My friend Kenn Harper was the one to uncover Minik's story, and eventually tell it to the world. Kenn was a schoolteacher in the Canadian Arctic, who learned Inuktitut and later married an Inuk woman who was a distant relative of Minik. He heard stories among her relatives in Greenland that got him thinking; they had all heard about Minik, the boy who had been taken south by Peary, come back as a young man, and then left again. What had happened to him? Kenn's researches led him to the American Museum of Natural History, but archivists there said that they were sorry, no records relating to Minik had survived. On the chance that something might be found in the personnel file of William Wallace, Minik's adoptive father, Kenn requested it, and was amazed to find that it was here that the directors and scholars at the museum -- including Maurice Jessup, Franz Boaz, and Theodore Kroeber -- had buried all the documents of Minik's life. These documents enabled Kenn to write the book that became Minik: The New York Eskimo.
They tell a sad tale of scientific exploitation, full of the kinds of trickery and lies we hate to associate with such esteemed anthropologists as Boas (who would later direct the research of Zora Neale Hurston) and Kroeber (who later had his own Minik-like issues with a California Indian named "Ishi," and whose daughter was Ursula Kroeber Le Guin, the distinguished science fiction writer). Yet quite beside the deception, which -- in his stepfather's words -- led Minik to "lose faith in the people he had come among," there is the issue of whether, even in a kinder and gentler world, it is any more fitting for a human being to become a "specimen" than it is to be a circus sideshow. In the end, we're not talking about individual motivation, but the entire scientific worldview of the early 1900's, and its legacies today.
Alex Logan
ReplyDeleteThere were so many things about this story that I found upsetting. For one, Minik and his people were dehumanized. They were put on display simply because they were a curiosity to people, which is exploitative and unfair to them. Furthermore, the museum did not allow Minik to have his father’s body back so that Minik could give him a proper burial. Experiencing the loss of a parent is horrible for any child or youth, but being denied the right to give that parent a proper burial is unspeakable. I have seen and heard about so many cases where people were mistreated based on their race, ethnicity, or other factors from both past and present. Whether or not we wish to admit it, prejudice still exists today. No one should be denied the right to give their loved ones a proper burial regardless of who they are and where they came from. I was happy when they passed that law in 1990 allowing the Inuit people to recover the body of their deceased family member so that they can give him or her a proper burial.
Another issue that I found to be extremely heartbreaking was the fact that Minik forgot much of his Native tongue when he went back to Greenland. Our oral tradition is part of our history and what makes us who we are. It is sad to see how Inuit people and Native Americans were treated. They were removed from everything they knew, forced to get an education, change their names, and sometimes they were abused physically and mentally. And worst of all, there was nothing that could be done to protect them.
One final thing I want to mention is regarding Minik’s untimely death. In the end, it said that he died due to influenza but then in another part of the story it said that he was contemplating suicide. I would rather have seen Minik commit suicide than die of illness. I feel like if he had committed suicide instead of dying due to natural causes, people would have had a deeper understanding of the gravity of his situation. It would have shown how significantly his mental health had deteriorated; that things had become so dire for him, he resorted to ending his life.
I see how you think Minik dying of Influenza is sad and unfortunate. But I disagree with the sentiment that it would have been more impactful if Minik had committed suicide. Making a real person into a martyr to essentially touch more people's hearts seems a little insensitive. I see your thought process of: if a story is intense, then it will garner more attention, but this is a real person with real struggles. I could have totally taken what you said wrong, though.
DeleteMadison Kite
I understand what you are saying about the suicide, and I'm not saying that he should have committed suicide but I was just imagining a different ending; an ending that would have reflected the true psychological and emotional damage caused by everything that Minik went through. Although, the fact that he died of influenza does state the gravity of the situation, telling us that he was so traumatized by his circumstance that it weakened his immune system. I'm just trying to look at both sides of the coin.
