Visitors' reactions to the "Family of man" exhibit - Todd Stewart ...

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 At tendance ... 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 40-75
Section 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 ambitious
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-onna ires used differed only in regard
to length of the intervie\/, i.e. a greater numbur ox' questions, resulting
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 y^ars of age and over, and were conducted from
the beginning to the end, i.e. from i^oveiaber 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^^eral tfeudtncies
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 underlyingidea
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 problems
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 exhibition
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 exhibit
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.

C OMPOSITION OF AUDISITCE SAMPLES
Exit Hone Conbined General
IntervieiTe latorviewB Sanples Population
(296) (?f2l (770)
62^0
58 40 59
45.6
54.4
E^ujca/tion£
Elementary school 15
Secondary school or High school
w/o Ahitur (Diploma)
Abitur (Diploma)
University (w/o diploma)
University(w/ diploma)
10 84
Income;
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 of
exhibits
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 exhibition
twice or even three tines.
"Did you visit this exhibition for the first time
on...; had you been there before; or did you revisit
this exhibition some time afterwards?"
Exit
Interviev/s
Home
Interviews
For the first time. 88/b 90^0
Had been there before 12 9
Revisited exhibition
after contact - 1
TOO^ "100^
IF "Had been there befor e " or "Revisited afte r 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 about
the 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?"
Through press
Exit
Interviews
Home
Interviews

II. Appraisal _of_ the Exhi bit
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 - faithfully
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 techniques
since 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
Gene ral Apprai sal
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 inquiries
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 ^^er 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? Wliat did you
expect frou this exhibition?"
SuLiuary
Table
Hoae
Interviews
EXPECTATIOITS IIT raSG..RD TO COI'TENT
General ;
A photographic survey of hunan life
all over the world
(57%)
(44^i)
377»
Specific ;
A typically American show of
photography about the U.S.
L presentation of characteristics
coonon to all nen
( yf)
( 4^)
EXPECTATIOHS III REG-.RD TO THE TECIIHICAL ASPECTS
OP PHOTO GK.\PHY
A show of artistic and technically
well-done photographs
KilEW U'iTDERLYIiTG IDEA OF EXHIBIT 3EE0EE VISIT
(355^)
(-l4?o)
55
ITO
EXFECTATIOiTS
(11>)
KO OP I HI ON
* Less than one half of one per cent.
@ Soue respondents ^ave 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 phot o 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 personal
i7ay to the individual, I thought it uould just offer
an extensive and simple collection of photos showing individual
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 photo graphs about the U.S. : 5
"I expected exclusively American photos, illustrating daily
events 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 e ntati on o f the char a cteristics 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 over the
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,"
(55/'i)
expl:ctatiofs ii^t repard to the technical aspects
OP PHOTOGRi'iPHY
'
A s how of art ist ic an d techni cally well-done p hoto graphs ; 55
"I thoughtto find a mere photographic exhibition showing
modern 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 -

4
(Cont'd fron preceding- page)
Hone
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 lar^e catalogue, ay only idea A.'as
to see the originals."
"American friends of nine had told ne all about the
exhibition, 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 expectation s: 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^)
* Less than one half of one per cent.
@ 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
•i^ell' 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 expression
of the appreciatibn of the show. The frequent use of such
extremely favorable terms - as "outstanding," "excellent," "unique"
and"\^ithout 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 stimulating
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(
BECAUSE OP ITS UrlDERLYIHG IDEA
VAiat would your
It stimulates people to think about the
problems of human life
It promotes international understanding
It inspires people \

