Visitors Reaction 225 Unit

7/28/2019 Visitors Reaction 225 Unit

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/visitors-reaction-225-unit 1/102

VISITORS' REACTIONS TO THE

"FAMILY OF MAN" EXHIBIT

Report No. 225

January 25, 195«

RESEARCH STAFF

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AMERICAN EMBASSY





VISITORS' REACTIONS TO THE

"FAMILY OF MAN" EXHIBIT

Report No. 225

Series No. 2

January 25, 1956

RESEARCH STAFF

OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AMERICAN EMBASSY





TABLE OF C02ITE1TTS

Page

INTRODUCTION i-ii

SUISrURY OF FIl'TDINGS iii

I» Compos ition of the Audience and Attendance ... 1-5

II » Apprai sal of the Exhibit ..« 6-39

Section 1: General Appraisal . 6

Section 2: Appraisal of Details 18

Section 2a: The Text 29

Section 2b: The Pictures 51

III. The Theme 40-75Section 1j Comprehension and Impact of Theme . 40

Section 2: The Role of the United States ... 62

Section 3: Basic Attitudes and Biases ..... 67

APPENDIX "A" 74-81

APPENDIX "B" 82-84





I IT T R I) U C T I N

TliG Fanily of I'ian exhibition produced "by Edvard Steichon for

the Iluseum of Ilodurn Art in He;/ York is now being circulated in

various countries. It was shovm lately in the iiunich Academy of

Arts. Accordinc to 3teichen the exhibition is "one of the nost ambi-

tious and challenging projects, photoi;raphy has ever atteupted. It

was conceived as a Liirror of the universal elements and cuotions in

the everydayness of life and demonstrates that the art of photography

is a dynamic process of giving form to ideas and of explaining man to

nan" .

As Steichen says "The Family of Ilan has been created in a passiDnate

spirit of devoted love and faith in man" vith no propaganda intention

of any kind T/hatsoever, but vith the sole message of the essential

oneness of mankind throughout the world.

The present report is an attempt to study audience leactions to

the Steichen sho\7 \'ith primary focus on the determination of whether —

and to what extent — tlie exhibit contributes to ULJio objectives here

in Germany. Included in ti'ds determination were the questions of

l) Do exhibit viewers recognize the theme of the show or is it simply

considered an arty photographic exhibit and 2) Do visitors as a

result of the exhibit credit the U.J. with sincere efforts to achieve

peace and unders candin^^ among peoples of the world?

The study is based on two samples secured from exhibit visitors

to the sho\'.' in Munich. One was conducted at the exit of the show

iinnediatel^ after the visitors left the exhibit — and the other

consisted of interviewees visited in their homes by appointment two

to three days afterwards. The purpose of this procedure \/as to locate

possible differences between the iiumediate feelings and reactions of

the audience and those judgments and views reported after some lapse

of time during \;hich discussions and exchange of impressions had most

likely taken place. The que st-i-onnaires used differed only in regard

to length of the intervie\/, i.e. a greater numbur ox' questions, re-sulting from more detailed queiies, were asked in the home interviews.



i'he t\,'0 samples, both of the probability type, consisted of 298

and 472 visitors, 10 yârs of age and over, and were conducted from

the beginning to the end, i.e. from iôveiaber 15th through Jjecember 18th,

1955 when the exhibit closed.

As usual, interviewing .... s conducted by DIVO — Gesellschaft fuer

iYiaikt-und iieinungsforschung m.b.H., Frankfurt/ ;ain, a Geraan survey

organization working under contract -v/ith the Research Staff.

ii



sui.auRY or fii'diitgs

The "Family of Man" exhibition in ^lunich attracted an audience of

exceptionally high intellectual level and received an outstandingly

favorable reception from alnost all of its visitors. The ratings are

the highest ever found for any exhibit including the 1954 "Atoms for

Peace" exhibit in Berlin. There r;cjs frequent usage of such extremely

favorable terms as "superior", "excellent", "outstanding", "v/ithout

precedent" and "magnificent" — teius which are rarely found in audience

reactions studies. The emotionally stirring and deeply moving effect

of the Steichen sho\; resulted in strong enthusiasm v;hich vas especially

apparent in the exit intervic-'.-s conducted immediately?.fter the shov/.

Although the differences betv-een the tv/o samples are only small,

aiid, strictly speaking, statistically insignificant, tv/o e^êral tfeudtn-

cies are apparent. First, i-fter a short time lapse, enthusiasm is

slightly less and somcvhat replaced by an appraisal vhich is still far

above the ordinary. Second, clear understanding of the underlying-

idea increases v/ith the passage of time.

The ideals of the exhibit are clearly perceived. Its purposes

and effects are described as stimulating thinking concerning the pro-

blems of the human community, and inspiring humanitarian feelings

by presenting the unifying elements oommon to nan and thus promoting

friendship and peace among all nations and races. Therefore, one is

justified in concluding that the pictorial approach of presenting the

theme was highly successful.

Of course, the ultimate success of the Steichen show can only

be gauged by the extent to which it contributes to the achievement

of USIS objectives here in Germany, Through its indiroct approa ch,

the exhibit was especially exemplary and effective. ?;t explained

the exhibit's ideals successfully to the German public. .ince the bulk

of the audience attributed the ideals presented in the show to the

U.3.^., it therefore created highly favorable attitudes towards the

United States. '"he audience after seeing the s hov/ was found to be

more convinced of the truthfulness of American ideals and efforts

tov.'ards imderstanding and peace among yeo les than before.

iii





I. Coniposltion of tha Auc.ience and Attendanco

Before analyzing the actual viev/s and judgments about the exhibit,

some basic facts about the characteristics and attendance of the audience

are worth noting as a starting point for a better understanding of the

visitors' reactions. The reactions themselves v/ill be presented in

the later chapters of this report.

EXCEPT lOlIALLY HIGH PEOPORTIOiT OF ELITE GROUPS IN SXHIBITIOI AUDIENCE...

Conparison of population groupings reveals that a nuch greater

proportion of the men, and the b^.ttor educated people are among the

attendants of the Steichen show than csn be found in the general

population. V/hile the majority (84^) of the rank and file people in

West Germany have elementary schooling only, the great bulk of the ex-

hibition audience (89/o) has gone beyond elementary school. In fact

about twenty times as many persons with university training are found

in the audience as are to be found in the general population.

As to socio-economic status, the large majority belongs to the

upper classes, while among the general population the picture is

exactly reversed.

In addition, the prestige occupations and higher income groups

are found in considerably larger numbers among the attendees than is

their actual proportion within the general population.

These findings indicate exceptionally high attendance at the

Steichen show by the opinion-leading elements, and prove that the ex-

hibit attracted the elite groups to an extent never found before in

any exhibit eyaluation study conducted by the Research Staff.

ifo significant differences in characteristics of the two samples

occurred. Therefore, figures for the combined samples will be presented

throughout the report, except in those instances where attention is

invited to particular results.



COMPOSITION OF AUDISITCE SAMPLES

Exit Hone Conbined General

IntervieiTe latorviewB Sanples Population

(296) (?f2l (770)

62^0

58 40 59

45.6

54.4

Eûjca/tion£

Elementary school 15

Secondary school or High school

w/o Ahitur (Diploma)

Abitur (Diploma)

University (w/o diploma)

University(w/ diploma)

Income;

10 84

Up to 149 DM

150 to 299 DM

500 to 599 DM

400 to 41/9 DM

500. to 599 DM

600 to 699 DM.

700 to 799 DH

800 to 899 DM

900 to 999 DM

1 , 000 DM and more

No answer

Sooio-Econoai c Status

Uppc-r classes

Upper middle classes

Lowor middle classes

Lower classes

Up



(Cont'd fron preceding page)



OK] QUARTER SAW OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITIODS DURING PAST YEAR ...

For fully three- quc.rturs of the spectators, the Steichen show is

the first photographic exhibit that was visited during the past year.

"Have you perhaps heard of any photographic

exhibitions during the past twelve months?

(Did you also visit this exhibition?)"

Hoae

Interviews

Yus, visited exhibits 24=^

Yes, heard, but did

not visit exhibits 5

No, have not heard ofexhibits

loofo

SOim VISITED THE EXHIBIT MORE TH^'J; ONCE...

The first indication of the general appeal and attraction of the

exhibit is found in the fact, that about one out of ten attendees

visited the show several times. Half of those revisited tie exhibi-

tion twice or even three tines.

"Did you visit this exhibition for the first time

on...; had you been there before; or did you re-

visit this exhibition some time afterwards?"

Exit Home

Interviev/s Interviews

For the first time. 88/b 90^0

Had been there before 12 9Revisited exhibition

after contact - 1

TOO^ "100^

IF "Had been there before " or "Revisited after contact**^

"How" often?"'

Once

Twi c e

Three times

Ho opinion

6^/i



HOST "FAMILY OF iliU." VI,-.ITORS LEARNED OF IT THROUGH PRESS AHD WORD

OF MOUTH

The preponderance (45/^ i*i the exit sample and 45/3 among the home

interviews) indicated press as the decisive source of knov/ledge aboutthe exhibition - personal contacts follow very closely with 58/^ and

43^0, while 25:' and 27;^ of the visitors reported that they learned about

the she-., through postc-rs.

The exceptionally high face-to-face publicity which the exhibit

apparently received is particularly notev/orthy ai nee it suggests that

there was considerable amount of personal influence resulting from such

discussions about the exhibit.

"Can you perhaps toll ue how you found out about this

photographic exhibition? Vftio or what called your

attention to it?"

Exit Home

Interviews Interviews

Through press



II. Appraisal _of_ the Exhibit

The "Family of kan" exhibition is a unique and emotionally

stirring project of modern photo^^raphic art. Visitors are led around

by the pictures to see what the camera saw in sixty-eight nations

throughout the world. They see people - men, women, children - faith-

fully registered in a thousand activities and emotions within the world

in which we live, Ind the pictures tell their stories, often speaking

more eloquently than words.

In studying the effect of the show we can only consider reactions

which are verbal, hence surfa-ce expressions. ;\ considerable part of the

influence of t.ie Steichen show is of such a subtle nature that the

results are difficult to locate even with far-reaching probing techniquessince these influences awaken purely emotional reactions.

Within the limits of the above statement, the findings of the

present study answer the questions which arose among USIS policy

officials in West Germany in considering the impact and effectiveness

of this Steichen show in the light of USIS objectives.

S£ction_J_i General Appraisal

The "Family of Ilan" exhibition at the Hunich Academy of Arts received

an outstandingly favorable reception from almost, all of its visitors.

This conclusion appears as the result of responses to the general in-

quiries reported in this section.

Considering the exceptionally high educational level of this

particular audience, the findings of this and the following chapters

become even more important and gain in significance since members of

the elite groups are usually found to be much more critical than other

groups in the population,

HIGH EXPECTATIOITS DIVIDE AS TO COKTEi'T AND TECHITICAL ASPECTS ...

The question of what people expected from this exhibition was only

asked in the home interviews, partly because the interviewing situation

allowed more questions and partly on the ass\Jjnption that visitors are

able to view their original aspirations more objectively after some

time has elapsed than imiaediately after the visit.

- 6



The laPtjest segr.ient of the audience (44/i) had expectations in

regard to the content of the show. This included 37 per cent who

were uore or less expecting a survey on huuan life throughout the

world, and 3 ^êr cent rather specifically thinking they i/ould find

a typically ^jerican show about the United States.

About a third of the spectators expected something to do ^.'ith the

artistic and technical aspects of photography, ;.nother 14 per cent ^.'as

informed about the underlying thene of the show before the visit and

11 per cent had no particular notions or expectations at all.

In reading the actual coauents one is inpressed by frequent

indications that visitors' expectations were surpassed in all respects,

however lev.' or high they had been*

"When you decided to visit the exhibition, what

did you think you would find here?

expect frou this exhibition?"

SuLiuary Table

EXPECTATIOITS IIT raSG..RD TO COI'TENT

General ;

A photographic survey of hunan life

all over the world

Specific ;

A typically American show of

photography about the U.S.

L presentation of characteristics

coonon to all nen

Wliat did you

(57%)

( yf)

( 4^)

Hoae

Interviews

(44î)

377»

EXPECTATIOHS III REG-.RD TO THE TECIIHICAL ASPECTSOP PHOTOGK.\PHY

A show of artistic and technically

well-done photographs

KilEW U'iTDERLYIiTG IDEA OF EXHIBIT 3EE0EE VISIT

ITO EXFECTATIOiTS

KO OPI HION

(355^)

55

(-l4?o)

(11>)

* Less than one half of one per cent.

@ Soue respondents âve uore than one answer.



COIvBISNTS IN DETAIL

'When you decided to visit the exhibition, what

did you think you would find here? Faat did you

expect frou this exhibition?"

Hone

Interviev7s

EXPECTilTIOlTS ITT REGARH TO COITTEKT (445^)

A photo graphic survey of human life all over the world: 57^

"An outstanding photo exhibition on hunan life all over

the world*"

"I didn't expect one of the usual photo exhibitions, but

an extensive sho\.' of photographs picturing the ordinary

life of people of all nations and of hunan life itself,"

"I expected an extensive and excellent survey of man and Lj-s

enotions, and of human life presented by photographs* But

I didn't think it would be as moving as I've found it to be.""I didn< t expect the exhibition \/ould aj^peal in such a per-

sonal i7ay to the individual, I thought it uould just offer

an extensive and simple collection of photos showing in-

dividual groups of people,"

"A unique and outstanding photo show offering especially

selected material from countries throughout the world."

"I expected to find a selection of pictures from countries

all over the globe."

A typically American show_ of photographs about the U.S. : 5

"I expected exclusively American photos, illustrating dailyevents and offering picture stories."

"I thought I would see pictures showing life in America, but

I was skeptical as I had had quite a different idea of

the United States from the movies I had seen»"

"I was somewhat skeptical about this exhibit as I expected

the usual photos of pin-up girls."

A pres entation of the characteristics common to all men ; 4

"As the title says, I expected photos which would prove that

the basic characteristics of men are the same all overthe

world."

"To find what is common in all men, what is uniting all of

us, A picture of social and general relations between the

big family of man and of nations."

"A documentation of the common characteristics of men,"

expl:ctatiofs ii^t repard to the technical aspects

OP PHOTOGRi'iPHY ' (55/'i)

A show of art istic and techni cally well-done photographs ; 55

"I thoughtto find a mere photographic exhibition showingmodern photography."

"I'm a photo amateur and w-anted to gain experience and

expected an outstanding photographic exhibition, it is

true, but .yithout an underlying idea,"

"I expected a conventional photographic exhibition composed

according to technical- viewpoints,"

"I had expected to find what photography can do - to catch

and convey reality,"

(Cont'd on next page)

- a -



Hone

(Cont'd fron preceding- page) Interviews

KiS'./ UiTDSlRLYIifG IDEA OF EXHIBIT BEFORE VISIT (U'/o)

I yas inforue d of the idea behind the exhibition

before vi siting it ; 1

"After I had seen the larê catalogue, ay only idea A.'as

to see the originals."

"American friends of nine had told ne all about theexhibition, about its contents and its purpose."

"I had read the revie\.' on this exhibition which the

' Sueddeutsche Zeitung' carried and therefore I was

inforned on \/hat \.-as offered."

