://www.cultural-studies.uni-kiel.de/an-introduction-to-the-study-of-british-and-american-cultures/representation-cultural-memory#fn-5. [Accessed: 20th May 2024].
Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: Sage Publications.
Mbaiwa, J. E. (2011). Cultural commodification and tourism: The Goo?Moremi Community, Central Botswana. In: Tijdschrift voor economische en sociale geografie, (102, 3). New Jersey: Wiley Blackwell.