DeleteHaving lost family, friends, and fellow service members/veterans to suicide, I am going to have to agree with Madison on how that comment can be seen as extremely insensitive. No one should want to see, or even read about, someone taking their own life no matter what the reason. On the same note, I can see where your point on how that act could or would have increased the awareness of how horrible it was to have lived the life that Minik did. For someone to merely contemplate suicide, never mind actually going through with it, shows the level of suffering a person has to succumb to be in that mental state.
DeleteChris, I completely understand your and Madison's point of view. Perhaps I should have worded it differently. I would never want to see or read about taking someone's life, nor would I wish for anyone to commit suicide. My grandfather attempted suicide when I was ten. He did not succeed, but my parents kept it from me until I was in my twenties, so I get it. While I will not completely squash my theory that perhaps committing suicide "may" have increased the awareness, and I'm highlighting the word "may" because it is not etched in stone for me but I do agree that contemplating suicide along with the real reason of his untimely passing which was influenza does increase the awareness. I was simply trying to play with another ending and another thought that perhaps I didn't think through enough. I apologize if I caused any drama or upset anybody.
DeleteI completely agree with your opinion. The treatment of Minik and his people is a heartbreaking and disturbing reminder of the exploitation and mistreatment of indigenous cultures throughout history. The fact that Minik was denied the right to give his father a proper burial is a cruel and inhumane act, and it's offensive that it took until 1990 for the law to change.
DeleteIt's also tragic that Minik forgot much of his Native tongue, which is a crucial part of his cultural identity and heritage. The forced assimilation of indigenous peoples is a painful and devastating chapter in human history, and it's essential that we acknowledge and learn from these mistakes.
Madison Kite
ReplyDeleteAssignment #6: Minik
I appreciate that Kenn Harper gives background into who Robert Peary is as a person. I think it is important to look at Minik and his story, but I also feel that it is important to see why people as horrible as Peary are driven to do such disgusting things. Peary was raised as a “mama’s boy” and I feel that he was taught that he could do no wrong and that he was the most amazing person in the world. He wrote to his mother that he “must” have fame and deserves to be recognized as the best person in the room. Additionally, I find it equally disgusting that Peary was not even a scientist, but he exploited real people in the name of science. If scientists had exploited the Inuit people (which they did), it would not have been any better, but at least there was a good intention to begin with. Peary manipulated people to move from their homeland and come to a country to be abused and used for profit and, most importantly, fame and recognition. What makes it worse is that the Museum of Natural History did NOT ask for “specimens” (a horrible word used to describe real people). There was no need to rip people from their homeland. It was only done to feed into Peary’s ego. AND the children didn’t even consent to leave. No one deserves to go through the oppression and exploitation that any Inuit people experienced, but Minik and other children were especially too young.
I haven’t finished the book yet, but I can only imagine Minik's pain when he returns to Greenland and cannot fully connect with the culture. He had been raised in a culture that mocked his own. I personally can’t relate to this, but a friend of mine who was born in another country but moved to the United States at a young age feels lost when it comes to her culture and “home” country. She feels “too White” when she is in her birthplace (even though they are 100% Filipina) but “too Asian” in America. Also, my mom is German and lived there for many years, but when she moved to America and wasn’t learning English well, her teachers yelled at her never to speak German. She lost her ability to speak German and tried again years later in college. She told me it was like learning the language again, and she struggled the same amount as the other students. Obviously, my mom and my friend are nowhere near the level of Minik’s cultural drift, but it is a similar feeling that many people around the world still struggle with.
That is so true, Madison especially the part you said about the teacher yelling at your mom never to speak German. I have heard countless stories of teachers yelling at students for using their native tongue. It is really sad. While we want them to learn English, which is the ultimate goal we cannot deprive them of their roots.
DeleteBeing taken away from your home and not feeling like you fit in after being gone for so many years has to be a hard pill to swallow. Minik missed so much of his cultural upbringing and milestones that would have strongly tied him to his culture there is no wonder he did not fit there when he went back. The whole idea of these people who exploited another race of people to their benefit is disgusting. I can completely understand the amazement of finding a new group of people, but to take them from their home, barely provide for them, and have them end up with nothing to show from their troubles, sick, or dead from the exploitation is reprehensible.