NO EXPECTATIONS (11$^)

I had no particul ar notions or expectations: 11

"I had no notion what to expect, I \?anted to be overwhelmed

by surprise as this exhibition had been so widely

advertised,""Well, I let myself be taken by surprise. It just happened

that a friend of nine asked me to come along."

"I didnit expect anything specific, nor had I any definite

notions.

NO OPILHON ( *5^)


@ Some respondents gave nore than one answer*

3 -



ALMOST ALL VISITORS LIKED EXHIBIT ...

Ninety-eight per cent of the audience said they liked the shov/-

ing with the veight of opinion leaning toward 'extremely yell' (50?^)

and 'very well (37/0 rather than simply 'v/ell.' Not a single visitor

of the exhibit stated that he did not like the show and only a negligible

handful (lfo) rated it as 'aediocre.'

The rating of the show is even higher among women who seen to he

particularly affected by the emotional appeal of the exhibit.

Another illustration of the emotionally stirring influence of the

show is the fact that the extreme enthusiasm expressed in the exit

interviews (55?^) inj.iediatelj'- after the overwhelming impression of the

exhibit fades slightly after two or three days to a somewhat lessened

'extremely well' rating among the hone interviews (4750), Nevertheless,

these ratings are the highest ever found for any exhibit including the

1954 atomic exhibit in Berlin,

"Everything considered, how did you like this

exhibition?" (CARD)



"PiiMILY OF >um" RECEIYiD ilUCH ••ORE FAV0iLii3LE AFPRJilSAL THAN

PHOTOGiL^PHIC EXHIBITIONS III GEIffiRAL ...

Couparing responses to the t'l.o questions rating the Steichen show

and photographic exhibits in general, the "Pauily of IIeui" -was viewed

much nore favorably than, exhibitions of photographs in general. This

is indicated by the finding that the Steichen shov; v.'as rated 'extremely

•iêll' by 50 per cent, while opinions concerning other photographic

exhibits T7ere considerably lower.

"Everything considered, how did you like this

exhibition?" (CiiRD)

"Apart froa this exhibition, how much do you

like photographic exhibitions in general?" (C^lRD)



'INTERESTING," < APPEALING' AND 'VEllY INSTRUCTIVE' ARE THE ATTRIBUTES

MOSTLY ASSOCIATED './ITH EXHIBIT ...

..fhen the respondents were presented a card with a mixture of

favorable and unfavorable attributes which night be expressed about

the exhibit --"interesting," "appealing" and "very instructive" were

most frequently chosen (by about 40?^ or aore of the audience). The

"high intellectual level" was pointed out by 545^ and the "objective"

appearance by JC/^ of the spectatorst

"In the following, a few judgnents are listed which

could be expressed about this exhibition, v/hich of

thea expressed your own feelings best?" (CARD)



COimil'TSD

SiiliPLES

(770)



THE UiTDEELYING IDEA ilEPORT:^D

THE SHO'i TO OTHERS .. .

IIAIN REASON FOR RECOt'CffiilDIiTG

The actual coaments given in answer to the question as to why one

would recora-iend the exhibit to friends and relatives are a unique ex-

pression of the appreciatibn of the show. The frequent use of such

extremely favorable terms - as "outstanding," "excellent," "unique"

and"\îthout precedent" - are only rarely found in audience reactions'

studies.

The reasons most frequently reported for recomnending the show bring

out the underlying idea of the exhibit (65^) and emphasize its stimulat-

ing effect on thinking about probleme of human life promoting international

understanding, inspiring humanitarian feelings, and explaining what is

common to all men. These influences are radiated by the well-comprehended

underlying idea of the show.

In the same context the educational effects of the exhibit were

mentioned by 52 per cent, while another 40 per cent of the visitors

pointed out the technical qualities in photographic art,

"In your opinion, should one recommend to friends

and relatives that they visit this exhibition, or

shouldn't one?"

IF "Yes j recommend" s

"-.Tiy should one recommend it?

friends -et out of it?"

Summary Tabl(

VAiat would your

BECAUSE OP ITS UrlDERLYIHG IDEA

It stimulates people to think about the

problems of human life

It promotes international understandingIt inspires people \<ith humanitarian feelings

and love for their fellow creatures

It points out what is common to all people

Its general motive and idea is a good one

BECAUSE OF ITS EDUCATIONAL EFFECT

It is instructive and interestingIt provides an extensive and realistic

picture of mankind and huiian life

It gives an insight intoother nations'and other races' way of living

BECi.USE OF ITS TECHlvTICAL EXCELLEHCE

It is unique, offers technically excellentphotographs and should be visited by the

greatest possible number of people

BECAUSE OF OTHER REASOHS

m OPIHION

Some res^-'ondents îave more than one answer.

COIffllMD

SAIIPLES

(65fO

26?

12

12

5

10

(52/.)

12

11

(40?0

(10/.)

- 14



COIiI^lTTS I.T DETAIL ...

"In your opinion, should one recouvieiid to friends

and relatives that they visit this exhibition, or

shouldn' t one?"

IF "Ye s, recoaêndV' t

" ,'/liy should one recoauend it? 'tVTiat i/ould youx

friends get out of it?"COIiBIlffiD

SAJ.IPLES

BECAUSE OF ITS IT/DERLYIiTG IDE.. {^57°)

It stimul ates ;g_e_9ple to think about the problens

of hunan life" ; 26%

"Because they also -..'ould be led to think about human

problens as outlined by this exhibition?"

*'I believe they '..'ould receive so strong an inpression

that they •..ould be led to contemplate the problens of

huaan life,""The exhibition has an elevating effect. It is stirring

and deeply noving. It's an outstanding experience for

open-ninded people."

"I'ly friends also ^.'ouldn't be able to escape the strong

effects of this exhibition. They would be deeply noved.

The iapressions one gets go directly to one's heart -

it T.'ould inspire then to contemplate."

It proDote s international understand ing: 1

"Perhaps they would change their opinions and prejudicesabout various countries, and pronote a better understanding

of otlier nations and races."

"It furthers the idea of friendship between all nations by

neans of photos! Because it leads the individual visitor

towards a better understanding of all his fellow creatures,

including those of other races."

"It nakes people realize that all nations belong together

^.ithin the faaily of aan, and it creates a better mider-

standing of other nations. That's iaportant for maintain-

ing peace*"

It inspires '::eople \.ith humanitarian feelings and love

for their f e llo';; creatures ; 1

"It -..-ould show the huuan value and strengthen people's faith

in what is good in the ^.'orld."

"Promotes the spirit of humanity. It makes people see that

perhaps we all are to blame for all the misery in the world,"

"This exhibition has a social mission. It guides people

to act in a truly humanitarian spirit."

"Perhaps my friends would be insijired with the sane feel-

ings as I - '..ith love for one's fellow creatures."

It points out what is common t o all people t 5

"Because it is good that everybody become conscious of

what is common to all peoples and nations."

"Because ny relatives and friends would be led to see -

as it happened to me - hcr\i absurd it is to believe that

people of other races and nationalities, of another faith,

or living under another governmental system would feel

any differently from the way we feela'.!

"My friends and colleagues could see that people of all

nations are basically alike."


- 15 -



• COI'IBIlffiD

(Cont'd fron preceding page) SAMPLES

Its ft-eneral notive and idea is a good one ; 10^

"Because of the basic notive -i;hich is worth reconmending."

"It's such a grand and noble notive, and these ideas should

be spread,"

"The basic idea is very good and the uotive on ^;hich it is

based oust be interesting to everybody."

BECAUSE OF ITS EDUCATIOilAL SPl^^SCT (52^)

It is instructive and interesting ; 29

"Because it is interesting. It shows uany things which

were not to be seen before,"

"The exhibition is very instructive and should, therefore,

be shown wherever it is possible."

"Because the exhibition is really instructive and inter-

esting. It can do no harra to broaden one's outlook."

"Very instructive for such people \/ho want to go downto

the bottom of things."

It provides an extensive and realistic picture of mankind

and human life: 12

"Because here the naked- reality of life is sho\m providing

an excellent picture of mankind."

"Because the exhibition endeavors to give an idea of the

impulses of primitive life and to preseJit this idea as

impressively as possible."

"By the manifold way of sho\;ing human' life, the subject 'man'

is represented in such an extensive manner that it oustappeal to everyone."

11

It give s an insight into other nations' and other races'

yay of living ;

"My friends will get a notion of the living conditions of

people on other continents."

"Because it provides an insight into the psychical structure

of the people in various countries."

"Because it is a general survey of other nations' daily lifo^

and to see people of all nations and races in all situationsof their iallj life is souethini,- by which everybody could profit."

BECAUSE OF ITS TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE • • (ACô)

It is unique, offers technically excellent photo raphs and

should be visited by the greatest possible n\jnbor of people :

"One should learn that an expressive message could be conveyed

by the art of photography,"

"Excellent photos were shovm - this proves that photography

cannot be called a dead art," .

"They would be surprised at the expressiveness of black andwhite photography,"

"They succeed in discovering a new aspect of photography

sho\/ing the core of human interests by means of photos

vividly representing certain situations of human life,"

"Because of the very good pictures, the greatest possible.

number of visitors should see this exhibition. It is

worth it."

"Because most people take photographs themselves, this exhib-

ition \;ill teach then that a photo cannot only picture a

landscape, but can outline spiritual processes as \;ell."

"This exhibition is really unique."


- 16 -



COIffllMD

(Cont'd from preceding page) SMIPLE

BECAUSE OF OTIIER REASONS {Ôfo)

"Because many things are sho\m that cannot be expressedby yords."

"is a means of avoiding ulcers."

"For negative reasons: to show uy friends what means

are being employed to produce certain projpagandistic

effects."

NO OPINION •

( r/o)

Sone respondents gave uore than one answer.

- 17



Section 2 ; Appra isal of Details

The exhibit in general v;as not only extremely favorahly received,

hut also the details of the show - such as arrangevaent , lighting, text,

the pictures and their coiaposition -' found overvheluing approval in the

eyes of the exhibitions visitors. Not just a aajority, but the great

bulk of the audience reacted favorably on all questions of' this section,

even when criticisn was particularly encouraged.

OVER'.mELMING lUJORITIES INDICATE APPROVAL OF THE TECHNICAL DETAILS . ,

,

\/hen respondents ;vere asked v;hether they liked or disliked the

various technical details of the exhibit, e.g. the composition and

arrangeuent of pictures, their shape and size, the arrangement of the

sho\;-roons and the lighting condition, all were rated very highly.

These ratings were even upheld after t..o or throe days \Jhen the .hoDe

interviews tooK piace.

"Revie-,.'ing in your nind the physical setup of the

exhibition, how did you like the following details?"

Exit Intervie'u's

Liked it Didn' t like Didn' t like No

v/ell it s?"' well it at all opinion

Composition and arrange-

nent of pictures

Shape and size

of pictures

Arrangement of show rooms

Lighting conditions

Other details

Composition and arrange-

ment of pictui-es

Shape and size

of pictures

Arrangeiient of show rooms

Lighting conditions

Other details

9¥ 8^ 1^..1005^

89



THE PHOTOGRAPHS LiOST FRE ,IJEHTLY lElTTIONED AS PARTICULARLY LIKED ...

In an open-end question situation, j_n answer to the question as to

what they particularly liked about the exhibit, the pictures, generally as

well as individuallj» were reported as liked best by more than half of

the audience. This is no surprise since conpared with pictures, all

other details of the show fade.

The general setup and organization of the exhibit occupy second place

in frequency of i.ientions (405/o) and the theme is pointed out by almost

3 out of 10 visitors.

The actual comments again reflect the high regard in which the

exhibit is held by its visitors.

"What did you particularly like about the exhibition?"

Summary Table

Visitors liked }

THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The pictures generally ;

The realism of pictures

The technical quality of the

photographs 7

The expressiveness of the picturesand their effect on the spectator 7

The pictures individually ;

The pictures of children Sfo

The photographs of colored

primitive races 3

The pictures reflecting social

problems and human misery 2

The photographs showing nature,

landscapes 2The pictures sho^;ing men at work 1

Other pictures 9

GEiÎERAL ARRAilGEItENT A'iJD ORGANIZATION

The internal organization - selection

and arrangement according to

different subjects

The external organization - exhibition

rooms and arrangement pf the pictures

The captions

THE THEIIE AND UliDERLYIi^G IDEA

The exhibit as a mirror reflecting the

life of all races and peoples

The idea of the equality of all men,

and humanism

I LIKED EVERYTHING

I LIKED ifOTHIMG

OT.HER AliS^.'ERS

NO OPINION/nO iiHSvffiR

Less than one half of one per cent.

Some respondents gave more than one answer.

COMBINED

SAJffLES

(56/o)

26?^

(40/o)

21?S

10

9

(27/o)

- 19



COM'iEFTS IN DETAIL

THE PHOTOGRAPHS



COrlBINED Exit Ho-ae

(Cont'd froa preceding page) SaIIPLES Intervie^.s Intorvicus

The picturgs reflecting s ocial prpbleas and

huuan iaisery ;" -•-

2^ yî 1^

"That the social probleus of the individual

peoples \/ere shov/n,"

"The pictures sho'>.'inc; starving people."

"The pictures expressing nisery and poverty."

The photogra hs sho'..'ing nature, land s capes ; 2 .1 2

"The '..-onderful pictures of nature."

"The huge panoranas»"

"The picture. sho'..'ing the universe with the

nythological caption,"

The pictures sho'ving nen at 'n'ork i 1 1 ' 2

"The photographs sho'./ing men doing heavy

industrial \;ork.""The pictures nade it clear that men must work

regardless of the social class to v.-hich they

belong."

"The i-ictures illustrating nen at hard -'ork,"

Other pictures ; 9 8 9

"The confrontation of four pictures sho\;ing

fanily life w'as especially uell-done,"

"The blind guitar-player, the orchestra, the

piano-player, these pictures are sinply

over'..-helning,"

"ill pictures sho'u-ing mother and child."

GEtlERAL ARi.A.-iaS; ENT AlW ORGAI-TIZATION

The internal organizati on and arrangeuent

according to different subjects : 21 22 20

"The arrangenent according to thenes reflecting

the basic questions of huuan life."

"That the pictures were arranged according to

certain nottos thus making then easier to

understand."

"The clear arrangement, the representation of thewhole of life - birth, growing up, death."

"The selection and the logical arrangeuent of

the photographs."

"The division into different, logical groups."

"The clever arrangeuent to sho"v- ^.ositive and

negative situations alternately.


21 -



C0LG3IHED Exit Houe

(Cont'd from preceding page) SAI'tPLES Interviews Interviews

The external organization - exhibition roona

and arranft-er.iont of the pictures ; IO/0 11^ 8^

"Thej'- aade good use of the roons at hand if

you think of the Ficasso exhibition."

"The pictures \;ere cleverly arranged on the'

vails, i'urthernore , I a; predated having the

photographs fixed on screens, not on paper

sheets."

"That they fixed snail-sized photos into

large pictures."

"The fact that the photographs had different

sizes, thus aaking the exhibition vivid and

expressive,"

The captions : 9 10 7

"The text \;as sparin£,ly used, but nevertheless

hit the point.""I particularly liked the captions to the

pictures."

"The carefully selected text. It was not one-

sidedly taken fron .Christian but also fron

non-Christian philosophers."

"The accompanying text considerably contributed

to the profound effect of this exhibit,"

THE THEME AND UilDERLYING IDEA

The exhibit as a nirror reflecting the life of

a-11 rac es an d_ jpeoples ; , 18 I4 22

"It \;as a successful attenpt to show hui-ian life

from all angles."

