, the exotic categorization cultivated by Barnum would persist for many years to come, still existing to some extent in today's society. Although many people saw the exhibit, people never actually had to attend his museum to perceive the subservient Chinese because the stereotypes were disseminated in the newspaper. The April 21, 1850 edition of the New York Sunday Dispatch, and April 22, 1850 edition of the New York Courier and Enquirer covered the exhibit. National publications such as these served to inform readers in the 19th century, with peak circulations ranging from 80,000 to 400,000. Although these publications reached predominantly urban, literate white males, that number took into account 48 percent of the total population. The educated populace w extends its knowledge garnered from the paper to the rest of the community. According to The Dispatch, the exhibit purportedly consisted of a good number of "curiosities", including a 17-year-old "Chinese belle." In June, 1850, I added the celebrated Chinese Collection to the attractions of the American Museum. I also engaged the Chinese Family, consisting of two men, two "small-footed" women, and two children. My agent exhibited them in London during the World's Fair. He mentioned the woman as small footed, alluding to the Chinese custom of binding Barnams imagery was so powerful that he perpetuated the mysterious stereotype without verbally suggesting it in his exhibit verbally suggested in the exhibit. This same exhibit received further coverage in yet another newspaper, ensuring that almost everyone witnessed the new acquiescent Chinese exhibit. The April 22, 1850 edition of the New York Courier and Enquirer described the woman as a "Chinese beauty" with "tiny feet ...polished manners ... distingue air ...pretty face ...charming vivacity". This Courier quote again emphasizes the obedient nature of the Chinese. Other Barnam exhibits included an "eight-foot giant named C...