2
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, recoa^endV' 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 thi nk about the prob lens
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."
friends "I'ly 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 understan d ing: 1
"Perhaps they would change their opinions and prejudices
about 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 miderstanding
of other nations. That's iaportant for maintaining
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 feelings
as I - '..ith love for one's fellow creatures."
It points out what is commo n 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."
(Cont'd on next page)
- 15 -

g
(Cont'd fron preceding page)
•
COI'IBIlffiD
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 interesting.
It can do no harra to broaden one's outlook."
"Very instructive for such people \/ho want to go down to
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 oust
appeal to everyone."
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 situations
of their iallj life is souethini,- by which everybody could profit."
BECAUSE OF ITS TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
•
• (AC^o)
It is uni que, offers techn ical ly e xcellent phot o raphs and
should be visi ted 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 and
white 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 exhibition
\;ill teach then that a photo cannot only picture a
landscape, but can outline spiritual processes as \;ell."
"This exhibition is really unique."
(Cont'd on next page)
- 16 -
11

•
(Cont'd from preceding page)
COIffllMD
SMIPLE
BECAUSE OF OTIIER REASONS {^Ofo)
"Because many things are sho\m that cannot be expressed
by 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 ; Appr a 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?"
Composition and arrangenent
of pictures
Shape and size
of pictures
Arrangement of show rooms
Lighting conditions
Other details
Exit
Intervie'u's
Liked it Didn' t like Didn' t like No
v/ell it s?"' well it at all opinion
9¥ 8^ 1^..1005^
89
Composition and arrangement
of pictui-es
Shape and size
of pictures
Arrangeiient of show rooms
Lighting conditions
Other details

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?"
Visitors liked }
THE
PHOTOGRAPHS
Summary Table
COMBINED
SAJffLES
(56/o)
The pictures generally ;
The realism of pictures
The technical quality of the
photographs 7
The expressiveness of the pictures
and their effect on the spectator 7
The pictures individually ;
26?^
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 2
The pictures sho^;ing men at work 1
Other pictures 9
GEi^IERAL 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
(40/o)
21?S
10
9
(27/o)
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.
- 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 ;" -• -
"That the social probleus of the individual
peoples \/ere shov/n,"
"The pictures sho'>.'inc; starving people."
"The pictures expressing nisery and poverty."
2^ y^i 1^
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."
GE tlERAL 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 the
whole 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.
(Cont'd on next page)
21 -

C0LG3IHED Exit Houe
(Cont'd from preceding page) SAI'tPLES Interviews Interviews
The external o r ganization - exhib ition roona
and arranft-er.i ont 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 onesidedly
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 nirro r reflect ing the life of
a-11 rac es an d_ jp
eoples ; , 18
"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 all
its phases and of all peoples."
I4 22
The idea of the equality of all nen and
hunanisn t 9 10 8
"This exhibition helped to strengthen the feeling
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."
(Cont'd on next page)
- 22

*
COIIBINED
(Cont'd from preceding page) S^I-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^
* Less than one half of one per cent.
@ 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),
Visitors
"And is there anything about the exhibition which
you did not like? We are interested in any
criticisn,"
disliked;
Summary Table
COIffllNED
SAMPLES
GENERAL ARRANGE. EENT AKD ORGANIZATION
OF 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 4
Presentation 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 4
Overemphasizing 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."
GEI-TERAL ARRANGE SNT AWD ORGAKIZATIOH
OF THE EXHIBIT
COllBINED Exit Hone
SAICPLES Interviews Interviews
Physical setup - exhibition r o pas 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, especially
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 suitable
as captions for photos,"
"It was a pity that one couldn' t read the nanes
beneath the pictures^ I raefin, ».ho the photographer
was and where he had snapped the
picture,"
"It would have been a good idea to give sone
information 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 whatever
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."
(Cont'd on next page)
- 25