"The theme of this exhibit covers- the life of

uen in all countries."

"These pictures presented the life of all

peoples in a \.onderful way."

"That everything that can happen in hu.aan life

is shown in this exhibition,'"

"It presented a review of huiaan life in allits phases and of all peoples."

The idea of the equality of all nen and

hunanisn t 9 10 8

"This exhibition helped to strengthen the feel-

ing that all people are equal."

"This exhibition showed us that aen nust develop

more understanding for each other s"

"No differences were i.iade bet-cen civilized

and primitive races.""I liked the idea of solidarity that v;as

expressed by this exhibit,"

"The pictures express love for i-iankind, and

show that men are good by nature."


- 22



COIIBINED

(Cont'd from preceding page) SÎ-IPLES Interviews Intervie\7s

I LIKED aYERYTHICTG : 4?g 4^ 47^

"It would be unjust to praise some particular

photos."

"The whole exhibition,"

"They did a good job."

I LIKED HOTHIITG :*

,

*•

*

OTHER AIIS\/ERS : 3 4 5

"The theme - it convincingly shows that life

is v;orth living*"

"The pictures showing men and their relation

to the living and not-living world."

"The courage to publish such pictures."

m OPINIOH/nO AlTSv/ER i 2 4 1

Tf^ TFi^ T55^


@ Some respondents mentioned more than one detail they liked*

- 25 *



OVER HALF OF THE AUDIEITCE IiiVE NO CRITICISM TO OFFER ...

When queried as to what they did not like about the exhibit, over

half either replied they, "liked everything' (47fo) or had nothing to

say {^0fo), All aspects of the show coae in for soae criticisn, however,

even though expressed by ninorities. Least criticized appears to be

the presentation of the theae (8^), The general arrangev-ient and the

pictures receive almost equal criticisn by the audience (21^ and 18^

respectively,

Disliked uost anong these main aspects of the Steichen show are

a) the physical setup and inappropriate captions (within the general

arrangeuent of the exhibit); b) the indiscreet depiction of intiuate

spheres of life (aaong criticisms in regard to the photographs) and

c) the incomplete presentation and/or oaission of individual areas of

life (in the interpretation of the theme),

"And is there anything about the exhibition which

you did not like? We are interested in any

criticisn,"

Summary Table

COIffllNED

SAMPLES

Visitors disliked;

GENERAL ARRANGE. EENT AKD ORGANIZATIONOF THE EXHIBIT (21%)

Physical setup - exhibition rooms and

technical details If

Inappropriate captions and too meager text 6

Internal organization - selection and

composition of pictures 4Presentation of pictures - arrangements,

fixing, number and size, etc 4

THE PHOTOGRAPHS (^&fo)

The indiscreet depiction of

intimate spheres of life 6

Unsatisfactory quality and negative effect

of some pictures 5

The presentation of Germany in an

unfavorable light 3

The style of the pictures 2

Technical deficiencies, absence of

color-photos 2

THE lilTERPPiETATION OF THE THE] E ( 8%)

Incouplete presentation or omission of

individual areas of life 4Overemphasizing the negative sides of man

and of life (too pessimistic view) 2

Overemphasizing the positive sides of man

and of life (too optimistic view) 2

OTHER CRITICISMS ( 2F/c)

EVERYTHING LIKED (47%)

NO OPINION (10%)106%®

Some respondents criticized more than one detail.

- 24 -



COiatENTS IE DETAIL

"And is there anything about the exhibition \;hieh

you did not like? We are interested in any

criticisa."

COllBINED Exit Hone

SAICPLES Interviews Interviews

GEI-TERAL ARRANGE SNT AWD ORGAKIZATIOHOF THE EXHIBIT

Physical setup - exhibition ropas and

technical details : Tfo ^Qlfo

"The rooms could even be larger and nore auple

and confortable seating accoraodations should

be provided. Also the signs guiding visitors

through the exhibition were unsatisfactory, they

could have done a better job in this respect,"

"Soaehow it detracts fron the overall impression

that the exhibition space is divided into two

rooas."

"Perhaps the rooms could have been arranged so as

to have a nore cheerful note,"

"In sone places the lighting \/as poor, espe-

cially during the waning afternoon hours,"

"What I disliked about the exhibition was that

it was so cold in the exhibition roons. They

were unheated."

"The fact that one couldn' t buy the large

catalogues right there,"

Inappropriate cap ti ons and too neager text ; 6 7

"I wasn't cuite pleased by the texts which I

think were too full of pathos."

"Sone of the aphorisns weren't quite suit-

able as captions for photos,"

"It was a pity that one couldn' t read the nanes

beneath the pictures^ I raefin, ».ho the photo-

grapher was and where he had snapped the

picture,"

"It would have been a good idea to give soneinformation on technical details. I mean

what caraera was used, lens opening, exposure,

and things like that,"

"I think it would have been a good thing to

give explanations for the individual pictures,"

Internal organization - selection and

CQciposition of pictures ; 4 4

"There were sone pictures which had nothing what-

ever to do with the thene of the exhibition,"

"The logical order of the pictures could have

been better, pictures of birth and' death, for

instance, could have been juxtaposed."

"There was no clear trend in the composition,"

"Some pictures, the flute player, for instance,

are sho'wn too often."


- 25



COI'ffillTOD

(Cont'd fron preceding page) SAI'iPLES

Presentation of pictures - arran/yeaentst

fixing^ nuab er and size, etc ; 45;^

"In soae instances several pictures were hung

one above the other, I think that didn't

look too nice,"

"The pictures are put -up too closely together."

"I think the size of sone pictures was poorlychosen,"

"The nuuber of pictures sho'wn was too great*

Visitors lost track of the overall trend,"

Exit Hone


47° 5/°

THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The ind iscreet depiction of intinate

spheres of life ; (

"With sone pictures they invaded the private

and most intimate spheres of life too deeply,"

"Sone of the things shown were too naked and

and indiscreet. I'm talking of the so-called

love scenes."

"As to the theue 'love', they write sex i,;ith

capital letters. That's \/hy this exhibition

isn't especially suited for the yoiinger

generationo"

"Not all of those pictures sho\.'ing young

lovers are suitable fare for adolescents,"

Unsatisfactory quality and negative effect

of sone pictures ; .

[

"The picture photographed by Irving Penn

'Mother with Child' "i-'as ridiculous, and

his picture of 'A seated girl' was alto-

gether expressionless."

"I didn't like the pictures illustrating the

coLimonplace pleasures of the crowds."

"Sone pictures are too ugly,"

The presentation of Gernany in anunfavorable light ;

. ]

"They showed pictures of Germany \;hich are

anything but coupliuentary . Probably they

are exaggerated,"

"There was one feature of the exhibition which

I didn't like. That is, that they showed a

picture of ,/arsaw, of Jewish inhabitants , and •

of nenbers of the arned SS, \.'hile refraining

fron sho\.'ing atrocities connitted by other

nations.""They shouldn't have only shown a picture of

Germans guarding prisoners. Things like

that happen in other countries also."


26 -



COMBINE© Exit Hone

(Cont'd froa preceding page) SALIPLES Intervie\.'s Intervieyt

The style of the pictures ; Zfo 2^ jfo

"Some things u-ere done exclusively to suit the

inerican taste."

"The often typically Anerican and rather

petit-bourgeois spirit reflected hy the

pictures."

Technical deficiencies, absence of

color-photos t 2^2Some pictures sho'./ing objects in notion

v;ere blurred."

"The pictures of children shown tov'ards the

end \/ere rather poorly focused."

"IVTiy are there no color photos? - Maybe they

would have expressed soae motifs more

po\;erfully."

THE IflTERFRETATIOW OF THE THEIIE

Incomplete presentation or omission of

individual areas of life ; 4 4 4

"The forms of industrial labor, such as

assembly-line work, were very much

neglected, iilso v.ar and its consequences

for man \,ere consciously omitted."

"Perhaps pictures of the blind and their

activities could also have been included in

the exhibition.""The theme of man and animal, especially his

relationship to domestic animals, v/as not

adequately treated,"

"Photos depicting death were one-sided and also

not enough scope was afforded to this motif,"

Overemphasizing the negative sides of mem

and of life(too pess imist ic view)

;"2 2 2

"Human misery \;as overly stressed and the

danger ofa

new war\jas overemphasized."

"I didn' t like the overly realistic method of

presentation; sorroi.' and misery were the

prevailing themes."

"The Gay vein in man didn't find full

expression, ;7hat I though* âs a weak pOittt,

above all, was that more space \;as not devoted

to demonstrating the kindness of which man

is capable.

ve rempha si z i ng the posi tive sides of man

and ofl_i

fe Ttoo optimi sti c~yi6^'') j

2 2 1

"Joy and sorrow aren't balanced in life, after

all. Too optimistic a picture was presented.

One could have achieved even laore by striking

a more pessimistic note,"

"There \/ere too many pictures sho\.'ing gay scenes.

Presenting fewer of them -uould have been better,"

"They should point out with even greater emphasis

the misery that exists in the world."


- 27 -



C0I'/IBI1>TED Exit Houe

(Cont'd from precedins page),

SAMPLES,.


OTHER CRITICISMS 2^^ Y/o 55^

"ii thing that displeased ne \;as that too feu

pictures hy Russian, Geraan and Italian photo-

graphers yere included in the exhihition,"

"I didn't like the attempt to present the

people of this world as alike in all things."

"The snohbisn of sovae of the nore well-to-do

visitors displeased lae,"

EVERYTHING LIKED 47 47 47

"I cannot think of anything to criticize.

Every single picture has a meaning and appeals.

to you."

"Even after thi.iking over your question for

quite a \/hile, I didn't detect any deficiencies."

"I didn't find any fault with the exhibition,for me visiting it was a unique experience,"

"No, everything -was just ^rand,"

NO OPINION/iÔ AilSYffi... 10_

9 11,

106^ 106^ 106^:®

@ Some respondents criticized more than one detail.

- 28 -



Section 2a ; The Text

Although the pictures are the nain nediun of the exhibit, the

text of the accoiapanying captions play an iuportant role in under-

standing \.hat is seen and trunsnitting the aessage of the exhibit.

Captions VQre used sparingly, but they vere judiciously selected

and proved to be effective - judging by the reactions of the audience,

HOST VISITORS CONSIDER THE TEXT AS HEIGHTENING THE EFFECT

OF THE PICTURES . .

Only a negligible 4 per cent feel that the captions lessened the

effect of the photographs. This view is held by all audience groups.

"And ho., about the captions? Did the text, in youropinion, heighten or lessen the effect of the

pictures, or '..ould the effect of the pictures have

been the sane without captions?"

COI'EBIl'ffiD Less More

SiUflPLES Men Wooen educated+ educated+

Heighten the effect

Lessened effect

Effect would have beenthe sane

No opinion

(770)



There is, hov-'ever, a sizable proportion of the audience vhich

desired apre text - 19 per cent auong the exit interviews and soaeuhat

less (l4'/o) anong the hoae interviei.-s. This is souewhat in line with

everyday experience since the readers of nagazines and periodicals are

used to extensive captions explaining every single- picture,

Ho-./ever, the small, and - strictly speaking - statistically insig-

nificant difference ;êtyeen the t\/o samples (the interviev;s inmediately

after the visit and those conducted t\io or three days later) shows a

decreased denand for more text after a time lapse.

This suggests the ;jOssibility that vith the passage of tine,

the message of the Steichen showhecomes clearer and the desire for

more explanatory captions decreases,

"Should one perhaps have used more or less text?

Should it have been omitted altogether, or was

it just right?"

More textLess text

Ouit text altogether

Text Mas just right

Ho opinion

COI.IBIEED

SAI'DPLES



Section 213 : The Pictures

Of course, the photographs vers the hard core of the

"Family of Han" exhibit. Put \inder scrutiny in this section are answers

to the CLuestions concerning 1- the extent to which the pictures 'vêre

a) natural and conprehensive; h) \.ell-selectedj c) shown in the

right amount; and 2- i/hich of the individual .photographs produced the

strongest impression (in a favorable or unfavorable v;ay).

MORS TI-IAIT NlilE OUT OF TEN SPECTATORS CONSIDER TI-IE PHOTOGRAPHS NATURALAiUD COIffPvEHEHSIVE ...

Only a handful of tne audience feels that the pictures are

unnatural and sho\.- only exceptional cases. On the other hand, 94 per

cent think thephotos convey

acouprehensive and objective image of

men and huaan life.

"Visiting the exhibition, did you gain the inpressionthat the photos convey a natural and comprehensiveimage of man and human life, or are the picture, in

yotir opinion, unnatural and only shew exceptional

cases?"

Hone

Interviews

Natural, comprehensive 945^

Unnatural,

exceptional cases 3

No opinion 3

lOOfo

OVER NINE-TEFTHS FEELS PICTURES ARE \/ELL-SELECTED FOR THSICE . .

Again more than 9 out of 10 visitors say that the pictures were

well-selected ..-ith a view to the theme of the exhibition.

"How about the selection of the pictures? -

Were they tjell-selected \/ith a view to the

theme of the exhibition, not so well or poorlyselected?"

Home

Interviews

vvêll-selected 94;'!^

Not so well selected 4Poorly selected *

No opinion 2

Too^

Less than one half of one per cent,

- 31



AND GREAT SULK OF THE .JJDIENCE EXPRESS APPROVAL OF THE MIIBER OF

PICTURES PRESENTED ...

Equal proportions of the audience desired nore {Ôfo) aiad less

pictures (11)^), The great majority of visitors however {iTfo) , hold

the opinion that the nuaber of pictures shown was just right.

"In your opinion, \;ere too nany or too few pictures

sho\m at this exhibition? Or was the number of

pictures just right?"

Home

Interviews

Too aany . 115!^

Too few 10

Just right 77I'lo opinion 2

Too^

PHOTOGR^^PHS PRODUCIITG THE STRONGEST HIPRESSION ...

In answering the question of which individual pictures produced the

strongest inpression on the audience, a two-folded procedure of content

analysis was employed. Naiiely, grouping the responses by (a) content

categories of the pictures and (b) individual photographs. Since nore

than 200 pictures were nentioned in answer to this question, only the

five uost frequently reported content groups and single pictures are

presented in the main body of the report. The complete lists can be

foiind in Appendix "A".

- 52 -



•CHILDRSN AS PICTURE COKTEITT :iOST IMPRESSIVE ...

The type of picture uost frequently recorded (40?^) as producing

the strongest iapression \;ere children. This \iSls especially true aaong

those interviewed imnediately after the sho\/ (45/'^). Second in frequency

among the picture contentgroups appears the subjeot of pregnancy and

childbirth (27?o)« This category received a higher vote among the hone

interviev/s than it did in the exit intervie\;ing, suggesting a somewhat

longer lasting effect. The subject of the creation of the world occupies

third place.

" /hich of the individual pictures produced the

strongest iOj^jression on you? Would you brieflydescribe these pictures'?"

Strongest Iapression

Host igprcssive groups of

pictures ;

Children, children at play

. Pictures of pregnancy and

birth

Pictures of the creation

of the world

Picture of uen at work

Pictures of aother and

child 15 16 15

PHOTO OE ATOn BOMB EXrLOSION CKÂTES STRONGEST IIIPltESSION iHONS THE

IiroiVlDUAL PICTURES ...

