Vice Essentials Season 2 Episode 5 Kingdom of the Little People

In Vice Essentials season 2 episode 5, viewers are taken on a journey to the Kingdom of the Little People, a theme park in China that is exclusively staffed by individuals with dwarfism. The episode explores the controversy surrounding the park, which some argue is exploitative and inhumane, while others see it as a unique opportunity for people with dwarfism to live and work in a community where they are not marginalized or discriminated against.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the theme park's history, which began in 2009 as a project by a wealthy developer looking to cater to the growing popularity of "little people" shows on Chinese television. We're introduced to several of the park's employees, including a young woman named Sha who works as a dancer in the park's nightly stage show. Sha speaks candidly about the challenges of living with dwarfism in a society that often sees her and her colleagues as "freaks" or "curiosities."

We learn that the Kingdom of the Little People has been the subject of controversy since its inception, with critics arguing that the park is a degrading and exploitative form of entertainment that reinforces negative stereotypes about people with dwarfism. The episode includes interviews with several disability rights activists who argue that the park is an example of "dwarfism tourism" and that it perpetuates the idea that people with dwarfism are objects of fascination and ridicule rather than human beings.

Despite these criticisms, the park's management defends its practices, arguing that its staff are treated with respect and offered a unique opportunity to live in a community that is supportive of their needs. We hear from the park's founder, who tells us that he believes the park is a positive force for change in Chinese society, helping to break down stigma and discrimination against people with dwarfism.

As the episode progresses, we delve deeper into the lives of the park's employees, learning about their relationships, aspirations, and challenges. We see them rehearsing for their nightly performances, laughing and joking together, and engaging in daily activities like cooking and cleaning. We also hear from some locals who have mixed feelings about the park, with some seeing it as a fun tourist attraction and others expressing concern about its impact on the broader conversation around disability rights in China.

Throughout the episode, viewers are left to grapple with the complicated ethical questions raised by the Kingdom of the Little People. On the one hand, the park provides a unique opportunity for people with dwarfism to live and work together in a supportive community. On the other hand, the park's detractors argue that it reinforces negative stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that people with disabilities are inferior and deserving of pity or ridicule.

In the end, the episode leaves viewers with much to ponder about the Kingdom of the Little People and the broader issues of disability rights and representation. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally stirring exploration of one of China's most controversial theme parks and the people who call it home.