Conclusion

Now how does Barnum's exploitation of Joice Heth and Zip the Pinhead, as well as decieving the public with the Feejee Mermaid challenge his integrity?

Definition

Integrity (n.) is defined as: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change. Definition based on Cambridge Dictionary.

Proving My Claim

Thesis statement: Although P.T. Barnum is deemed "The Greatest Showman", his success is built on egregious exploitation and deception, which challenges his integrity amidst the spectacle. This website will explore his exploitative practices through Joice Heth and Zip the Pinhead, as well as manipulating public sentiment in his favor through the FeeJee Mermaid.

Ultimately, Barnum valued much of his integrity, as he states: "Strict honesty not only lies at the foundation of all success in life (financially), but in every other aspect. Uncompromising integrity of character is invaluable." (Herskowitz, 135). This is funny coming from Barnum because his actions are incongruous to his sentiment. As we consider my evidence regarding his exploitation of Joice Heth and Zip the Pinhead, as well as his deception involving the Feejee Mermaid to manipulate public sentiment in his favor, it's evident that his actions challenge his so called integrity. Furthermore, as we consider what Joice Heth, Zip the Pinhead, and the Feejee Mermaid contributed as they were exhibited by Barnum, it's undeniable that they were a foundation of his success since they generated significant revenue and attention, and were essentially his ladders to success.