ABSTRACT
The arrival of Wild West shows in fin-de-siècle Vienna sparked media frenzy, revealing a complex interplay between entertainment, societal discourse, and racial stereotyping. This chapter explores how media representations contributed to the construction of public perceptions of Native Americans in Austria-Hungary, often framing them as exotic attractions rather than individuals with agency. Through an analysis of German-language newspapers (1870–1918), the chapter highlights the fascination with the Other and the simultaneous reinforcement of colonial attitudes, while also addressing critical voices that questioned the authenticity and morality of these representations. The findings underscore the role of the press in shaping narratives around race and identity in the late Habsburg empire, revealing how these performances mirrored broader societal anxieties and aspirations.