Probably
and
(Cont'd fron preceding page)
COI'ffillTOD
SAI'iPLES
Exit Hone
Interviews Interviews
Presentation of pic tures - arran/yeaents t
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 poorly
chosen,"
"The nuuber of pictures sho'wn was too great*
Visitors lost track of the overall trend,"
47° 5/°
THE
PHOTOGRAPHS
The ind i screet 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 altogether
expressionless."
"I didn't like the pictures illustrating the
coLimonplace pleasures of the crowds."
"Sone pictures are too ugly,"
[
The presentation of Gernany in an
unfavorable light ; . ]
,
"They showed pictures of Germany \;hich are
anything but coupliuentary . 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
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."
(Cont'd on next
page)
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."
T echnical deficienc ies, absence o f
color-photos t
"Some 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."
2^2
THE IflTERFRETATIOW OF THE THEIIE
I ncomplete 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 p ess imist ic view) ;" 2 2 2
"Human misery \;as overly stressed and the
danger of a 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* ^as a weak pOittt,
above all, was that more space \;as not devoted
to demonstrating the kindness of which man
is capable.
ve re mpha si z i ng the posi tive sides of man
and of l_i fe Ttoo opt imi sti c~yi 6^'') j
"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."
2 2 1
(Cont'd
on next page)
- 27 -

SAMPLES
(Cont'd from precedins page)
,
C0I'/IBI1>TED Exit Houe
,.
Int erviews Interviews
OTHER CRITICISMS 2^^ Y/o 55^
"ii thing that displeased ne \;as that too feu
pictures hy Russian, Geraan and Italian photographers
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,"
9 11
,
_
NO OPINION/i^O AilSYffi... 10
@ Some respondents criticized more than one detail.
106^ 106^ 106^:®
- 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 understanding
\.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 your
opinion, heighten or lessen the effect of the
pictures, or '..ould the effect of the pictures have
been the sane without captions?"
Heighten the effect
Lessened effect
Effect would have been
the sane
No opinion
COI'EBIl'ffiD Less More
SiUflPLES Men Wooen educated+ educated+
(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 insignificant
difference ;^etyeen 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 show hecomes 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?"
COI.IBIEED
SAI'DPLES
More text
Less text
Ouit text altogether
Text Mas just right
Ho opinion

.
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 'v^ere
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 NATURAL
AiUD 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 the photos convey a couprehensive and objective image of
men and huaan life.
"Visiting the exhibition, did you gain the inpression
that the photos convey a natural and comprehensive
image 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 poorly
selected?"
Home
Interviews
vv^ell-selected
94;'!^
Not so well selected 4
Poorly 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 {^Ofo) 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
.
115!^
Too aany
Too few 10
Just right 77
I'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 content groups 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 briefly
describe these pictures'?"
COMBINED
SAIIPLES
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 CK^ATES 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 nagiiif icence 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 - presenting
a pictorial iiaagc of the genesis of the ,;orld.

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.
C 01 mi NED
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)

Three out of the five individual pictures creating the uost favorable
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 j^ou? V/ould you briefly
describe these pictures? ';/as this iapression
favorable or unfavorable? Which pictures
iupressed you aost favorably?"
Most liked groups of pictures:
Pictures of children at play 39/'''
Pictures of the creation
of the -world
22
Pictures of nen at work
18
Pictures of people at p3 ^.. ,
drinking and laughing
Pictures of nother and child
Strongest Favorable
Iapression
C Oi.'IB lilE D Exit Home
SAMPLES Interview s Interviews

. *
.
THE "laRSA./ GHETTO" AND "A-BOI/EB EXPLOSION" PRODUCED GREATEST
ADVERSE 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 indivi dual pi c tures;
87
Warsaw Ghetto (Geruany,
photographer unknovm) ffo 7^ ^fo
Explosion of A-Bomb 7
Woman at the roulette table
(Puerto Rico, Gordon Parks) T. .
5
Boy with satchel in bombdamaged
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 prod^icing favorable reactions than were named as creating
adverse
impressions.
COIEBINED Exit Home
SAtlPLES 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?"
-
COMINED Exit Home
SAI'gLES Interviews Interviews
Respondent calls all mentioned
pictures good 765^ 77^ 75^o
Respondent calls mentioned pictures partly,
good/partly bad, but good prevails
13
I5 13 18
Respondent calls mentioned pictures partly
good/partly bad, both qualifications
equally frequent 2
Respondent calls mentioned pictures partly
good/partly bad, but bad prevails 2
2
Respondent calls all pictures bad 1
1
No opinion/No answer 4
Too^
.
* Less than one half of one per cent.
56 -
.

