Coney Island represents the transition from genteel culture to mass industrialization commercialism and consumerism Ch 1 Earlier symbols of transition Ch 2 o New York s Central Park by Olmsted Created as a peaceful and tranquil rural area in a large city Used concept of democratic recreation Aesthetic appearance would pay moral and social dividends Expressed critique of urban conditions and culture o World s Columbian Exposition in Chicago by Burnham Had grandiose that displayed America s achievement to the world Tried to heighten what a city might be Symbolized neoclassical order Aka The White City o The Midway Sideshow of the Exposition Different attractions from different cultures Showed that people preferred entertainment to the genteel culture Coney Island beginnings Ch 3 o The beginning Corrupt and popular for it Attempted to please the many instead of the few Later found that vice does not pay as well as decency o The remodeling Changed into a series of amusement parks by many people Became overwhelmingly popular and national news Viewed as a partial holiday many changes occurred constantly Who came Ch 4 o Transportation Several new and inexpensive methods had been created This allowed members of all social classes to attend o Amusing the million Included immigrants unlike most genteel cultural activities Central Park and Columbian Exchange attempted to reinforce social structures and discipline public life visitors of Coney were freed of normative demand Loosened dress codes talking to anyone and freak shows The Parks Ch 5 o Steeplechase Tilyou promised irresponsible hilarity and fun for his park o Sea Lion Park Boyton created a water based park with a large waterslide and lagoon Technology resembled farcical daily things like trains or mine carts o Luna Park Thompson understood the importance of the carnival spirit Columbian Exchange had architecture of responsibility Luna of pleasure Luna Park was built to stimulate visitors with a completely different world o Dreamland Attracted people by a massive nude religious female statue Competed with Luna by have bigger and better everything Artists Ch 6 o Traditional painters strayed from this topic o Battle of the Lights Depiction of Made Gras at Coney Island by Stella Shows both enjoyment and chaos o George C Tilyou s Steeplechase Park Marsh shows crowded activities with casual seductive poses o Journalists Some proclaiming a new culture others saw no change Some saw vulgarity others saw childish innocence Some said Coney Island promoted insanity Claimed Coney was an artificial distraction for an artificial life o Progressive Movements Kids played in the street with little direction Decided to control play with directions and lessons Behavior based on environment Coney Island was unprogressive o Effects of Coney Island Instant gratification instead of ultimate reward Replaced genteel culture with mass culture From society of production to one of consumption Coney Island lost its distinctiveness by the triumph of its values