There arc actually three individual pictures leaving particularly

strong inpressions on the audience. They are, in order, (1) the explosion

of an A-3oob deuonstrating \;j.th deadly nagiiificence the destructive power

of uan, (2) the series of six pictures of children playing cards - by

Ruth Orkin - \/hich catches three children in a carefree noaent of play,

and already revealing the character traits of their future adult roles -

and ($) the picture of light over the water - by ,,'ynn Bullock - present-

ing a pictorial iiaagc of the genesis of the ,;orld.

COMBINED

SAIIPLES



lYhile the picture of the A-Boub has a slight edge over the others,

the "children playing cards" and "light over the v/ater" receive about

an equal amount of votes.

Stronge s t lapression

Most iapressive individual

pictures ;

Explosion of A-Boub

Children playing cards

(USA, Ruth Orkin)

The picture of light

over the ^;ater - at the

entrance (USA, Wynn Bullock)

V/arsaw Ghetto

(Gernan photographer)Child with soap-bubble

(USA, iiili)

Two small children

in a forest

(USA, W. Eugene Snith)

C 01miNED



Three out of the five individual pictures creating the uost favor-

able iapression dealt -..-ith children (first, third and fourth place).

The picture of the \;orld's i^-enesis takes second place and the laughing

audience of good people enjoying a show appears in fifth, place.

"F:iich of the individual pictures produced the

strongest impression on jôu? V/ould you briefly

describe these pictures?';/as this iapression

favorable or unfavorable? Which pictures

iupressed you aost favorably?"

Strongest Favorable Iapression

C Oi.'IB lilED Exit Home

SAMPLES Interview s Interviews

Most liked groups of pictures:

Pictures of children at play 39/'''

Pictures of the creation

of the -world

Pictures of nen at workPictures of people at p3 ^..

,

drinking and laughing

Pictures of nother and child

22

18



THE "laRSA./ GHETTO" AND "A-BOI/EB EXPLOSION" PRODUCED GREATESTADVERSE REACTIONS ...

a'hen asked which individual picture impressed them unfavorably, the

two photographs named ah 9ve ranked highest.

S trongest Unfaverable Impression

COivIBIiiED Exit Home

SAMPLES Interviews Interviews

Least l iked individual pi ctures;

Warsaw Ghetto (Geruany,

photographer unknovm) ffo 7^ ^fo

Explosion of A-Bomb 7 87oman at the roulette table

(Puerto Rico, Gordon Parks) T. .. * 5

Boy with satchel in bomb-

damaged city (Germany,

Otto Hagel) 1 1 »

Careworn woman taking a bite(Holland, Cas Oorthuys) * * *

PAV0RAJ3LE IIIPRESSIOITS MOPJi OFTEN I/lElfTIOKED THi'ilT UxWAVORABLE Ol-IES . .

Comparing the total number of responses mentioning pictures with

favorable and unfavorable impressions, considerably more photos were

named as prodîcing favorable reactions than were named as creating

adverse impressions.

COIEBINED Exit HomeSAtlPLES Interviews Interviews

Mentioned pictures producing

favorable impressions 222?^ 2^^fo 22'f'fo

Mentioned pictures producing

unfavorable impressions 56^ 52^ 62j/o

Utilizing a different approach, it was found that about three

quarters of the audience, were able only to name pictures which impressed

them in a positive way - as the following table shows. Among .another

15 per cent - while mentioning several pictures with different impressions

ef each - the favorable reactions prevailed.

"V/liich of the individual pictures produced the strongest

impression on you? Would you briefly describe these

pictures?"

"V/hich pictures impressed you most unfavorably?"

"V/hich ^.ictures impressed you most favorably?"

COMINEDExit Home

SAI'gLES Interviews Interviews

Respondent calls all mentioned

pictures good 765^ 77^ 75ô

Respondent calls mentioned pictures partly,

good/partly bad, but good prevails I5 13 18

Respondent calls mentioned pictures partlygood/partly bad, both qualificationsequally frequent 2 13

espondent calls mentioned pictures partly

good/partly bad, but bad prevails 2

Respondent calls all pictures bad 1

No opinion/No answer 4

. Too^* Less than one half of one per cent.

- 56 -.

2

1



As the analysis of the follo'..'ing inquiry sho'.vs, "\;ar" and

"Third Reich" associations, as -..'ell as pictures reaching into the in-

tinate spheres of life are the ones considered nost objectionable and

disturbing,

ABOUT THREE 1¥. TEN ACTUALU OBJECT TO THE SKO</ING OF SOi\E PICTURES ...

Although nearly half of the audience (46^) feels that all pictures

vera essential and entirely fit to be shown (gone even stressing their

opinion by saying that all pictures had to be presented in this way

in order to have the aost overwhelning effect on people due to their

striking reality) the-re is a sizable proportion of the audience having

objections against the sho\.'ing of sone pictures. In the reasons given

for not sho'..'ing these certain pictures, the visitors niaxnly take issuc

with the shocking realisn of the photographs by pointing out that they

depict too intinate spheres of hunan life and are unsuitable for showing

to young people,

Aaong those 25 per cent of "undecided" respondents, there

probably are a nunber so inhibited as to be unable to express their

reseutnent a^jainst pictures penetrating into taboo spheres such as sex,

love and other intiaate noaents in huuan life. It night also be that

to soae of these people the picture of the '.'arsau Ghetto represents a

taboo in the realn of national life.

"Are there any pictures \ihich, in your opinion,

shouldn't have been sho'.m at this exhibition?"

Hoae

Interviews

Yes, there are sone 29^No

Jthere are not 46

Ho opinion

Tofe

57



PICTURES TOUCHING TABOOS RECEIVE HIGHEST DISAPPROVAL ...

About a fifth of the audience (18^) express disapproval of

pictures touching traditional taboos, such as childbirth, pregnancy,

sex, and love. Another tenth of the spectators resent photographs

dealing with the Warsaw Ghetto, with war, soldiers and political terror

which awaken - in viev; of recent history - particularly Gernan sensitivi*

ties. The first presents a psychological refusal to face the facts of

life and the second represents resentuent at the reninder of the black

narks in Gernan history fron 1935 ^° 1945« (The coaplete codes with

illustrations for the rejected pictures and reasons are presented in

Appendix "A"),

"Are there any pictures which, in your opinion,

shouldnit have been shown at this exhibition?

Which pictures do you have in, mind?)"

IF "Yes" ;

"Why do you think they shouldn't have been shown?"

Horae Interviews

THE PICTURES OF CHILD-BIRTH AHD OF

PREGNANT AND ITORSlNG ,/OIffiN ^4'fo

\7hy shouldn't they have been shown?

Depict too intinate spheres of

hunan life , 5?°

Unsuitable to be shovm to young people 4

Too realistic and shocking 2

Not nice .

*

Other reasons 5

Wo

THE PICTURES OF YOUIIG COUPLES IK LOVE Afo

Whyshouldn't they have been shown?

Depict too intinate spheres of

human life 2!fo

Unsuitable to be shown to young people 1

Other reasons 1

Wo

THE PICTURE OF THE GHETTO IN \7ARSAW 6^

Why shouldn't it have shown?

Onesidedly anti-German A'fo

Defeat the exhibitions' purpose of

proaoting international friendship 1

Other reasons J


38



(Cont'd from preceding page)

THE PICTURES OF \/AR, SOLDIERS AND

POLITICAL TERROR

Why shouldn't they have been gho^m?

Too realistic, not nice, trite

Defeat the exhibitions' purpose of pronot-

ing international friendship, are one-sidedly anti-Gernan

Other reasons

No reasons

THE PICTURES SHOr/IHG PJOPLE DAIICING

V/hy shouldn't they have been 3ho\m?^

Depict too intimate spheres of human life?

unsuitable for an exhibition

Other reasons/No reasons

Hone Interviews

¥

Vo

OTHER PICTURES

V/hy shouldn't they have been shown?

Unsuitable for an exhibition

Insignificant, trite

Other reasons

No reasons

1

5

1

* Less than one half of one per cent,

@ Sone respondents gave more than one answer.

59 -



Illt The Thene

Proa the vievpoint of the United States Infonaation Agency, the

success of the "Faaily of Man" exhibition can only be gauged by the

extent to \;hich it contributes to achieving the TJ.S.I.S. objectives in

Geraany, i.et whether or not the Steichen show explained Anerica and its

ideals to the Geroancpublic and therefore created acre favorable attitudes

towards the United States. Of course, such a test must in large part

await the passage of tine and is admittedly more conclusively based upon

actions than words. Nevertheless, the inquiries reported upon in this

chapter are designed to apply such a test in a linited way and. answer

the questions of concern to U.S.I.S, policy-aaking personnel.

The three sections of this chapter are all concerned with the theae

and underlying idea of the Steichen exhibit: (1) its conprehension. and

inpact; (2) the role of the United States in it; and (5) fundamental

attitudes and biases towards the theme,

Se£tion_J_j Comprehension and Impi'act of Therie"

The thene of the Steichen show expressed in the tern "We all - the

Family of Llan" \/as to demonstrate the common needs and emotions which are

the...unifying elements in our everyday life, \/herever men live, and to

convey to every citizen of the world the pictorial message about the

essential "oneness" of mankind throughout the world. Through this under-

lying idea the exhibit was supposed to stimulate thinking about our fellov/-

nen, to awaken understanding for other people and to promote humaneness

and friendship between all nations and races.

ONLY VERY PEW THINK EXHIBITION IS SliCPLY A PHOTO SHOW . ,

'fhen asked whether the exhibit had sone other objectives beyond that

of a photo show, that is, a display of photographic masterpieces, about

9 out of 10 in the audience replied in the affirmative. The more edu-

cated, i.e. people with university training, seen to be slightly more

aware of these other objectives than their counterparts,

"In your opinion, is this exhibition to be construed

as simply a photo show, that is, a display of photo-

graphic masterpieces, or does it have some otherobjectives beyond this?"

COi.'EB'INED Less More

SîHPLES Men Women educated+ educated+

(770) (467) 15057 (555) (TlTT

Simply a photo show 6<fo % ffo % yfo

Has some other objectives 93 95 92 89 96

No opinion 1 2 1 2 1

To^ Too^ Too^ 100% ôofo

+ Since the great bulk of the audience has Jore than elementary schooling

'less educated' has been taken to mean êmentary school and secondary

school w/o Abitur (diploma). The 'more educated' category includes

university training as well as the- Abitur which is the necessary degree

for continuing studies at the university,

- 40 -



GREAT IMJORITY GIVES CORRECT DEFIIMITION OF EXHIBIT' S .OBJECTIVE

Approxiaately seven out of ten visitors v/eiê able to naae the

objectives of the Steichen show correctly. The rightly reported defini-

tions cluster around the ethical values of the exhibit. Respondents were

considered only partly right if in naning the objectives of the show

they pointed to its inforuational nature, while those considered as abso-

lutely wrong thought exclusively of propaganda objectives.


as simply a photo sho\.', that is, a display of photo-graphic masterpieces, or does it have sone other

objective beyond this?"

IF "Has soae other objective" >

"In your opinion, \?hat objective does the exhibition

have?"

Summary Table

CORRECTLY ililED OBJECTIVES (Ethical Objectives)

To promote friendship between all

peoples and races

To illustrate the common and \inifying

elements in the life of all peoples

To appeal to people to sho\/ humaneness

To a\/aken understanding for otherpeoples

To demonstrate that humanity forms

one large family of man

PARTLY CORRECT OBJECTIVES (informationalObjectives)

To depict human life

To furnish information and enlightenment

in general 5

To enlighten people about social conditions

throughout the world 2

Other answers 5

INCORRECTLY ITAMED OBJECTIVES (Propaganda Objectives) ( 2^)

To make propaganda for the

United States 1

To propagandize democracy 1

COIvffilNED

SAIJPLES

(71/o)

229$

22

12

8

7

(31/0

21

NO OPINION

@ Some respondents gave more than one ans\/er.

41 -



COmiENTS IN DETAIL


as sinply a photo show, that is, a display of photo-

graphic nasterpieoes, or does it have sone other

objective beyond this?"

IF "Has 3oae other objective" ;

"In your opinion, ..hat objective does the exhibition

have?"Hone

Interviews

CORilECTLY NAIIED OBJECTIVES •

i^^fo)

To promote friendship bet\/een all peoples and races : 22!fo

"The idea behind this exhibition is to promote friendship

betv/een all nations."

"The objective of this exhibition is to pronote inter-

national friendship, v/hether people belong to the yellow

race, the white or the black race, a bond of conpassionshould unite theu all, and nothing should separate theu,"

"It is meant to educate people, to appeal to then to live

together with all other nations in peace and friendship,"

"The idea is to pronote conciliation between all peoples,"

"The objective is to further pacifistic and unifying ten-

dencies on a world-\;ide basis."

"It's a contribution towards consolidating peace and

promoting friendship between all nations,"

To^ illustrate the cor.inon and unifying elements

in the life of all peoples i 22

"'To demonstrate that everyday life, \Jork, lovemaking and

sorrow are the same with all peoples."

"To demonstrate that, although the world is large and all

nations have distinguishing characteristics, life is

basically the sane everywhere."

"To make people understand that the family of man, which

includes all nations and races, shares a common fate,"

"To enphasize the similarities and common traits of the

members of all nations >"

"The idea is to make the mass of people understand that

the differences between the members of individual nations

aren't so great, after allc"

To a-jjpeal to people to show humaneness t 1

"The idea behind the exhibition is unmistakable. It's an

appeal to all men to sho\/ kindness to\/ards each other."

"It's meant to arouse people and make them understand that

they are about to destroy the Holy Grail of life,"

"Brotherliness as a component of human relations between

nations is to be emphasized,"

"To bolster life in nan or to reawaken faith in theindividual."

"The object is to further humaneness once more, as in

times of war this quality often is lost,"


42 -



Hone(Cont'd fron preceding page) Intervie\;

To awaken understanding for other peppies t 85!^

"Photography is only a raeans tou-ards an end, and that is,

to furnish a clearer insight into the life of the

COLimunity of man beyond racial barriers."

"To furnish a more profound insight into the life of other

peoples.""To affect hunan comprehension of all peoples and races is

considered necessary."

"The idea is to help people attain a keener understandingof all other reaces and peoples."

To demonstrate that hunanity forms one large

family of nan ; 7

"The title of the exhibition 'Family of Man' expresses the

underlying idea clearly."

"The title reveals the objective! hunanity forms one large

family of nan in spite of political frontiers, that messagevas to be conveyed."

"The idea is to sho./ man as a collective species, as a

family, that iso"

"To make people understand that we all are one large family,"

PARTLY CORRECT OBJECTIVES (51^)

To depict human life ; 21

"A documentation of the aspects of huuan life in all parts

of the \/orld,""To catch as wide a scope of human life as possible in

photographs."

"The idea is to describe the life of man in its manifold

aspects."

"To demonstrate the joy of living and of having beencreated a human being."

"The objective is to enlighten visitors concerning the

habits and customs and domestic life of other peoples."

"To show man engaged in his daily activities v/hile he

feels unobserved."

To furnish information and enlightenment in general; 5

"To broaden the horizon of the individual,"

"To enlighten and lift up people,"

"To let people take a look at the world,"

To enlighten people about soc ial conditions throughout

the \;orldt 2

"The idea is to arouse people and to remind then of the

widespread misery and distress that exists in the world."

"The lo'iêr social classes, the \/orking people, arecrying out in protest, their poverty is being documented."

