THE WHITE ELEPHANT IN LONDON: AN EPISODE OF TRICKERY, RACISM AND ADVERTISING.

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
    • Subject Terms:
    • Abstract:
      The article discusses how the presentation of the white elephant Toung Taloung as an exhibit in London, England by showman Phineas Taylor Barnum illustrated British racial attitudes and theories of the 19th century. The author comments on how white elephants were perceived as representations of white supremacy and were worshipped in Siam and Burma. England's relations with Siam and its participation in a conflict in Burma are noted. Barnum's elephant inspired discussion regarding racial purity, the relationship between whiteness and social status and religious aspects of race. The author notes the use of the elephant in an advertising campaign promoting Pears' Soap.