World's Fairs Are Dead

 

There hasn't been a World's Fair in the United States since 1984.  Most people think they died about the same time.  Truth is that World's Fairs have been going on every few years since then, just not here.  (if you live in the U.S.)

 

Here's some rants and raves about the Death of World's Fairs.

 

No one cares about the 50th anniversary of the World's Fair (explicit language)

 

World's Fairs are a dying breed

 

The articles are both right.

Most millenials have no memory of a World's Fair.  Those of us that were fortunate enough to have been to one either travelled overseas or may remember visiting one held here long ago.  All that's left are remnants of pavilions or structural icons that people just can't let go of.   If all the Word's Fairs leave behind are pleasant memories and giant landmarks, there's something wrong with the concept.  For the effort it took to build a fair and the money it represented - it was a very short sighted approach.

 

The second article talks about how the fairs had become platforms for countries to flaunt their abilities and corporations to market their latest products.  While it's obvious the hosting country wants to make a good impression, if it designs the fair around that concept it stagnates creativity and the idea of a "World's" event.  Corporations are always going to be part of a World's Fair because they fund a large part of its construction.  Corporations have to choose between pushing the latest gadget and demonstrating the vision of the company.  Many of the early fairs were showcases of new technology that would soon change the way we live.  Companies that can show that kind of insight will contribute to the overall impact the fair has on its visitors.

 

Back in 1964, Issac Assimov wrote an interesting article about the future World's Fair of 2014.

 

The modern World's Fair has become issue sensitive, focusing on limiting topics that exclude many exhibitors and artists. 

 

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