DeleteIt is hard for people to see someone different from them and take a moment to understand how incredibly hard it must be for that individual to be around everything that is so different than what they know. Having moved around the country and having traveled to other countries makes it a little easier for me to understand what it feels like to be in environments and cultures that are completely different that what you are used to. With that being said, it creates feelings of sadness for the people that had to endure this with absolutes little to no support on their side to attempt to make it as comfortable as it could have been.
This is so true, Chris. That concept of "being robbed from their culture" really sums it up. When we're away from everything we know that makes us who we are, we will lose whatever we have learned from it. It affects our bodies and our psyche. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteThe story of Minik Wallace is profoundly disturbing and highlights significant ethical failures in the history of scientific exploration and anthropology. Unfortunately, Robert Peary, Dr Franz Boas, and others treated Minik and the other five Inuit as mere subjects for study rather than as human beings with dignity and rights. Mainly, the author describes him as rude, arrogant, and opportunistic. The only thing he cared about was fame and being recognized. He benefited a lot from these individuals; he made false promises to them before bringing them to the USA and did not take responsibility for them. When Mr. William Wallace went through legal issues, Peary took himself out of it – he even cared about Minik's sick condition and how he was doing. Peary and the rest knew that the city was spreading a disease, and he still exposed the Inuit people to the failure. The fact that they were obsessed with collecting Inuit skeletons and exhibiting Intuits in public is dehumanized, and they went too far with it.
ReplyDeleteDespite Mini's Story's sad parts, at least he found himself in a family with the Wallace's. Minik went through a lot since he was a child and lost his father and other members of his family. I cannot imagine how a little child could feel being an orphan and being in a place where it is not his homeland. It was a lot for him, then he lost his adoptive mother, and Mr. Wallace lost his job, money, house, basically everything. The part that struck me was the desire that Minik had to get his father's body and the way he lied to him. I feel that even though Mr. Wallace kept the secret about Minik's father's body, he loved Minik, and he did what he could to provide him with the life that he deserved.
Minik was determined and brave; he only wanted to get his father's body and get his education to go to Greenland. Unfortunately, he had a lot of things against him, like his depression, illness, language, and lack of financial support. Minik was traumatized to know that his father's body was at the museum, and he could not do anything about it. His determination took him to his homeland, but he had forgotten his native language. It is sad that despite all his struggle to get to Greenland, he could not connect as he wished with his people.
Yeison De La Rosa
Minik's story sheds light on a dark chapter in history where indigenous peoples like him were exploited and mistreated by those in power. It's a perfect reminder of the injustices that occurred during the era of colonial exploration and scientific curiosity. What strikes me most about Minik's story is his remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being uprooted from his home and thrust into a strange and often hostile environment, Minik never lost sight of who he was or where he came from. His determination to preserve his identity and honor his father's memory in the face of overwhelming odds is truly remarkable. Minik's story reminds us to reflect on our own complicity in systems of oppression and exploitation. It challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths of our past and to strive towards a more just and equitable future for all. Essentially, Minik's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. It calls on us to stand up against injustice and to work towards creating a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
ReplyDeleteMinik Wallace's story is a profoundly tragic example of the exploitation of Indigenous peoples in the name of science and curiosity during the early 20th century. As a young Inuk boy, Minik was brought from Greenland to New York City in 1897 by the Arctic explorer Robert Peary, alongside his father and several other Inuit. They were transported under the guise of scientific study and public education, but in reality, they were displayed as living exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History. Minik faced the immediate loss of his father, who succumbed to illness. The museum staff, including notable figures like Franz Boas and Alfred Kroeber, deceived Minik by staging a fake burial for his father while secretly keeping the body for scientific study. This betrayal profoundly affected Minik, causing him to lose trust in the people who had brought him to this foreign land and leaving him deeply scarred by the cultural dislocation and cruel exploitation he endured.