Other answers : 5

"The idea is to influence the public as a v.hole, both

professional photographers as well as amateurs."

"The idea is to make people understand that a good photo-

grapher must also consider the human angles, therefore the

objective of the exhibition is also an ethical one,"


- 45 -



Hone

(Cont'd from preceding page) latervievs

ISCORRJCTLY ILUIED OBJiDCTIVES • _ (2^)

To nake propafe-anda' for the United States : 1 io

"The exhibition is tendentious. It's anti-Geraan and

shov;s things naively Anericanized'*"

"To carry propaganda for the United States."

To propagandize denocracy t 1

"To nake propa^'anda for democracy."

"Their democratic idea is to be furthered .and

propagandized."

Nb OPimON ( 2^°)

Some respondents gave more than one answer*

ALMOST EVERYOITE IlilS SOIE COl'lPrfEHEiTSION OF THE THEIffi >«•

A second probing test of comprehension reveals that although the

theme is rather abstract, an exceptionally large proportion of the

audience appeared to have grasped the essentials of the exhibit's

underlying idea.

In reply to a query on \<hat the exhibition expressed to its

spectators, all but a very small fraction of the attendants were able

to come up with quite acceptable definitions of the theme (91f»)» About

half of the visitors gave evidence of an unmistakably clear comprehension

of the theme.

This can be credited to two factors (a) the forceful expressiveness

of the pictures and (b) the exceptional high intellectual level of the

audience,

44



It is interesting to note tliat in conparing the exit sanple with

the hone saaple, anong the interviev;s ianediately after the shov, post

(51yo) indicate only sone coaprehension of the thene ) vhereas in the

houe intervie\.s - tô or three da^s later - the picture is exactly re-

versed, i.e. most people (54S°) indicate a clear understanding of the

thene. This reveals that v;ith the passage of tine the underlying idea

of the "Fanily of Llan" exhibit becones clearer,

"".That, do you believe, is the underlying idea of

this photographic exhibition?"

COilBINED Exit Hone

S;J_IPLES Interviews Interviews

(770) (298) (472)

Clear conprehension of theae 49/^)q4c/ 425^ 54^'

Sone conprehension of thene 42 )'"

51 5^

No conprehension of thene 9 7 10

TOO^ 100>S 100%

In this context the visitors -v.'ere asked a second question, nanely hew

well did the pictures express the idea of the exhibit. The following

table shows that the greater (clearer) the conprehension of the thene

is, the higher becone the ratings as to hou' well the pictures expressed

the thene of the exhibit,

"'•./hat do you believe is the underlying

idea of this photographic exhibition?"

COIiBIIIED SAMPLES

Clear Sone No

Conprehension Conprehension Coaprehension

tmj t!ttf mr'In your opinion, how veil do the

pictures express this idea of the

exhibition?"

Extrenely well

Very '..'ell

\/ell

Mediocre

Not so well

Not at all

ITo opinion


54/°

54 .

11

1



"What, do you believe, ia the underlying idea wf


Sumaary Table

COIfflltTED

SAIitPLES

CLEAR COIIPREKEHSION OP THEAffi (57/0)

To stress ,the couaon and uniting

characteristics of all men

To deuonstrate .that all peoples

and races forn one large family

of man v/hose members should come

to understand each other better

To awaken understanding and com-

passion for one's fellowman

S01.IE COIIPREHEIISION OF THEIffi (44fo)

To illustrate the gamut of human

life from birth to death and its

meaning with members of all

peoples and races

To. demonstrate the futility of war

and make an appeal for peace

Other answers

m COITPREHEITSION OF THEME ( 9fo)

To give an insight into the family

life of various races and

social classes

To demonstrate the iôi/er of

expression and artistic value

of photography

ITo opinion/llo ans'i/er

Z6fo

25

6

35

4

5

4

Tio^

Exit Home


48

3

3

28?^

27

6

28

4

6

110^

COiniENTS IN DETAIL

"What, do you believe, is the underlying idea of


COMBINED Exit Home

SAIIPLES Interviews Interviews

CLEAR COMPREHEiySIOW OF TliEME (57^)

T o stress the common and uniting character-

isti cs of_all

_aenI

"This exhibit shows the life of different

peoples, and makes it clear that they have

more in common than men usually presu.je."

"There are things all people have in common

even if the outward form varies,"

"All men have the same basic features. There

is no racial distinction*"

"That though the different peoples have their

characteristic features, they have a lot in

common,"

"All men are equal, no natter \;hat peoplesor races they below to."


- 46 -

22/0



COLBINED Exit Hone

(Cont'd fron preceding page) SMIPLSS Interviews Interviews

To denonstrate that all peoples and races

forn one larê fanily of uan \.'hose iieubers

should corae to under st-nd each other better ; Z% 2V^ ZT^

"To nake it clear that mq all fora one large

fanily."

"That the nations should endeavor to achieve

nutual understanding as we are all in the

same boat."

"That all peoples and races should cone to

live peacefully together."

"That Anerica is striving for a better under-

standing between the nations."

To awaken understanding and conpassion for

one's fello\.'nan t 6 7 6

"To renind people to display greater understand-

ing and tolerance for his fellow creature,""Not to condenn our fello^.• creatures ^ but

acquire greater understanding of then."

"An enphatic appeal for charity and readiness

to help - it is everybody's duty to relieve

the nisery in the world."

SOlvIE COMPREHENSION OF THEI.EE (445ô)

To illustrate the gaiaut' o f huaan life fron

birth to death and its neaning with nenbers

of all peoples and races ; 35 46 28

"That conditions of life and huuan problens

are alike all over the world,"

"To illustrate the basic hunan problensj love,

sorrow, joy and hatred,"

"To show the human being in all phases of life -

fron birth to death,"

"As the caption says: to illustrate the

characteristic picture of iiankind."

"To illustrate the ups and do\ms in

huaan life,"

To denonstrate the futility of war and nake

an a.^peal for peace ; 4 5 4

"To show that there are possibilities for a

peaceful living together."

"To show the futility of war."

"Everybody should do everything in his power

to contribute to.:ards a lasting peace,"

Other answers; 5 5 6

"To illustrate the notherly goodness ofnature,"

"To catch a wide scope of hunan life,"


- ',7-



COICBIIIED Exit Hone

(Gont'.dfron- preceding page) SAMPLES Interviews Interviews

NO COnPr-EIIElTSION OF TlffiME { 9fo)

To r<ivo an insight int o the faaily life

of various races and social classes ; 2/» ^<fo Zfo

"They raean to sho\/ the lasting value of fanily

life, and to show social ranks.""They intend to illustrate fanily life,

to show fauily uenbers at \;ork and at ease."

To deaonstrate the power of expression and

artistic value of photography ? 4 3 5

"To prove that photography can also produce

genuine works of art«"

"To show what effects can be achieved by

skillful photographers."

"Todemonstrate ho\* to catch the nost

expressive nonents with a camera."

NO opinion/no AlISV/ER _?^ 2 4T7t^ TTo^ ^^(y/c^

® Some respondents gave more than one answer.



PREPOflBEPJ.NCE SEES PROIiOTION OF FRIEITOSHIP AND PEACE AS

CHIEF VALUE OF EXHIBIT ...

The aain purpose of the Steichen sho\i was to pronote friendship

and peace between all nations and races through the expression of its

thene. Judging by the results of the follo-w-ing rather direct inquiry,

the exhibit seeius to be successful in this direction since alnost

half of the audience (47?j) chose point "B" as their first choice and

only a suall ninority (l8'/o) put the show's contribution to friendship

and peace last*

"Wherein do you see the chief value of this photo-

graphic exhibition? Would you please read the

views listed here and then tell us i.hich of then

you "vrould put in first place? (CjiPJ))

And v.hich would you put in last place?"

Hone Interviews

First place Last place

A - The exhibition illustrates that

photography is to be regarded as a

genuine, artistic forn of ex-

pression and as a aodern trend

in art lyjo 46^

B - The exhibition serves to pronote

the idea of friendship between

nations and is an essential contri-bution to '.;orld peace 47 18

C - The exhibition ains at enlightening

and instructing people by familiar-

izing visitors with living conditions

of other countries and peoples 29 27

No opinion 1 9

49



EXHIBIT REGARDED ALIJOST UNANIMOUSLY AS IJIPORTANT TO SHOiV

IN OTHER GERILiN CITIES ...

The inportance people place in a further presentation of the

Steichen show in other Geruaii cities represents another test of inpact.

More than. 9 out of 10 (93'/i) - to "be found in all strata of the audience -•

consider it important that the exhibit "be circulated in Germany at the

present tine. The views held in this respect seea to "be rather in-

tense since the \/ei£ht of opinion (625^) lies on "very important" rather

than simply "important."

"Quite apart from how you liked this exhibition -

do you consider it important enough to show this

exhibition these days in other German cities also,

or don't you think it's important? (is it very

important, important or not at all important?)"

COMBINED Less More

SAI.IPLES Men Women educat*d+ educated^

(770) (4^) I303T "T355) (415)

Very important 62^b 61>^ 65^/0 65fo 61^^

Important 31 32 28 27,

55

Not so important 2 2 13 1

Not at all important # 1 _ * 1

No opinion 5 4 6 5 4

To^ lOO^ 10^ lOOfo 100%-

UNDERLYING IDEA IIAIN REASON FOR Ilf ORTii'NCE ...

VJhen the visitors were asked ^;hy this exhibit is considered so

important and worthwhile sho\/ing elsewhere in Germany at the present

time, the clear majority answered the query with general or explicit

reference to the theme. About a third pointed out its unique interest

and artistic value.

Less tnan one half of one per cent.

Since the great bulk of the audience has more than elementary

schooling 'less educated' has been taken to mean elementary

school and secondary school w/o Abitur (diploma). The 'more

educated' category includes university training as \jell as the

Abitur which is the necessary degree for continuing studies

at the university.

50 -



Among the leading reasons i.'ith explicit reference to the theme

appears the exhibit's contribution to the promotion of peace i under-

standing and friendliness and its demonstration of the unifying elementj

among all peoples and races. Most frequently mentioned in general

reference to the theme is its educational value.

"Quite apart from hov; you liked this exhibition -




important, important or not at all important?)"

IF "Very important" or "Important" ;

"For -,/hat reasons do you consider this to be

important?"

Summary Table

BECAUSE OF THE THEIffi AITD UIIjDERLYIIIG IDEA

Explicit; (29fo)

Because the exhibition serves to promote

friendship betv?een the peoples and to

form a community of nations

Because the exhibition demonstrates the

common and unifying characteristics of

all peoples and races

Because the exhibition helps to promote

understanding bet\.'een men by depicting

living conditions throughout the world

General ; OVdBecause the exhibition has educational

value and provides e.ilightenraent

Because the exhibition sets people think-

ing and deliberating

Because the underlying idea of the

exhibition must be spread

Because the exhibition is an appeal to

people to show humaneness

BECAUSE OF ARTISTIC AND GEITERAL VALUE

FOR ALL PEOPLE

Because the exhibition is interesting

and unique and should be accessible

to the public

Because the exhibition is valuable from

a technical and artistic point of viev/

OTHER AHS'-ffiRS

NO OPIIIION

Home

Interviews

(6O/0)

(52?

25

7

@ Some respondents gave more than one reason.

51



COPQffiNTS IN DETAIL ...

''Quite apart from how you liked this exhibition -




important, important, or not at all important?)"

IF "Very important" or "Important".;

"For what reasons do you consider this tobe .

important?" g^^^

Interviews

BECAUSE OF THE THEIiE AND UNDERLYING IDEA'

{6<yfo)

Explicit t (29/0

Because the exhibition serves to promote friendship between

the peoples and to form a community of nations : ^0fo

"Because the idea behind the exhibition is to promote friend-

ship between all nations. It's a modest contributiontowards this aim in that it takes people's mind off that po-

licy of fear and mutual distrust."

"For pedagogic reasons, the idea of friendship between all

nations must be repeated again and again and must be demon-

strated to people until in the end it will become a work-

ing propoBition«"

"It can only help to enlighten the public on the idea of

friendship betv/een all peoples."

"To make people understand that all men form a community,"

"Because this exhibition will contribute towards promoting

friendship between nations as well as towards removingracial prejudices.''

Because the exhibition illustrates the common and unifying

characteristics of al l peoples and racest 1

"Because it cannot be made clear often enough that members of

all races have a lot in common."

"Because the problem of fellowship between all men which is

urgent for us all is treated here. It's important that people

everyiivhere understand that all nations face the same diffi-

culties."

"The things that form a link between people everywhere can-

not be pointed out often enough,"

"All men shou].d occasionally be reminded of the fact that

people throughout the \;orld are alike,"

"It's important because people v/ho live in other cities should

also see that people everyivhere are alike, for, in the final

analysis, everyday life is pretty much the same in all

countries."

Because the e xhibition helps to promote understanding between :

men by depict'ing jivingcond i tions throughout the world : 9

"To inspire the individual with greater respect for other

peoples and other races."

"Because in that way people have an excellent chance to learn

a lot of facts about other nations, and thus they will come

to feel closer to each other."

"I feel visiting this exlaibition is an enriching experience

for all as it promotes the individual's understanding of

other nations,"

"More people will become familiar with the living conditions

in other countries, ana m that way they will als'' come to

feel respect for their fellow creatures.""Because one can never do enough to promote human understanding,"


- 52 -



Hoae(Cont'd fron the preceding page) Interviews

General ; i^^yo)

Because the exhibition has educational value and provides

enlifihtennent i 1 Tj;i

"This aaterial should be sho\/n to very nany people, for now-

adays the interest of the crowd centers. around football

ganes and the novies. This exhibition should be shown to

them to arouse then,""People every\.'here should see this exhibition because it hag

educational value,"

"It's a contribution towards enlightening uore people, the

public generally, I mean."

"Because it helps to enlighten people and uiake then acre

mature,"

"It's necessary to instruct people, especially the rising

generations."

"Once again snobbisn is gaining ground in our country. Just

think of that adulation of Picasso. It's essential to

combat this trend."

Because the exhibi tion sets people thinking and deliberating ! 7

"Because this exhibition gives food for thought to all

visitors."

"Because \,'hoever \;ill see this exhibition is bound to reflect

on the problems raised."^

"People simply must see many of those pictures as it will

melt their hearts,"

"Everybody must be given the chance to see such pictures

as these which cause people to meditate."

B ecause _the_ underlying idea of the exhibition must be spread i 4

"This exhibition should be shoi;n in every city so that people

everyi.'here \/ill grasp the meaning and the value of the

prevailing theme,"

"This is a ;,jroblem that concerns all Germans, not only the

inhabitants of liunich."

"Because it's a good thing if the leading thought of the

exhibition bears fruit with the visitors."

Because the exhibi tion is an appeal to people to showhumaneness ? 3

"The leitmotif is that of humanity and goodness and that's why

as many people as possible should see the exhibition,"

"Because of the humane- values inherent in this exhibition."

"Because the exhibition is very valuable and villi make people

respond to the demands of humaneness \.'herever it is shown,"

BECAUSE OF ARTISTIC AlTD GElffiRAL VALUE FOR ALL PEOPLE (52^)

B ecause the^ exhibition is interesting _and_ unique and thusshould be accessible to people every\Jhere ; 25

"This exhibition should not be withheld fron xêople living

elsewhere as it has had such a lasting effect in our city,"

"I have recommended visiting this exhibition to my friends

and feel that as many people as possible should see it as

it is so impressive,"

"People living else-here should also get a chance to see

such a rare exhibition."