As the analysis of the follo'..'ing inquiry sho'.vs, "\;ar" and
"Third Reich" associations, as -..'ell as pictures reaching into the intinate
spheres of life are the ones considered nost objectionable and
disturbing,
ABOUT THREE 1¥. TEN ACTUALU OBJECT TO THE SKO

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
Unsuitable to be
,
shovm to young people
5?°
4
Too realistic and shocking 2
*
Not nice .
Other reasons 5
Wo
THE PICTURES OF YOUIIG COUPLES IK LOVE Afo
Why shouldn'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
Defeat the exhibitions' purpose of
proaoting international friendship 1
Other reasons
J
A'fo
(Cont'd
on next page)
38

V/hy shouldn't t hey have been 3ho\m?
^
(Cont'd from preceding page)
Hone Interviews
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 pronoting
international friendship, are onesidedly
anti-Gernan
Other reasons
No reasons
THE PICTURES SHOr/IHG PJOPLE DAIICING
¥
Depict too intimate spheres of human life?
unsuitable for an exhibition
Other reasons/No reasons
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 Geroanc public 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 underlying
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 educated,
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 photographic
masterpieces, or does it have some other
objectives beyond this?"
COi.'EB'INED Less More
S^iHPLES Men Women educated+ educated+
(770) (467) 15057 (555) (TlTT
Simply a photo show 6

GREAT IMJORITY GIVES CORRECT DEFIIMITION OF EXHIBIT' S .OBJECTIVE
Approxiaately seven out of ten visitors v/ei^e able to naae the
objectives of the Steichen show correctly. The rightly reported definitions
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 absolutely
wrong thought exclusively of propaganda objectives.
"In your opinion, is this exhibition to be construed
as simply a photo sho\.', that is, a display of photographic
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 other
peoples
To demonstrate that humanity forms
one large family of man
PARTLY CORRECT OBJECTIVES (informational
Objectives)
COIvffilNED
SAIJPLES
(71/o)
(31/0
To depict human life
21
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
229$
22
12
8
7
NO
OPINION
@ Some respondents gave more than one ans\/er.
41 -

2
COmiENTS IN DETAIL
"In your opinion, is this exhibition to be construed
as sinply a photo show, that is, a display of photographic
nasterpieoes, or does it have sone other
objective beyond this?"
IF "Has 3oae other objective" ;
"In your opinion, ..hat objective does the exhibition
have?"
CORilECTLY NAIIED OBJECTIVES
•
Hone
Interviews
i^^fo)
To promote frie ndship 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 international
friendship, v/hether people belong to the yellow
race, the white or the black race, a bond of conpassion
should 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 tendencies
on a world-\;ide basis."
"It's a contribution towards consolidating peace and
promoting friendship between all nations,"
To^ i llustrate the cor.inon and unifying elements
i n 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 the
individual."
"The object is to further humaneness once more, as in
times of war this quality often is lost,"
(Cont'd
on next page)
42 -

(Cont'd fron preceding page)
Hone
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 understanding
of 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 message
vas 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 been
created 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 i al 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'i^er social classes, the \/orking people, are
crying 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 photographer
must also consider the human angles, therefore the
objective of the exhibition is also an ethical one,"
(Cont'd on next page)
- 45 -

_
(Cont'd from preceding page)
Hone
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 \

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) i ndicate only sone coaprehension of the thene )
vhereas in the
houe intervie\.s - t^o or three da^s later - the picture is exactly reversed,
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,
'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
"'•./hat do you believe is the underlying
idea of this photographic exhibition?"
COIiBIIIED
SAMPLES
Clear Sone No
Conprehension Conprehension Coaprehension
tmj t!ttf mr
54/°
54 .
11
1
* Less than one half of one per cent,