ReplyDeleteHis time in New York was marked by significant psychological and emotional trauma. Despite being adopted by William Wallace, a museum employee, Minik never fully adjusted to his life in the city. The deception he faced and the cultural dislocation left him disconnected from both his Inuit heritage and the new world he was thrust into. In 1909, after more than a decade in the United States, Minik returned to Greenland in an attempt to reconnect with his roots and regain a sense of identity. However, he struggled to reintegrate into Inuit society due to the profound changes he had undergone. Ultimately, Minik's attempts to find peace and belonging were only partially successful, as he returned to the United States a few years later, still seeking a place where he could fit in. Minik'[s story highlights the devastating effects of cultural exploitation and the lasting impact of being uprooted and treated as a scientific specimen rather than as a human being. His life serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical considerations in the treatment of Indigenous peoples and their cultures, and the need for historical redress and reconciliation.
By Tariq Adio
The Story of Minik is just really disturbing because he endured so much from a very young age. Again, like the other stories, Minik was exploited and treated terribly. They even referred to him and his people as “live specimen”. It reminds me so much of slavery. The endless lies Minik was told and the lengths that they went to conceal his story and the horrible things they were doing is shameful. They treated him and his people just like a material possession. I can only imagine how Minik felt when he found out what they did with his father. How can you take possession of the remains of someone else’s parent and put it on display and have the nerve to refuse to release the remains when the immediate family member requests it for burial? It’s just plain evil. Peary was a terrible person who exploited other people for his personal gain. Even the dead wasn’t free from his exploitation, and he was so eager for fame and fortune.
ReplyDeleteThe following quote from page seven just made me upset: “Perry undoubtedly felt that the scientific benefit to be derived from an anthropological study of “his” six living Inuit would benefit the museum, and, through it, boost Jesup’s stature”.
What scientific benefit? He really thought these people belonged to him to use however he pleases. But who could fully blame him when there were no laws to protect the human rights of the Inuit people (and others like them) and prevent such terrible practice. There was no one to answer to and no Ethical guidelines to follow.
I’m wondering though, in present day, where the Inuit people ever paid reparations or given certain benefits as they do for American Indians?
~Jaycee~
Good comment, Jaycee! And yes, there are some benefits; for example, Inuit in Nunavut are beneficiaries of a trust set up when the territory was established; among other things, it grants free college tuition to HS graduates. None of these programs, of course "make up" for or obviate the many years of injustice -- but they are a start.
DeleteAwesome! I'm glad there is at least something in place! Hopefully more can be done in the future.
Delete~Jaycee~
Reading Minik’s story and understanding all the challenges he had faced because of a selfish explorer is heartbreaking. I can’t imagine what it would feel like if I was in his situation. Over the course, Minik faced betrayal and broken promises, exploitation, and cultural displacement all throughout his life. What really upsets me was how could Robert Peary, a renowned explorer, who promises Minik’s and his people a life of wealth and opportunity, turn a blind eye to the suffering and exploitation he inflicted upon Minik and his community. The breach of trust and the disregard for their well-being is not only a stain on Peary's legacy but also a stark reminder of the injustices perpetuated in the name of colonialism and exploration. When Minik moved in with Wallace’s I was satisfied. I felt hopeful that his life would get better, which it did until Minik realizes from a magazine article from 1907 entails how his father remains were still in the National Museum of Natural History. I just feel like the situation keeps getting worse and worse.
ReplyDeleteMinik’s tragic story is a powerful examination of the colonial mindset and its destructive effects on indigenous peoples. Treating every human being with respect is something that should be remembered... His experience shows us that showing respect to others can also entail appreciating and recognizing their cultural identities, personal experiences and other beliefs. The tragic consequences that cultural insensitivity and exploitation can have on people and communities should serve as an example form his story. We are encouraged to consider our own behaviors and attitudes towards others especially from diverse backgrounds. In order for us to prevent the wrongs from happening again it motivates us to support regulations that uphold and respect the dignity of everyone.
ReplyDeleteMaddie Brodeur
MInik and other Innut individuals' stories shed light on a history that most of us probably didn't know existed. I am utterly disgusted how they always promise this fake future and end up taking these people from their homeland and using them as objects for science. I can’t imagine how horrible and scary it was for Minik to be left alone in a foreign land with no family and nowhere to go except be in the museum where he was used for scientific experiments. Does the museum not have other cultural objects that they could display instead of using the Innut people?