"All Germans should see this \ionderful exhibition."

"EveryDody snouia see an uxhibi-Cion as i.iagnificent as this,"

"Every thinking human being simply must be enthusiasticabout this marvellous exhibition,"

"There cannot be enough people to see this exhibition."


- 53 -



Home

(Cont'd fron preceding page) Interviews

Because the exhibition is valuable from a technical and

artistic point of view i Tfo

"The photographs are technically excellent. This exhibition

could be exemplary,"

"ITeu areas of photography were shown, especially expressing

various themes in a most natural Manner."

"In Gernany the art of photography isn't as highly developed

yet. So far its scope has been a little narrow,"

0TH3R ANS\-'ERS "

( 5/^)

"If the word 'USA' is mentioned, people automatically think

of dollars, technology, and of Hollyivood, but these aren't

the essential things. There are also other sides to America

and this exhibition makes it clear that the Americans have

high idealsf"

"Especially we Germans should cone to understand that there

are people in other countries who live much more poorly thanwe do. ¥e should learn to see things in their proper

perspective."

NO OPINION ( 1/b )

® Some respondents gave more than one reason.

"Quite apart from \;hBther you liked this exhibition -

do you consider it important enough to show thisexhibition these days in other German cities also,


important, inpartant or not at all important?)"

IF "No_t so important" or "Not at all important "

"For \/hat reasons do you consider this to be not

so important?"Hone

Interviews

List ( 3/0

"Because too intimate pictures were sho\m,"

"Because so many intimate piotur-es were shown,"

"Because it has nothing to do with art."

"Because of some pictures which were indecent,"

"Because the headline leads people to expect more than is

offered.".

"There are enough good photo exhibitions and the special

purpose of this one has not been achieved,"

"Because it offers nothing new but only evokes memories."

"It is actually not so high above the average of this

kind of exhibition:''"I'm against such direct propaganda."

54



AUDIENCE AGREES OVERv/HELMINGLY ON THE EXHIBIT'S SUCCESSFUL EXPRESSIONOF T2B FUNDAMENTAL UiJITY OF iiiiNKIND . .

In the follo->.'ing query respondents were confronted with a card

giving tvjo different views about the shoii'« Hine out of ten

visitors felt the exhibit expressed the view that races and nations

essentially have raore things in conmon and fora a large connunitybound together by counon fate. Only a negligible minority {Tfo) think

the pictures did not so nuch sho\i things all uen have in coanon as

they pointed up the differences bet-.;een people which nake nan an

individual and unique personality,

"Tv.-o exhibit visitors are discussing the exhibition

photos, each of then holding a different view, .'ith

jhich of the two views would you be nost likely to

agree?" (CARD)

Exit Hone


Mr» Mayer says :

"I J as very nuch impressed by the photos

because they deuonstrate that the nen-

bers of all races and nations fundanen-

tally have uore things in coanon than

things that separate then and that they

fom a large connunity bound together bya connon fate." 90^^ 89^

Mr. Schulze says

"I rather have the inpression that the

photos do not so nuch show the things

all men have in co;anon as point up the

differences between people, differences

which aake naoa individual and a unique

personality," 7 ^

No opinion 3 5To^ Too^

55 -



EVEU THOSE v/HO COITSIDERED IIANKIND DISSIMLAR H'EPRuiSSED WITH

EXHIBIT'S THEJffi ...

V/hen in cross-tabulation the visitors are separated according to

their basic attitude to\/ards the thene, the reader finds that almost

all visitorsholding the opinion that men are essentially alike choose

Mr, Mayer's viewpoint, but only two-thirds of those thinking aen are too

different to be regarded as alike do so,

•(/hile it is not surprising that people who already tend to agree

that men have much in connon are impressed by the exhibit's furtherance

of this theme, it is a tribute to the impact of the "Family of Man" that

over two-thirds (Sdfo) of those who basically felt that men are too

different were impressed by the photosbecause they demonstrate the

exact opposite (i.e» that races and nations fundamentally have more in

common),

"Apart from the exhibition and its

theme - towards which view are you

more inclined - that men have so

many things in common that they are

essentially alike , or that men are too

different to be regarded as alike?"

COL'IBINED S.mPLES

"Two exhibit visitors are discussing the

exhibition photos, each of then holding

a different view, iVith which of the

two views would you be most likely

to agree?"

Mr-: Mayer, says t

"I was very much impressed by the photos

because they demonstrate that the mem-

bers of all races and nations fundamen-

tally have more things in common than

things that separate them and that they

form a large community bound together

by a common fate,"

Mr. Schulze says ?

""I rather have the impression that the

photos do not so much show the things

all men have in coumon as point up the

differences between people, differ-

ences vjhich make man individual and a

unique personality

No opinion

So much

in common

that alike

r6Tor~

Too different

to be regarded

as alike/

Undecided

96?6

2

25

100^

- 56



NEARLY A THIRD REPORTED HEW II7SIGHTS AKD IICPRESSIONS RESULTING FROM

EXI-IIBIT . . .

Judging by the returns to the follo'.;ing inquiry, the exhibit did

not offer or stinulate very nany ne\i ideas to its audience and, there-

fore, in this respect does not score as high as on popular appeal. Only

a minority (30^) feels the Steichen shov; offered sonething new to thea«

Hovever, in viet/ of the fact that 8 out of 10 visitors revealed an

absolute concurrence with the theae as their basic attitudes- by saying

that - apart fron the exhibit - uen have so many things in connon that

they are fundanentally alike, it left only 20 per cent who could have

learned this "ne.-" idea.

In addition, in judging this finding one has to consider a number

of factors 'which pertain to the specific characteristics of this exhibit

as well as to the conposition of the audience attracted. Unlike other

USIS exhibitions such as the "i\toas for Peace," "Better Living," etc

the Steichen show does not present so much a body of factual inforaation

as a noro or less abstract thenei "The Brotherhood of I/Ian."

Indication of learning in this respect fron this exhibit would

inply that one has not known nor supported this idea before seeing the

exhibit. But as previously reported, the audience is of an exceptionally

high intellectual level and already largely subscribes to the underlying

idea of the Steichen show. It has been part of their thinking prior to

the exhibit. In other words they have very probably spent a considerable

anount of their spiritual and intellectual life being concerned with the

problens and philosophies expressed by the show. The majority of negative

answers to our question is therefore quite reliable in that most really

did not learn anything new, since - accoi-ding to their basic attitude -

only about 20 per cent of the audience could have really learned sonething.

Thus with most visitors the impact of the "Fauily of Man" exhibit does not

lie in the transnission of new ideas, but in the reactivation of old ones.

In view of these facts, one uust consider the 30 per cent adnitting

to have learned soae thing new as a very sizable proportion of the audienoe-

indicating in this context an appreciable iapact of the exhibit,

"Rave you gained any ne\<i insights or inpressions as

a result of visiting this exhibition?"

Home

Interviews

Yes 50/0

No 62

ITo opinion

Too^

+ Reported in Section 3 of this chapter,

- 57 -



NEi? INSIGITS AlID ILDPRESSIONS CONCERNING THE HUi'UiN COLIMUWiTY PKEDOMNATE

About half of those reporting newly acquired insights, talk about

the' comnunity of ijan. And slightly acre than a third say that they

learned something new in regard in photography,

"Have you gained any new insights or inpression as

a result of visiting this exhibition?"

IF "Yes" »

"Y/hat insights or inpressions are these?"

Suimary Table

Hone

Interviev/s

INSIGHTS Aira IICPRESSIONS COLTCERNING OTtEER JffiN (15^)

t realize now that all uen are alike Î have acquired a keener understanding of

the uenbere of other nations and their

way of life 4

I realize now that there is much distress

and misery in this world 3

It became clear to me that everybody has the

duty to care for his fellownen 2

I understand no\i that all nations can

get along - 1

INSIGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS CONCERNING PHOTOGRAPHY {^2fo)

My knowledge of the art of photography has

been augmented and enriched • 6

The artistic power of expression of '

photography is greater than I had

expected 6

OTHER ANSWERS ( 5^)

NO OPIMON'

(

H)

Less than one half of one per cent.

Some respondents gave more than one answer.

- 58



COMvtiJNTS IN DETAIL ...

"Have you gained any new insights or new inpressions

as a result of visiting this exhiijition?"

IF "Yes" :

"'.That insights or iupressions are these?"

Hone

Interviews

I realize nov/ that all aen are aljke t

"I've cone to understand that people all over the world are

alike. V/hatever their nationality nay "be^ they all have

the saue joys and sorro\/s."

"I discovered that all non arc inherently alike, even if they

talk different languages and look differently."

"I've coue to realize that all of us huaan beings j regardless

of -.vhat race we belong to, share sorrows and joy."

"It becany clear to ne that there is no such thing as an

inferior race."

I have acquired a keener understanding of the nenbers of

other nations and their way of life :

"I've learned new things about the way of life of the differ-

ent nations."

"I've cone to understand other peoples and races better for

I now know the truth about how they live."

"I have acquired an even keener understanding of the sort of

life other peoples lead."

"We now see our fellow creatures in other countries in adifferent light."

I realize now that there is uuch distre ss_ and nisery

in this world t

"I was quite shaken \;hen finding out about the nisery that

exists in the world,"

"I've cone to realize that people throughout the world

still suffer severe hardships and that one should help

wherever one can,"

"It seens the standard of living in nost countries is rauch

lower than is generally believed."

It be caue clear to ne that everybody has the duty;

to care for his fel lowmen t

"I've coue to understand that \.'e nust stop our hearts fron

hardening even nore,"

"It becane clear to ne that the individual should take a

keener interest in the fate of his fello\.' creatures."

"People should show even uore kindness and compassion

towards their fellownen."

I understand now that al l nations can ^'Qt ±}-°J}S.*

"I realize now that cooperation between all nations is

feasible."

"Through this exhibition it becane clear to ne that the

world is populated by human beings in the true sense of

the word, and that you will find friends everwhere.

You only have to look for then."




Hone

(Cont'd from preceding page) Interviews

My knov^ledjê of the art of photogTaphy has been augnented

and enriched ; 6^

"I've cone to understand that, when photographing, one must

take even greater pains to catch life as it really is«"

"I've coae to the conclusion that you needn't tother so

nuch about getting sharp pictures '.vhen you take photo-graphs as about finding sone really poignant motif,"

"This exhibition was a treat in the field of photographyt

It helped me to develop my perceptive facultiest I re-

ceived nev/ ideas which v/ill be fruitful for my creative

work,"

The artistic po\;er of expression of photography is

greater than I had expected ; 6

"I hadn't realized before visiting this exhibition that

photographs can have such high artistic value,""I've found out that photography is more than just a

pastime, that it creates artistic values,"

"I've discovered that you can illustrate an idea more

forcefully by photos than by lectures and articles,"

"I discovered that a photo may catch a fleeting

expression much more efficiently than a painting,"

Other answers 1 5

"I cane to understand that no new values have been created

for man through the modern technological achievements."

"That the people of Europe have lost face,""I came to the conclusion that man inherently is good."

ITo opinion ;*


@ Some respondents jave more than one .answer.

- 60 >



AUDIENCE FEELS THE UNITED STi\TES IS COUNTRY DOING MOST TO REALIZE

THE IDEAL OF THE EXHIBIT ,.,

Though about half of the visitors had no opinion as to which

country in the i<orld does the aost to realize the ideals expressed in the

exhibit, the U.S.A. has a coaaanding lead over all the other countries

uentioned. The 4 out of 10 naming America, are more than twice as great

as the percentages naming all other countries,

"In your opinion, v/hich country in the world does

most to realize the ideal expressed in this

exhibition?"

Hone

Intervie7/s

United States t ( 4C^

U.S.A. 37U.S.A. - with certain

reservations 3

France 2

Switzerland 2

Geruany 1

Other European countries 3

3iat ( 3^)

India 1

Japan 1

Other Asian countries 1

No country

Other (qualified) answers

No opinion/No ansv/er

Some respondents naned uore than one country.

- 61



Section 2 ; The Role of the United States

One of the .uajor questions in the evaluation of the "Family of

Man" exhibit \/as - vjhat role was ascribed to the United States in the

shov/, and to \/hat extent are the ideals presented in the exhibit

attributed to the USA? The degree of awareness of and reaction to the

U.S. sponsorship of the show \;as nost relevant.

The discussion of the results to the previous query in the foregoing

section (which country does uost to realize the ideal of the exhibit?)

suggested already that America's role in the theme is considered quite

favorably and as rather important* Finding that 40 per cent of the visi-

tors think the United States makes the greatest efforts to realize the

expressed ideal represents a very high score in a free answer situation*

GREAT 1.IAJ0RITY IDEITTIFIES TH3 STEICHEN SHOW AS A U.S. SPONSORED

PROJECT . ..

The exhibit was shown in the House of Modern Arts in Munich,

Nearly two-thirds of the audience knew about the U.S. sponsorship of the

show and about half of them (5O5J0) could give the precisely correct

answer. This indicates that the audience, in general, views and judges

the show as an American project,

"Do you know who sponsored this exhibition?"

Home

Interviews

Yes, New York Museum of

Modern Art "bOffo)

Yes, America/Americans \

(general answers) 50 )

Yes, America House 1 )

YesJbut named wrong sponsor

(Munich, UNO, UNESCO,

Llr, Steinbach, etc) 1

ITo opinion 36

6 1/0

62 -



ALMOST S^rEEY VISITOR VIE./S ..lERICii'S PROMOTION OF THE EXHIBIT AS

A GOOD IDEA ...

Hardly anyTsody anong the audience considered it a bad idea for

the United States to pronote the exhibit with the thene "The Fanily

of Man." However, a slight difference between the two samples is

apparent, i.e. fewer respondents said 'good idea' in the hone inter-

views (865=0) than was the case among the exit sanple. Anong the latter,

audience approval of iinerican efforts in presenting the. show was alnost

unaniuous {9T/o) , This again reveals the overwhelaing effect of the

show ri^t after seeing it, which then cools slightly with sone days'

interlude after the sensation.

"Fundauentally, do you consider it a good or a

bad idea for Auerica to pronote this exhibition

with the thene 'Fanily of Han'?" (Asked afterthose una\;are were inforned about U.S. sponsor-

ship.)

Exit Houe


Good idea 97?^ 86fo

Bad idea,

- *

IJo opinion ^ 14

To^ Too^

IvL'ilN REASOH FOE CONSIDERING IT A GOOD IDEA IS THE SHOW'S CONTRIBUTION

TO'/ARDS B:;TTER Ui'IDERSTA'NDING BET'.ffiEN PEOPLE . . ,

Only one critical connent was given in support of the opinion

of "bad idea" (held by- a single case), naaely - "Because in their ovm

country the Anericans do not live up to the, ideas expressed by this

exhibit."

"Fundaiaentally, do you consider it a good or a

bad idea for Anerica to promote this exhibition

with the thene 'Fanily of Man'?"

IF "Good idea" ;

"vfliy do you consider this a good idea?"

Hone

Interviews

Because this exhibition contributes towards a better

understanding bct\;een people of all nations and races : 23fo

"Because it contributes towards a better understanding

between people of all nations.""Because it is an essential contribution towards interw

national understanding."