:
"What, do you believe, ia the underlying idea wf
this photographic exhibition?"
Sumaary Table
COIfflltTED
SAIitPLES
Exit Home
Interviews Interviews
CLEAR COIIPREKEHSION OP THEAffi (57/0)
To stress ,the couaon and uniting
characteristics of all men
Z6fo
28?^
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 compassion
for one's fellowman
25
6
27
6
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
35
4
48
3
28
4
Other answers
m COITPREHEITSION OF THEME ( 9fo)
To give an insight into the family
life of various races and
social classes
5
3
6
To demonstrate the i^oi/er of
expression and artistic value
of photography
4
ITo opinion/llo ans'i/er
Tio^
110^
COiniENTS
IN DETAIL
"What, do you believe, is the underlying idea of
this photographic exhibition?"
CLEAR COMPREHEiySIOW OF TliEME (57^)
T o stress the common and uniting characteristi
cs of _all_ae n
"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 peoples
or races they below to."
COMBINED Exit Home
SAIIPLES Interviews Interviews
I
22/0
- 46 -
(Cont'd on next page)

COLBINED Exit Hone
(Cont'd fron preceding page) SMIPLSS Interviews Interviews
To denonstrate that a ll peoples an d races
forn one lar^e 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 understanding
between the nations."
To awaken understan di ng and conpassion for
one's fello\.'nan t 6 7 6
"To renind people to display greater understanding
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 (445^o)
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 w ar 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 answer s; 5 5 6
"To illustrate the notherly goodness of
nature,"
"To catch a wide scope of hunan life,"
(Cont'd on next page)
- ',7 -

COICBIIIED Exit Hone
(Gont'.dfron- preceding page) SAMPLES Interviews Interviews
NO COnPr-EIIElTSION OF TlffiME { 9fo)
To r

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 photographic
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
First place
Interviews
Last place
A - The exhibition illustrates that
photography is to be regarded as a
genuine, artistic forn of expression
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 contribution
to '.;orld peace 47 18
C - The exhibition ains at enlightening
and instructing people by familiarizing
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 intense
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)
1
,
Very important 62^b 61>^ 65^/0 65fo 61^^
Important 31 32 281327 55
Not so important 2 2
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 understanding
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 -
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?)"
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 ;
OVd
Because the exhibition has educational
value and provides e.ilightenraent
Because the exhibition sets people thinking
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/
Home
Interviews
(6O/0)
(52?
25
7
OTHER AHS'-ffiRS
NO OPIIIION
@ Some respondents gave more than one reason.
51

COPQffiNTS IN DETAIL ...
''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?)"
IF "Very important" or "Important".;
"For what reasons do you consider this to be .
important?"
g^^^
Interviews
BECAUSE OF THE THEIiE AND UNDERLYING IDEA
'
{6

Hoae
(Cont'd fron the preceding page) Interviews
General ;
i^^yo)
Because the exhibition has educational value and provides
enlifihtennent i
"This aaterial should be sho\/n to very nany people, for nowadays
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."
1 Tj;i
B ecause the exhibi tion sets people thinking and delibe rating ! 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 show
humaneness ?
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 interest ing _and_ unique an d thu s
should be accessible to peop le every\Jhere ; 25
"This exhibition should not be withheld fron x^eople 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.iagnif icent as this,"
"Every thinking human being simply must be enthusiastic
about this marvellous exhibition,"
"There cannot be enough people to see this exhibition."
(Cont'd on next page)
- 53 -

"
:
(Cont'd fron preceding page)
Home
Interviews
Because th e exhibition is valuable from a technical and
artistic point o f vie w 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
"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 than
we do. ¥e should learn to see things in their proper
perspective."
( 5/^)
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 this
exhibition these days in other German cities also,
or don't you think it's important? (is it very
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?"
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."
Hone
Interviews
54

