The Will to Survive

The Will to Survive is a proposed exhibit that explores the human story of survival. In times of devastation and ultimate struggle, individuals will take extreme measures in order to stay alive. Exhibit visitors will learn about the 1609-10 Starving Time at Jamestown, 1820 shipwreck of the whaleship Essex, 1972 Andes plane crash, and inspiring story of extreme outdoorsman Aron Ralston. Sections of the exhibition content, specifically survival cannibalism, presented a challenge. Survival cannibalism is a sensitive topic and is not suitable for all ages. Additionally, when some audience members hear or see the word cannibalism they may assume that the exhibit is going to be offensive and too graphic and opt not to visit. However, that is not what The Will to Survive is primarily about. Survival cannibalism is mentioned, but it is not presented in a graphic manner. The challenge involves encouraging people to see the topic of survival cannibalism in a new light, in turn, allowing audience members to feel less off-put by the concept through the exhibit's focus on the interesting and engaging content of survival and archaeology. This exhibition will foster a new perspective for visitors as they discover what these survivors endured and how thoughts of family and feelings of love kept them alive--this was their will to survive.

Author

• Enright, Elizabeth Anne

Language

• en

Keyword

• Cannibalism
• Ralston
• Andes
• Survival
• Jamestown

Date created

• 2014

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Exhibition Design

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Brown, Clare

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/dj52w4777