"Because not enough can be done to pronote a friendly'

understanding between all nations,"

"It helps to rcLiove racial prejudices*"


(Cont'd on next page

- 63



Home(Cont'd from preceding par^ê) Interviev/a

Because this exhibition demongtrates that mankind is reallya large family nith common problems and interests : 1 4^^

"Because America demonstrates by this exhibition that all

people in the v;orld have common interests."

"The exhibition is a olear illustration .of the theme • .Ve all

are one large family - we are all in the same boat' »"

"Shows that" all people have the same kind of problems.""Because it can't be shown often enough that all human

beings are alike in their positive and in their negative

characteristics."

Because the id_ea of the exhibit ion is good and worth

promoting; ~12

"Because the idea this exhibition represented is really

worth promoting."

"The general idea is goodc"

"Nothing should be left untried to promote this idea.""To say that this v/as a bad idea, one vjould have to be a

very primitive character indeed."

Because the exhibition serves the purpose of establishingand maintaining pea ce in the world i 8

"An attempt to establish peace in the world on the basis of

the 'Family of lian'."

"One step nearer towards world peace,"

"Because it would be a substantial contribution tov/ards

world peace if this idea were spread."

Because i t is sho'tm by thi s exhibition that the United

States is striving for a peaceful understandi ng; 5

"Because it illustrates the good will of the United States."

"Because by' this exhibition the Americans show that they vantto contribute to the establishment of world peace."

"So that people can see that America is really willing to

bring about an understanding."

Because jtlie_ exhibiti on gives an interesting and instructive

insight into the way of life ^ in other countries ? 4

"Because- one -ets an insight into other people's habits andway of living,"

"It is surprising how much informational value can be suppliedby a good photo exhibition,"

Because the exhib ition promotes the humanitarian spirit ; 4

"It leads people towards a humane way of thinking and feeling.""Perhaps it will bring us nearer to the humanitarian ideal,"

Because America is be st sui ted to organize an exhibitionof this kinds

"

2

"Nobody would know better how to show something like this •

than the Americans."

"Only America could have done it in this particular way,"


« 64«



Home(Cont'd .from preceding page) Intervlevs

Because the exhibi t on has a high artistic and

technical IuTqI ; 1^

"Because it has a high artistic standard, the photos

are so expressive that they must te considered

v7orks of art."

"Because of its high level."

Other answers ; 4

"Perhaps it will lead people to reflect on things."

"Because one can get a lot out of it,"

"This exhibition has many positive characteristics."

No opinion/No answer :

@ Some respondents gave moiê than one answer.

65 -



EXHIBIT EFIEdlVELY PROMO'xES D.S.I.S. OBJECTIVES ...

Jin ansvwT to the imyortcnt question - what docs the Stoich._n shoij

do for the otj^ctiv^s of the U.S. gov^rnm-.nt? - is ^.rcsJntcd in the

follo\'ing findings': H ^srly throw quart..rs of the audience received

the impression through th.^ exhibition that the Uniti^d States is seriously

trying to bring abou t und>^rstanding botveen the nations and races through-

out t?i^ \.orld. In oth^r \.ords the great bulk of the visitors, aft>-r

seeing the sho\. , \,<.t^ convinced of tho truthfulness of American

idv,als and M-fforts to\/ards und^^rstanding and peace,

"Did this exhibition give you the impression that

Am rica s riously tri^s to bring about an under-

standing between thv. nations and rac^s of th^ oarth,

or didn't you receiv^ this impiession?"

Exit Home

Intorvic.s Interviews

Yes, tries s«,riously 7^% 72fo

No, docs not try s.-riously 8 9

No opinion 19 19

lOO'/b 100?^

66



Section 3 t Basic Attitudes and Biases

An adequate judgment of the findings presented in this chapter

requires consideration of basic attitudes and indibated biases toward

the theme of the exhibit,

HIGH RECEPTIVITY TO'./ARDS THEIIE THROUGH BASIC ATTITUDE ...

Asked toward which view they are basically more inclined - apart

from the exhibit - 79 per cent of the audience said that men have so

many things in common that they are fundamentally alike and 15 per cent

expressed the attitude that men a^-e too different to be regarded as

alike. This reveals a high receptivity towards the theme through basic

attitude,

"Apart from the exhibition and its theme - to\iard3

T/hich view are you more inclined - that men have

so many things ixi common that they are essentiallyalike » or that men are too different to be regarded

as alike?"

COMBIIIED Less More

SAl/IPLES Men ./omen educate d+ educated 4-

(770) (467) Ttoiy (555) (415)

So much in common that alike 79fo 78^0 80^!^ dlfo l&fc

Too different to be re^^'a-rded

as alike 15 17 12 I4 16

Ho opinion 6 •

5 8 5 6

lOO^'o 1-00% lOCô 100% 100%

ONLY SI'LILL IIIilORITY FEELS UlTITED STATES TOO imCH REPRESEiTTED ...

Another factor important enough to consider in judging audience re-

actions is whether or not all countries presented in the exhibit received

equal treatment and if not which countries were thought to have been

shown too much.

The clear majoritj-- (57?°) thought equal presentation of all countries

was given. Only a minority (24%) felt that too much use was made of

some countries. Most of the visitors holding the latter view had the

United States in mind as being represented too much.

In other \/ords, possible bias introduced through the impression of

overrepresentation of the United States is small and - in consideration

of the findings previously reported in this report - without much influence.

"In your opinion, have all countries presented at the

exhibition been given equal treatment, or has too muchuse been made of some countries?"

Home

Intervie\;s

All were given equal treatment 57%Too much use of some countries 24Ho opinion I9

100%

+ Since the great bulk of the audience has more than elementary schooling

'less educated' has been taken to mean elementary school and secondaryschool w/o Abitur (diploma). The "more educated' category includes uni-

versity training as well as the Abitur which is the necessary degree

for continuing studies at the university,

- 67 -



COmffiFTS IS DETAIL . .

"In your opinion, have all countries presented at

the exhihition been given equal treatment, or has

too much use been made of some countries?"

IF "Too much use of some countrieg" ;

"\/hich countries were shown too much, for instance?"

HomeIntervievis

America (United States of America.) > 19^

"By far the most pictures were from America."

"Too much preference was given to America, A correct

statement is impossible, due to the absence of German

subtitles."

"Too many American photographers were represented. In view

of the title 'Family of Man' it would be desirable to see

more of other countries."

"Too many pictures of American life."

The Asian countries ; 3

"Too much emphasis was laid on the Asian countries."

"The underdeveloped Far East countries,"

"Indians, Chinese, if compared to the white race."

The black race ; 2

"Too much was sho\/n of the Hegroes."

"Too much was shown of the Negroes , but this 'too much'

is a good thing, in my opinion."

"Negroes and their families."

France ;

'

1

"France."

The East ern countries were neglected ; 2

"Not enough of the U.S.S.R."

"Too few pictures of Eastern Europe."

"More attention should have been given to the East bloccovintries."

V/est Europe wa s neglected ; 1

"That's difficult to say, but there wasn't enough of Europe,

especially \/ith regard to the Northern countries,"

"Spain was a little neglected. There were only very few

pictures from Spain*"

Other answers ; 1

"Of our white race, but that's only natural."

@ Some respondents gave more than one answer.

68



GREAT BULK OF ..UDIi;rTCE DID I-TOT COiTSIDER EXHIBIT BIASEDIN ANY DIRECTION . . .

Apart from the amount of trertment given to the countries repre-

sented in the exhibit, there exists cnother possible bias, namely

whether or not any favorable or unfavorable tendencies were noticed in

the presentation.

Only a few visitors thought there was any possible bias in that

the exhibit presented some country in an especially favorable or un-

favorable light.

Among the respondents having allegedly noticed too favorable pre-

sentation of a country, most think of the United States (10^). Most of

those reporting too unfavorable treatment of a country in the Steichen

show have Ger^âny in mind,"

"Do you feel that the pictures of this exhibition

presented any one country in an especially favorable

or an especially unfavorable light? (Any other country?)"

Home

Interviev;s

Yes, especially favorable light

country ... 12^

Yes, especially unfavorable light

country ... 1$

No, no country

COIJilERTS li; DETAIL ...

"Do you feel that the pictures of this exhibition

presented any country in an especially favorable

or an especially unfavorable light? (Any other country?)"

Home

Interviews

ESPECIALLY FAVORABLE LIGHT

The U.S.A. ;

"The USA, but that is only natural since this exhibition

was made up for New York,"

"The USA. The onesidedly optimistic attitude of the Americans

is too strongly stressed."

"Too many pictures showing American family life."

"The photos of American family life express smugness and

self-confideace,"

Other countries and ie.o£l_es_:

"All colored peoples.""Oriental countries."

"Japan."

No country in an especially favorable light ;

"No country was shown in an especially favorable light."

"They all got fair treatment,"

- 69 -

"Too^



Home(Cont'd from preceding page) Interviews

ESPECIALLY TOTFAVORABLE LIGHT

Germany »

"The pictures of German soldiers," 10^

"The pictures showing the expulsion of the Jews and the photosof the Nuremberg trials were tendentious and placed Germanyin a very unfnvorahle light."

"They shov/ed SS-men in V/arsav/, but atrocities committed byother nations weren't published,"

"The tanks in the streets of Berlin,"

The East-bloc countries i 1

"Russia,"

"The Eastern states."

The European countries ; , 1

"The European countries."

"France."

The U.S.A. » 1

"There were some pictures that showed conditions in the

States in rather a cynical ways I was surprised to seephotos like that from America."

The Asian countries ; *

"The Asian nations." •

No country in an especially unfavorable light ;

* Less than one half of one per cent4

- 70 -



THE "PAillLY OF lilAK" SHOULD BE SHOYW TO ALL COUNTRIES . . .

Another indirect way of approaching the impact of the exhibit is

applied in the question asking in which other countries the exhibit should

be shown and why.

Though about one-third of the audience registers no opinion, the

leading reply is that the Steichen show should be presented to all countries

{30fo) — another indication of the understanding of the theme.

Particularly noteworthy is the second most frequent ansv/er, namely

that the exhibit should be shovm in East-bloc countries. This reveals

that the show is, in fact, a valuable contribution towards USIS efforts

to counteract Eastern ideology.

In your opinion, in what other particular countries

should this exhibition be sho\m?"

IF some country name d

"V/hy should it be shown there?"

Hone^ Interviews

"In all countries" JOô

\ihy should it be shovm there?

Because it promotes international understanding B°/o

Because all people should be given an

opportunity to see this exhibition 5

Because it reveals the basic similarities

among all people 3

Because it provides an insight into the

living conditions and the peculiar problems

of other nations 5

Other reasons 5

No reason 8

Wo

"In the East-bloc countries" 15^0

Why shoul d it _be_ shown the re?

Because it openly exposes existing

political abuses ^fo

Because it promotes international understanding 5


living conditions and the peculiar problems

of other nations 2

Because the exhibition stresses the social

conscience of the Y/estern world in direct

contrast to the East 2

Because it will prove effective in curing

these people of their pettiness and

narroimindedness 1

Other reasons

Wo

(Cont'd on next pa^-e)

- 71 -



(Cont'd from preceding page) Home^ Intjpryiews

"In France" 8/^

Why should it "be shovm thc^re?

Because this exhibition will probably meet

with a lively interest in France ZJo

Because it would prove effective in curing

the French people of their pettiness and •

narrownindnuss 1

Because it could have a good influence on

the colonial policy of France 1

Because it promotes understanding between

the races 1

Other reasons 5

"In England"

Why should it be sho\m there?


living conditions and the peculiar prob-

lems of other nations 2^


the E^giish people of their pettiness and

narrowmindedness 1

Because it could have a good influence on

the colonial policy of England 1

Other reasons, no reason J^

"In Italy" ^'°

Why _should it be shown the re?

Because this exhibition will probably meet

with a lively interest in Italy 2^0


the Italians of their pettiness andnarrovTLiindedness 1

Other reasons, no reason 1

"In other European countries" 15/"

Why should it be_ shovm there,?

Because this exhibition v/ill probably meet

with a lively interest in Europe 5>o

Because it promotes international under-

standing 5


living conditions and the peculiar

problems of other nations 5


peoples of their pettiness and narrow-

mindedness 5

Other reasons, no reason 3

T5^(Cont'd on next page)

- 72 -



(Cont'd from proceding page) Home- Inte rvieTJS

In non-Europuan countries 59o

^hy should it be shovm there?

Because it promotes international understanding 2f'o

Because it reveals the basic similarities

anong all people 1

Because it provides an insight into the living

conditions and the peculiar problems of

other nations 1

Because this exhibition v/ill probably meet

with a lively interest in these countries 1

Other reasons, no ree.son *

In no country whatever *

Ho, opinion/llo answer 54

TT5^


© Some respondents gave more than one answer.

- 75





APPEIOIX "A"





REPLIES GROUPED ACCORDING TO TYPE

' .hich of the individual pictures produced the

strongest impression on you? Would you briefly

describe these pictures?

Was this impression favorable or unfavorable?"

COIvBINEDSAMPLES

Un-

Pavor- favor-

able able

Children, children at play t 39fo Mô

"The portrait of a small girl with

a large hat photographed against

a dark background."

"The picture of the three boys,

two of them colored and one a

white child, who play cops and

robbers,"

"The white glider plane model

against a dark courtyard,"

"The group of girls from England, ono

of them lifting her skirt with

such a self-assured and coquettish

air,"

"The Eskimo kids rubbing noses."

"All pictures showing children,"

ExitInterviews

Favor-

able

Vn-

favor-

able

n^îo \io

HomeInterviews

Un-

Favor- favor-

able able

54^ 1/0

Pregnancy and birth ; 15

"The young woman expecting a baby

who is photographed against the

backgro\md of a window and plants*"

"The birth scene where the physician

holds the child."

"The stark reality of the picture

showing a woman in labor and birth,"

15 10 14 16

Pictures of the creation of theworld ( cosmos » firmament, ocean) ; 22 ^

"The creation of the world,"

"The huge picture at the entrance

showing the cosmos,"

"The one with the caption 'And God

said, let there be light',"

"The firmament,"

"The picture of the ocean,"

Men at work ; 18 \

"Those three hands at the vice,"

"The people working on a railway

track,"

"The tall front of an office

building,"

"The sower in the field,"

"The \;omen who pluck tea,"

"The fishermen who haul up a

net,"

(Conf d on next p)

21 25

14 21

74 -



COIvffllNED

SAtgLES

(Cont'd from preceding page]

Favor-

able

Un-

favor-

able

Ilother and chil d; 1% 2'/o

"The sleeping Japanese child carried

like a bundle on its mother's back,"

"The mother v;ho nursesher child.""The Negrc- women holding, her-

arms protectively around her two

children,"

"The_ happiness reflected in the

faces of mothers." . . . .

The pictures of war (atomic

explosion) ; 7 8

"The dead soldier with the torn

shirt,"

"A dead soldier in a trench,""Pictures describing \/ar,"

Exit

Intervie\;s

Un-

Favor- favor-

able able

Home

Intervie\.s

Un-

"Favor- favor-

able able

1 4fo 25^ 13'/o 2io

People at play, drinking^ laugh-

ing (leisure time activities) : I4

"An old couple on the swing,"

"In the 'Hofbraehaus ' in Mxmich,""American coffee party,"

Hunger, misery, poverty ; 1

"Women with careworn face leaningover the arm of a chair, with two

more persons sitting in the back-

ground,"

"Families living in poverty."