:
.
AUDIENCE AGREES OVERv/HELMINGLY ON THE EXHIBIT'S SUCCESSFUL EXPRESSION
OF 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 connunity
bound 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)
Mr» Mayer says :
Exit Hone
Interviews Interviews
"I J as very nuch impressed by the photos
because they deuonstrate that the nenbers
of all races and nations fundanentally
have uore things in coanon than
things that separate then and that they
fom a large connunity bound together by
a 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 5
To^ 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 visitors holding 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 photos because they demonstrate the
exact opposite (i.e» that races and nations fundamentally have more in
common),
"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?"
"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
So much
in common
that alike
r6Tor~
Too different
to be regarded
as alike/
Undecided
Mr-:
Mayer, says t
"I was very much impressed by the photos
because they demonstrate that the members
of all races and nations fundamentally
have more things in common than
things that separate them and that they
form a large community bound together
by a common fate,"
96?6
Mr. Schulze says ?
No
""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, differences
vjhich make man individual and a
unique personality
opinion
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, therefore,
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 audienoeindicating
in this context an appreciable iapact of the exhibit,
"Rave you gained any ne\

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 ^
I 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)
•
6
My knowledge of the art of photography has
been augmented and enriched
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 under standing o f t he nenbers of
o ther nations and their way of life :
"I've learned new things about the way of life of the different
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 a
different light."
I realize now th at t here is uuch distr e ss_ an d nis ery
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 ca n ^'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."
(Cont'd on next page)

Hone
(Cont'd from preceding page) Interviews
My knov^ledj^e of the art of photo gTaphy 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 photographs
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 received
nev/ ideas which v/ill be fruitful for my creative
work,"
The artistic po\;er of expression of p hotography 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 ;
*
* Less than one half of one per cent,
@ 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

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 visitors
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 \
6 1/0
(general answers) 50 )
Yes, America House 1 )
Yes J
but named wrong sponsor
(Munich, UNO, UNESCO,
Llr, Steinbach, etc) 1
ITo opinion 36
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 interviews
(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 after
those una\;are were inforned about U.S. sponsorship.)
Exit Houe
Interviews Interviews
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
understa nding b ct\;een people of all nations and r aces : 2 3fo
"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*"
* Less than one half of one per cent,
(Cont'd on next page
- 63

in
(Cont'd from preceding par^^e)
Home
Interviev/a
Because this exhibition demongtrates that mankind is really
a 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
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."
• .Ve all
Because the id_ea of t he exhibit ion is good and wo rth
promoting;
~
"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."
12
Because the e xhibition se rves the purpose of establishing
and 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 sh o'tm by thi s e xhibition that the United
St ates is striving f or a peaceful understandi ng; 5
"Because it illustrates the good will of the United States."
"Because by' this exhibition the Americans show that they vant
to 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 t he way of life other countries
^ ? 4
"Because- one -ets an insight into other people's habits and
way of living,"
"It is surprising how much informational value can be supplied
by a good photo exhibition,"
Because the exhib ition promotes th e humanitar ian spirit ;
4
"It leads people towards a humane way of thinking and feeling."
"Perhaps it will bring us nearer to the humanitarian ideal,"
Becau se America is be st sui ted to organize an exhibition
"
of this k inds
2
"Nobody would know better how to show something like this
•
than the Americans."
"Only America could have done it in this particular way,"
(Cont'd on next page)
« 64«

i
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 moi^e 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 receive d
the impression through th.^ exhibition that the Uniti^d States is seriously
trying to br ing abou t und>^rstanding botveen the nations and races throughout
t?i^ \.orld. In oth^r \.ords the great bulk of the visitors, aft>-r
seeing the sho\. , \,