ReplyDeleteKamar Gure
The story of Minik Wallace is a sobering reminder that even in the pursuit of scientific progress, we must prioritize the well-being and dignity of human beings. The exploitation and deception suffered by Minik at the hands of respected anthropologists is a painful testament to the destructive power of unchecked ambition and a lack of empathy. It's a cautionary tale that continues to resonate today, urging us to re-examine our own motivations and methods, and to strive for a more compassionate and equitable approach to understanding and interacting with others.
ReplyDeleteThe overarching story of Minik is something we’ve heard before. The recruitment of inuits under false pretenses and using them as living exhibits, that showcases a lack of respect for their autonomy and humanity. Minik’s life and their subsequent treatment by western explorers really highlights the exploitation and objectification of indigenous people that was viewed as the norm in the 18th – 19th century. Not to mention the blatant disrespect of forgoing Qisuk’s burial and using the remains for scientific research. The cultural dislocation had made a deep and long lasting impact on minik and his life. His struggle to reconcile his inuit heritage was sad and shows the lose of culture that happens to a lot of people that were removed from there cultures just like minik had been. This shows the importance of cultural preservation and the support needed for individuals facing such dislocations.
ReplyDeleteMadison Ridore
I think learning about Minik's story brings up several emotions. Understanding the era and how scientists conducted experiments it's reasonable to assume they didn't view it as harmful. However, now there's more of an understanding that there are more ethical ways to conduct research. There was a misunderstanding by the people in power. It's a story of scientific arrogance that feels raw knowing a child endured it and grew to live through more trauma. I think the author wrote about it gently to try and give some respect to Minik. Much of the story was repulsive in how Minik was treated but details how Inuit people were treated to explore and learn about the Arctic region. Minink was essentially kidnapped and exploited. I was surprised by what his adoptive father allowed. I think it's implied that some of it was done with good intentions but in today's standard, it was extremely harmful. It pains me to think of what he must have felt. It's sad to think that Minik and Inuit people were viewed as specimens rather than human beings. I'm sure that learning the truth about his father altered his perceptions of his reality. I think Robert Peary was ambitious and desired recognition for his work to be a stepping stone for understanding the Inuit. It is important that we learn exactly how scientists and anthropologists find information because it allows us to understand what works and what doesn't. When conducting research it's important to think of what's ethical and how best to find information while not causing harm or obstructing the results. Minik was directly influenced by several factors on different occasions so the results were tampered. It doesn't seem much beneficial information was gained through some of these experiments. Overall, I'm glad we are in a new era of science, where rules of ethics apply but doesn't take away the sadness when learning about these horrific stories.
ReplyDeleteK'lynn Pena
Minik’s experience demonstrates how human zoos are demeaning and exploitative. His narrative also emphasizes the need to recognize and honor the dignity and rights of all human beings, regardless of their background. The scientific community may have wanted to safeguard its reputation by covering up the information regarding Inuits, despite its practice of displaying human zoos. Although not explicitly outlawed, it's startling how scientists felt no remorse in the act of human zoos.
ReplyDeleteI believe museums can take initiative by creating education surrounding the marginalized indigenous communities and create relief for them. Some ideas could be providing scholarships, collaborating with current Inuits and possibly returning some artifacts to restore traditions.
-Luis Perez
The story of Minik is unlike anything I have heard of before. The fact that the start of his story is so deep into his childhood makes me furious. Having it been his entire childhood, I can only imagine how hard it was for him to decide (without his parents) where he really belonged. The conversations had in class about being stuck between 2 cultures and slowly drifting from your family culture also influenced me to think more about this. I am also more curious about Robert Peary than I thought. I listened to a podcast that had briefly put him in a positive light, saying that when he brought Minik and his family, Peary was disappointed to see that they were viewed as entertainment rather than educational. Do we think that Peary may have actually had good intentions about bringing Minik and his family to New York? Nonetheless, people should never be displayed in the way they were whether it was educational or not. The rest of the podcast did not talk about him in a good manner, such as the book did not either. I believe that even if his plan was to educate, it came with bad intentions as he knew that he was taking advantage of these people for his own wealth.
