Reaction paper

Expo: Magic of the White Reaction Paper Supervisor: Assignment Due Expo: Magic of the White One ofthe first things that struck me about Expo: Magic of the White City was that it was such a different time than the one we live in today. There was no evidence of the technology that is prevalent everywhere we go today, despite the fact that the exposition itself was about technology and achievements. At the exposition, people had a chance to really engage in the wonders of the world that was around them, without being distracted by all the trappings of modern day life. It seemed like an amazing chance to reflect on the accomplishments of humankind and the direction that the future would take.
An astounding thing about the film and the exposition itself was the scale that was present. Normally, a fair or event like that would have small exhibits which would be dwarfed by the crowds. For the Chicago exposition, this was far from the case. Instead the exposition hosted complex structures, many of which were at large scales. I imagine that it must have been dazzling, like visiting another world. Everything that was being showcased was beautiful, exciting and compelling. It seemed like it would have been an amazing place to visit and that there would have been so many things that were interesting to see and to do.
The impact that the exposition had on the city itself was amazing. Through the use of white building materials, the exposition really was a white city, standing out from the environment around it. This must have been amazing to see, and transported visitors away from their day-to-day life and routines to a world that was entirely different. The size of the exposition and the amount that there was to see must have kept people busy for days.
Another aspect of the film that was fascinating was the way that the technology was showcased. One aspect of this was the focus on electricity, which provided an indication to visitors that electricity was a safe and reliable form of energy. A key presenter for this section of the exposition was Nikola Tesla, who is renowned today for his role in the invention of the alternating current. This aspect of the exposition was amazing, because the exhibits that were being shown to the people at the fair were new and astounding, yet many of them would become technological standards for later life. Many people today cannot imagine living without electricity, yet for the people going to the exposition it was brand new. I felt that this contrast was amazing, and longed to go back to the time where progress had this kind of wonder associated with it.
Although there were many parts of the exposition that were amazing, one of the things that captivated my attention the most in Expo: Magic of the White City was the role that it played in shaping the future. One aspect of this was the design of the white city itself. It was not a design that was commonly used at during the period, yet it was one that got the attention of the people visiting the exhibition, and also influenced the design of later cities. The fair left a legacy that inspired city builders and inventors alike. I found it amazing just how much influence a single event could have and how much detail could be packed into the space. Overall, Expo: Magic of the White City was a detailed and astounding glimpse into the past. It reminded me that we have stopped wondering so much about our world, and technology is something that we take for granted. We all need a little of the wonder that the exposition provided its visitors.
Reference
EXPO: Magic of the White City. 2005. Film.