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 essentially
alike » 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
opinion 6 5 8 5 6
Ho
•
lOO^'o 1-00% lOC^o 100% 100%
ONLY SI'LILL IIIilORITY FEELS UlTITED STATES TOO imCH REPRESEiTTED ...
Another factor important enough to consider in judging audience reactions
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 much
use been made of some countries?"
Home
Intervie\;s
All were given equal treatment 57%
Too much use of some countries 24
Ho 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 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,
- 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 " To o much use of some countrieg" ;
"\/hich countries were shown too much, for instance?"
Home
Intervievis
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 ;
"France."
1
The East e rn 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 bloc
covin tries."
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 BIASED
IN ANY DIRECTION . . .
Apart from the amount of trertment given to the countries represented
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 unfavorable
light.
Among the respondents having allegedly noticed too favorable presentation
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^^any 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 ...
The U.S.A. ;
"Do you feel that the pictures of this exhibition
presented any country in an especially favorable
or an especially unfavorable light? (Any other country?)"
ESPECIALLY FAVORABLE LIGHT
"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-conf ideace,"
Other countries
and ie.o£l_es_:
"All colored peoples."
"Oriental countries."
"Japan."
Home
Interviews
No country in an especially favorable light ;
"No country was shown in an especially favorable light."
"They all got fair treatment,"
"Too^
- 69 -

-
(Cont'd from preceding page)
Home
Interviews
ESPECIALLY TOTFAVORABLE
LIGHT
Germany »
"The pictures of German soldiers," 10^
"The pictures showing the expulsion of the Jews and the photos
of the Nuremberg trials were tendentious and placed Germany
in a very unfnvorahle light."
"They shov/ed SS-men in V/arsav/, but atrocities committed by
other 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 see
photos like that from America."
The Asian countries ; *
"The Asian nations."
•
No country i n 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 co un tries
{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 co untry name d
"V/hy should it be shown there?"
Hon e^ Interviews
"In all countries" JO^o
\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 sh oul d it _be_ shown the re?
Because it openly exposes existing
political abuses ^fo
Because it promotes international understanding 5
Because it provides an insight into the
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
(Cont'd on next
- 71 -
pa^-e)
Wo

(Cont'd from preceding page)
Home^ Intjpryiews
"In France" 8/^
Why should i t "be shovm thc^r e?
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 the re?
Because it provides an insight into the
living conditions and the peculiar problems
of other nations 2^
Because it will prove effective in curing
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
Because it will prove effective in curing
the Italians of their pettiness and
narrovTLiindedness 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 understanding
5
Because it provides an insight into the
living conditions and the peculiar
problems of other nations 5
Because it will prove effective in curing
peoples of their pettiness and narrowmindedness
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
^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^
59o
* Less than one half of one per cent.
© Some respondents gave more than one answer.
- 75

APPEIOIX "A"

'
.hich
REPLIES GROUPED ACCORDING TO TYPE
of the individual pictures produced the
strongest impression on you? Would you briefly
describe these pictures?
Was this impression favorable or unfavorable?"
COIvBINED
SAMPLES
Un-
Pavor- favorable
able
Exit
Interviews
Home
Interviews
Favorable
Vnfavorable
Un-
Favor- favorable
able
Children, children at play t 39fo M^o
"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,"
n^^io
\io
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 the
world ( 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 -

. . .
(Cont'd from preceding page]
5
COIvffllNED
SAtgLES
Favorable
Unfavorable
Exit
Intervie\;s
Un-
Favor- favorable
able
Home
Intervie\.s
Un-
"Favor- favorable
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 nurses her child."
"The Negrc- women holding, herarms
protectively around her two
children,"
"The_ happiness reflected in the
faces of mothers."
1 4fo 25^ 13'/o 2io
The pictures of war (atomic
explosion) ; 7 8
"The dead soldier with the torn
shirt,"
"A dead soldier in a trench,"
"Pictures describing \/ar,"
People at play, drinking^ laughing
(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 leaning
over the arm of a chair, with two
more persons sitting in the background,"
"Families living in poverty."
"People starving."
11 U
Young lovers, people in love ; 6
"The picture sho\jing a scene in Paris
where a young couple kiss."
"A tall Negro and a small Negro girl
affectionately 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,"
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."
(Cont'd on next page)
- 75 -
•