ReplyDeleteVeronica Leonardo
ReplyDeleteI was somewhat in-between waters with this one. I discussed my reasons at length in class. I was having some trouble understanding while he would come back after everything his family went through here. After hearing some points of views in class, I still couldn't put myself in his shoes. I would've chose the uncomfortableness of adaptation and the fight for being accepted. I would still be able to appreciate and set apart the good people I met along the way, but I think the mistrust of a whole culture of people as a whole would enough to keep me at bay.
Nonetheless the part that I do strongly agree with, is that his story is truly a heartbreaking one. I think it sheds a bright light on the exploitation and mistreatment of the indigenous people during that era (and to a slight degree even now). It is disheartening to think how many others, like Minik, were taken advantage of and subjected to such deception. We can hope that history learns from our mistakes, but we would be silly to believe that to be 100% certain.
Amanda Tentoco
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the story of Minik really broke my heart. Knowing that you were promised success and a bright future then just get crushed with lies and is horrible. he was exposed to distrust, exploitation and culture displacement. I could not imagine how he feels. without family or anyone around he must feel so alone. Just going to the museum to see family who were mistreat and not to mention that he was also mistreated. Going back to place that brings you trauma just because that's the only way to see your family who is your comfort is horrible.
It's hard to think about being ripped from your home and ever able to see it for years. Being taken from your home is such a cultural shock. He would have missed so much from a cultural upbringing. Him missing those things are key to having a tie to where you come from and it's hard to think that coming back you would stick out and wouldnt be able to relate to everyone around him. Taking someone and exposing them for what race they are is awful and then to benefit off of them just makes it even worse. I can understand finding a new group of people but to take them from their home and then barely provide for them, barely give them anything virtually nothing, just screams out for something to go wrong.
ReplyDeleteMinik's story is truly a tragic one, and raises questions to many ethical issues surrounding "scientific" pursuits. For one, there is the question of studying another human being from childhood by separating them from their homeland and culture. This mindset has certainly been looked at with a more critical eye in the modern day, and is why many scientific tests on humans are banned. There were many "scientific" movements in the 19th and early 20th centuries that were just thinly veiled racist movements that attempted to use scientific jargon to mask their prejudices. The concept of eugenics is often attributed to the likes of Nazi Germany, but it also had a large presence throughout America. Likewise, phrenology is now often scoffed at by people with modern understandings, but in the past it was a respected "science" that often resulted in white pseudoscientists using skull shapes to justify their assumed superiority over people of other races. All of this is to say that science is often used as a mask for racist and problematic beliefs as a way to try to spread them beyond the communities of hardcore racists. A problem that still exists in the modern age, the book "The Bell Curve" attempts to link race and IQ scores. However it's methodology is highly flawed and was written with the intention of "proving" that white people are inherently smarter than people living in Africa, however it fails to factor in any environmental conditions, such as access to education. The point of these bogus scientific studies is not to hold up under scrutiny, but rather to spread racist lies through a population. Once disseminated to the people no amount of disproving can ever really put the cat back in the bag, so to speak. Hopefully moving forward we can all learn to be a little more skeptical of pseudoscience and investigate the motivations of studies and researchers who act as recklessly as William Wallace and others like him did.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine being in Minik's shoes. Being taken away from your home and not knowing if he would ever return. He wasn't just taken from his home. He was taken away from his friends, culture, and language. His family and ancestral roots being treated like a science experiment. It's heartbreaking to see those sad pictures of him. Deep down he must have felt so lost and depressed. I know that feeling of not belonging and it can be very lonely. It wasn't until he was older and returned home. I'm not sure which is worse... going home where you feel you don't belong and learning everything for the first time all over again or being in the U.S and also feeling like you don't really belong. That feeling that you just can't place as if something is missing but you just can't figure out what it is.
ReplyDeleteMariah D