"People starving."

Young lovers, people in love ; 6

"The picture sho\jing a scene in Pariswhere a young couple kiss."

"A tall Negro and a small Negro girlaffectionately clinging to each other,

"The farewell scene at the station

showing two people in love,"

"Two people locked in a passionate

embrace,"

"The group of pictures showing

young lovers,"

11 U

Men learning and studying ;

"The picture of four college

students,*"

"Those old hands writing."

"The complete absorption of the

Burmese theology student,"

10 1.0 11

Music ; 7 *

"Concert hall with conductor."

"Hands of conductor \/ith baton."

"String quartet,"

"Violin-playing nurse with children."

"Boy at piano looking at the ceiling."


- 75 - •



COiEBIilED

SAIytPLES

Exit

Intervievis

Home

Interviavis


Religion, religi ous impulse :

"The man uho kneels dovm in the

street,"

"The old man saying his prayer,the background is dark."

Cruelty, inhumanity, brutality :

"Korean T.omen behind barbed-wire

fence,"

Unhappy and quarrelling children ;

"The little boy ..'alking on a beach

whose leg was amputated,"

"Three children standing behind a

wire fence,"

"The child whose face \.-as hurt in

an atomic explosion,"

"The quarrelling boys."

Loneliness, forlomne ss

"The girl on the ^ridge absorbed in

thought."

"Man T;ith a torn straw hat."

Deaths

Favor-

able

"People gathered around the coffin in

v.'hich a child lies,"

"The boy standing on an upturned

tombstone."

"The minister at the open grave,"

"The church-yard."

Father and child ;

"The smiling father carrying his

son on his shoulders."

"The American solider -..ith his arm

around his little boy."

"The Negro and his son hunting

gazelles."

5

Un-

favor-

able

Favor-

able

Un-

favor- Favor-

able^ able

Un-

favor-

able

îo

Dance ; <L

"A young couple dancing,"

"Hands of men snatching at a dancing

girl."

"Dancing man in dra\;ers with hishat on,"

Water and food ; I

"The iTegro who drinks from a gourd-

bottle."

"Eat bread and salt - the corn field

with the house inserted."

"The women carrying jugs on their

heads."


- 76 -




j/eddlnA'Si mafriaget marriedcouples i

"Tilt wedding; in Czechoslovakia;"

"The Indian bride who looks intothe mirror,"

"All those pictures showing married

couples v;hich emphasize the strong

bond existing between two people."

Landscapes :

"The photo showing the masses of

huge stones and mountains in the

background."

"All photos showing landscapes."

La\j;

"The judge in his robe,"

"The Nuremberg trials."

COlffiH^TED

SAIEPLES

Un-

,Favor- favor-

able able

Exit

Interviews

Un-

favor-

ableble

Home

Interviews

Un-

favor-

able

Favor-

able

2 *

1 1

Family life ; 4

"The picture showing a Ke^ro family,

a Mongolian family and a white

family."

"The American family sho\.'ing grandmother,grandchildren and the rest of the

family,"

"The Ne{jro family before their hut."

Youth t 4

"The car with the crowd of youngpeople against a blurred background,"

"The Negro girl with the elaborately

decorated hat stared at by a He^ro,"

"The girl sitting at a table with a

brush in her hand doing her morning

toilet."

"The scene at the beach where a hole

has been dug in the sand."

4 1 4 1

Gompas pi"fcy »

"Pity, an Indian \;oman puts her arms

around another woman,"

"A crying old Negro and the hand of

a woman in a motherly and comfort-

ing gesture."

Meetings and discussion; 1

"The picture of people at a meeting,

thousands of heads, the U,N. in

session,"

"South African ITe£,'roes at a meet-

ing,"


77



COlIBIilED Exit HomeSAI.IPLES Interview 3 Intervie\js

Un- Un- Un-Favor- favor- Favor- favor- Favor- favor-

(Cont'd from preceding pa£;e) able aljle able able able able

Riot againgt oppression ; 1'/j *^ Yjo *'^/o *<ô *°/o

"rhe picture of the 17th of June."

"Stones thro\m against a tank."

Individual faces ; 3 - 3 - 3 -

"The dreamer, the \/hite head against

the black background,"

"The scarred head of a Negro."

"The face of a young boy."

General and oth er ans'>êrs ; 1 !? •'^•5-14"All pictures made a very favor-

able impression on me thus makingit difficult to praise a specific

one«"

"The photo sho'.;ing an AmericanIndian,"

222^ 56fo© 213^ 52?^ "227^ T\fd^

Less than one half of one per cent.Some respondents gave more than one ansv.-er.

78



B. Most lapressivo Individual Pictures

Combine

Sample

Exit

Interviov;

Favor-

able

Unfavor-

able

Favor-

able

Unfavor-

able

Hoac

Interview

Favor- Unfavor^

able able

6f.

11

10

Explosion of A Bonb

Children playing cards

(U.S.A., Orkin)

Light over the waters

JU.S.A , Wynn Bullock)

(Picture at the entrance)

Picture of the Warsaw ghetto

(Germany, photographer un-

known) 5

Child vi'ith the soap-bubble

(U.S.A., nili) 8

Two snail children in a forest

fU.S.A..,,. W.E. Smith)

(Final picture) 7

Laughing audience at a show

(Missouri, Arthur T/hitnan) 5

Chincso boy standing v/ith a

bowl of rice in his hands

(China, George Silk) 5

Viôman crouching on a bench

against a dark background

( U.S.A., Jerry Cooke) 4

Indian child eating rice

(India, Y/illian Vandivert) 4

The boulder strewn mountainlandscape

(U.S.A., Ansel Adans) 4

Boy with satchel in bomb-damaged city

(German, Hagel) 3

Soldier comforting his comrade

(Korea, Al Chang) 5

Eskimo woman and child

(Artie, Harrington) 3

Universe (Firmament) 5

Old man sittingon

abenchplaying checkers with child

(France, Fred Plaut) 3

Woman at the roulette table

(Puerto Rico, Gordon Parks) 2

The veiled women from Kashmir(Kashmir, .

•

Henri Cartier-Bresson) 2

7fo

13

10

5fo

79



CoEi'bincd Exit Hone

Sanple Intervicvf Interview

Favor- Unfavor- Favor- Unfavor- Favor- Unfavor-

able able able able able able

Mother with baby and cat

(U.S.A., Erwitt-Magnun) 2]>, -"fo 5^ -^ Zô

Interior of a cathedral withlight streaming in

(England, Bill Brandt) 2 - 2 - 2

Megro boy at blackboard (writ-

ing Arabian letters)

(Palestine, John Phillips) 2 - 2 - 2

Picture of Einstein

(Princeton, Ernst Hass) 2 r- 2 - 2

The vrork-narked hands of

an old vjonan

(U S.A.,Lee Parn SecurityAdd.) 2 - 2 -. 5

Boy in a mine

(T/ales, Scherschel '^ Life) 2 - 1 - ' 2

Building of a tunnel

(India, Sochurek ^-Lifu) 2 - 2 - 2

The flute-player 2 - 5 - 2

Expectant mother with kitten

(U.S.A., Erwitt, Hagnum) 2 - * . 5

Carev/orn v/onan taking a bite

(Holland, Cas Oorthuys) 1 * 1 * 1

Father and son reading

magazines

(U.S.A., Arbud -Vogue) 1 - 1 - 1

Lecture-room

(Czechoslovaka, Eisenstaedt —Life) 1 • - 1 - 1

Old aan playing the mandolin

on a sidewalk

(Italy, Bertoline) 1 - - - 2

108^ 16^1240 108?^ l6fo=124Q 108% 17=125^^

* Less than one half of one per cent..

© Some respondents gave more than one ansv/er

All other pictures shoT,/n at the exhibition which are not included herewere not mentioned^ or mentioned by less than one per cent of the respon-dents of the combined samples.

80.



"Are there any pictures which, in your opini«n,

shouldn't have been shown at this exhihition?"

Home

Interviews

No, i t j.jia_s_ .all,.?.!^^ Jo._sJlov/_ a,l_l pictures ; 465!^

"All pictures had to be shown in this vây so as to have the

most overv^helming effect on people because of their strikingreality,"

"All pictures were essential and had to be shown,"

"All pictures could be shown because they are trjie to

real life,"

"All pictures were entirely fit for shov/ing,"

"No, all pictures "v/ere essential."

The pictures of childbirth and of pre gnant and nursing

women:

"The doctor holding the baby still showingthe umbilical

cord,"

"The pregnant womeni"

"Mother and newly-born,"

"Nursing mothers."

The pictures of young couple s in love :

"All the couples in love, European and Asiatic as well.

A black man Ijîng beside a black v;oman."

"The hands of the woman clutching the man's back*"

"The young couple in love, \/ith a bicycle on the side,"

"Boy and girl embracing in the meadow with a beer-glass

in the foreground,"

"The pictures of too sexy love scenes."

The pictures sho\.-ing people dancing :

"The picture of the dancing girl in Bavarian costume taken

from belo\/ the level of the platform."

"The picture of the South-iimerican couple dnncing on

the beach,"

"Dancing young couples."

Pictures of war, soldiers -tind political terror

"The explosion. of the atom bomb,"

"Dead soldier \i±th his gun."

"Picture of the lyth of June in Berlin."

The pictures of the ghetto in Warsaw :

"The arrest of civilians in \7arsaw."

"Nuremberg trial, ghetto in Warsaw."

Other pictures!

"The pin-up mother is not true to life,"

"Large-size photo of university lecture room,"

"The picture of people going to the polls,"

"The \/oman in court."

"The picture of the United Nations Assembly."

"Pictures of death and mourning,"

"Picture of a muscular man,"

No opinion !

© Some respondents mentioned more than one picture,

- 81 -

14



APPEiroiX "B"





"THE PAJIILY OF I/IAN" - AS REVIEy.CED BY THE GE];IiIiiIT PRESS ,,,

The following analysis is based on a collection of newspaper

clippings, made available by the Embassy*-s Press Division Archives.

This sample of reviews is in no way representative of the entire

German press reaction. However, since these reviews were taken

from leading German papers they might very well be considered an

exemplary fraction.

Of 15 nev;spapers there is only one, Der Tagesspiegel, Berlin,

which reveals a highly negative attitude towards 'The Family of I\ilan'

using phrases such as:

"The photo cf a Peruvian shepherd's boy playing the

flute ... represents something that lacks truth,

namely that life consisted only of sweetness, ofeternal youth, and of lovely and friendly melodies."

The theme throughout this reviev/ is one of intellectual indigna-

tion. Since the paper is known for its intellectual and highbrow

ambitions this piece of derisive journalism should not be taken too

seriously - even less so, since it is a unique specimen among our

clippings.

Two papers, Aachener Nachrichten and Frankfurter Neue Presse,

give only factual play to the Steichen show, Hov/ever, even these

short items contain enthusiastic expressions, such as "perfect works

of art" and "the most daring and stimulating experiment until now".

All cf the remaining nine papers, with one exception, mention

Edward Steichen, giving him credit as the organizer cf the exhibit.

Criticism is very scarce, being offered by only three papers,

Der Mittag, Duesseldorf, says there is "too little comment" accompany-

ing the pictures and that a number of aspects of human life were

left out:

"The only ?/eak point of this exhibition ,..: not

enough commentary ,., For instance, nothing is

shovm of the economical and political 'brain trusts',

nor of the fine arts except the photo of the hand

of an orchestra conductor .••, nor of many other

fields,"

Two papers, Die Zeit, Hamburg, and Sueddeutsche Zeitung,

Munich, rffer criticism of a more general n^.ture. They take notice

of the "indiscrete observation" of the .camera, yet they think this

is compensated for by other merits.

82 -



"But", says i/olfgang Koeppen of the Sueddeutsche , "it isthat indiscretion, which, up to now, was permissahle onlyf'jr the poet v/ho created the pictuie of man after hisown imagination ayid which is legitimate because it istrue«"

All papers apply enthusiastic or at least laudatory language

to the theme of the show, some also to individual photographs, the

high standard of photography and the way in which the pictures

were presented. In order to give emphasis to the theme, a number

of papers simply quoted passages from Carl Sandburg's introduction

to 'The Family of Man' » Some papers, hov/ever, found v/ords ^f

their own to explain to their readers the meaning of the Steichen

show:

",,,making it clear to people what man really- is.

«', ..every one of the innumerable faces on the 500photos expresses the whole secret of being human.And if our hearts have become indifferent to it -

this will rouse them," (Stuttgarter Zeitung)

"In this photo exhibition we look into a mirror andrecognize ourselves, ..'e are not alone, everybodymust help his neighbor and must feel responsible for

him as it is already laid down in the Holy Bible bythe question: Cain, where is ^.bel, thy brother?"

(Sueddeutsche Zeitung)

"This big photo album of the Homo Sapiens family

shows, in ah encouraging manner, that Humanism is

still strong in our century and that it is not

solely a domain -f the 'old world'. Out of his

material Steichen has created a ballad in black

and vhite ..." (Der Mittag)

There was no misunderstanding of the theme. All papers felt

that 'The family of Man' does not exclude any skin colour, creed

or nationality - that it means' simply All Men. The '"..'estdeutsche

Allgemeine", Essen, stressed the exhibition's informative value

regarding the United States only. A full page of its weekend

edition was devoted to the Steichen show, and it reproduced three

pictures from the exhibit. Under the heading "The OTHER America"

ohe can read these fine v/ords concerning the US:

"The industrial area_ in the East and the Golden

Garden of California are thousands of miles apart.

And the citizen Smith ?ifith a monthly income of

t 150 is als*-' miles, apart from a New York executive

or a HollyvYood moviestar. It is true -that films

and tlie foreign press failed to make citizen Smith

as popular as the latter. But where he lives arid

works f-r his family, f->r the community and the

district he belongs to - that is where the real

j^merica is to be found,"

- 85 -



A number of German pictorials published sone of the highlights

of the Steichen exhibition. Here is a translation of the words

used by I7eltbild in order to interpret 'The Family of Man' to its

readers I

Only a generation ago a photographer posed his clientbefore • painted scenery showing the te:^race of a

castle end a lake \7ith swans and, like a torturer,

pressed his head into a head and neck support fixedto the back of a chair so as to prevent him from mov-ing and thus from spoiling the picture. Family portraitsof this early era of photography are Co,refully groupedpaintings v-hich appear fixed for marble eternities,

r;hich do not give an inkling of the life and the doings

of those gone long ago. Our descendants will be in a

more favorable position than we. Today the camera catches

everything that is to be said about us, the family efman of our day. It has the eye of a poet who strives

to tell the humane truth and describes the great themes

of our life in terse short stories: the entrance into

this world of a new-born baby, children's happinessand tears, longing and love, expectaticns which were

fulfilled or thwarted, success and defeat, emptinessand solace. The name of the man vfho , ^. s an out-

standing expert of the art of photography, compiled,

sifted and selected the private picture chronicle cf

our life and condensed it to form an extract of the

best is Edward Steichen. His photr" show "The Familyof Man - -..'ir Alle" which was first exhibited in the

Museum of Modern Art in Hew York ca.n no?/ also be seen

in our country. It opens the great family book of

humanity comprising all countries and races and we

recognize ourselves in every epis->de of life with so

much wonder as if we were discovering ourselves -

inexplica.bly - f'-r the first time this very moment.

- S4 -







Documents

Visitors Reaction 225 Unit