:
COiEBIilED
SAIytPLES
Exit
Intervievis
Home
Interviavis
(Cont'd
from preceding page)
Favorable
Unfavorable
Favorable
Unfavorable^
Favor-
able
Unfavorable
Religion, religi ous impulse :
"The man uho kneels dovm in the
street,"
"The old man saying his prayer,
the background is dark."
^io
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,
forl omne ss
"The girl on the ^ridge absorbed in
thought."
"Man T;ith a torn straw hat."
Deaths
"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
Dance ;

,
Favor-
(Cont'd from preceding page)
j/eddlnA'Si mafriaget married
couples i
"Tilt wedding; in Czechoslovakia;"
"The Indian bride who looks into
the 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."
COlffiH^TED
SAIEPLES
Unfavorable
able
Exit
Interviews
able
Home
Interviews
Unfavorable
Favorable
2 *
Unf
avorable
La\j;
"The judge in his robe,"
"The Nuremberg trials."
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."
4 1 4 1
Youth t 4
"The car with the crowd of young
people 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."
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 comforting
gesture."
Meetings and discu s sion; 1
"The picture of people at a meeting,
thousands of heads, the U,N. in
session,"
"South African ITe£,'roes at a meeting,"
(Cont'd on next page)
77

COlIBIilED Exit Home
SAI.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 *

•
(
B. Most lapressivo Individual Pictures
Explosion of A Bonb
Children playing cards
(U.S.A., Orkin)
Light over the waters
JU.S.A , Wynn Bullock)
(Picture at the entrance)
11
10
Picture of the Warsaw ghetto
(Germany, photographer unknown)
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
Vi^oman 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 mountain
landscape
(U.S.A., Ansel Adans) 4
Boy with satchel in bombdamaged
city
(German, Hagel) 3
Soldier comforting his comrade
(Korea, Al Chang) 5
Eskimo woman and child
(Artie, Harrington) 3
Combine
Sample
6f.
7fo
Exit
Interviov;
13
10
Favorable
Unfavorable
Favorable
Unfavorable
Hoac
Interview
Favor- Unfavor^
able able
5fo
Universe (Firmament) 5
Old man sitting on a bench
playing 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
79

CoEi'bincd Exit Hone
Sanple Intervicvf Interview
Favor- Unfavor- Favor- Unfavor- Favor- Unfavorable
able able able able able
Mother with baby and cat
(U.S.A., Erwitt-Magnun) 2]>, -"fo 5^ -^ Z^o
Interior of a cathedral with
light streaming in
(England, Bill Brandt) 2 - 2 - 2
Megro boy at blackboard (writing
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 Security
Add.) 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 here
were not mentioned^ or mentioned by less than one per cent of the respondents
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 p ictures ; 465!^
"All pictures had to be shown in this v^ay so as to have the
most overv^helming effect on people because of their striking
reality,"
"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 showing the umbilical
cord,"
"The pregnant womeni"
"Mother and newly-born,"
"Nursing mothers."
14
The pictures of young c ouple s in love :
"All the couples in love, European and Asiatic as well.
A black man Ij^ing 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 pic tures 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, so ldiers -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 -

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, of
eternal youth, and of lovely and friendly melodies."
The theme throughout this reviev/ is one of intellectual indignation.
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" accompanying
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 is
that indiscretion, which, up to now, was permissahle only
f'jr the poet v/ho created the pictuie of man after his
own imagination ayid which is legitimate because it is
true«"
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 500
photos 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 and
recognize ourselves, ..'e are not alone, everybody
must help his neighbor and must feel responsible for
him as it is already laid down in the Holy Bible by
the 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 -

painted
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 client
before • 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 fixed
to the back of a chair so as to prevent him from moving
and thus from spoiling the picture. Family portraits
of this early era of photography are Co,refully grouped
paintings 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 ef
man 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 happiness
and tears, longing and love, expectaticns which were
fulfilled or thwarted, success and defeat, emptiness
and solace. The name of the man vfho , ^. s an outstanding
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 Family
of 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 -