Chapter
The Dark History of Snake Oil Salesmen
39:41 - 44:44 (05:02)
Snake oil salesmen used to be racist white people who profiteered off of indigenous people, gave out heroin, and wore black and brown face. Chinese people used effective medication, but it was still considered a scam by others.
Clips
Collier's magazine published a series of exposés in 1905 on patent medicines, called The Great American Fraud, but it wasn't until 1917 that the first successful prosecution occurred under the Pure Food and Drug Act thanks to lobbying efforts by the proprietary association.
39:41 - 41:30 (01:49)
Summary
Collier's magazine published a series of exposés in 1905 on patent medicines, called The Great American Fraud, but it wasn't until 1917 that the first successful prosecution occurred under the Pure Food and Drug Act thanks to lobbying efforts by the proprietary association.
ChapterThe Dark History of Snake Oil Salesmen
EpisodeSnake Oil
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The rise of drug stores, regulation, and improved access to healthcare contributed to the decline of medicine shows in America during the 1930s.
41:30 - 42:38 (01:08)
Summary
The rise of drug stores, regulation, and improved access to healthcare contributed to the decline of medicine shows in America during the 1930s. The growth of movie theaters as a preferred source of entertainment also played a role.
ChapterThe Dark History of Snake Oil Salesmen
EpisodeSnake Oil
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The concept of snake oil salesmen and the scam they represent is deeply intertwined with racism and cultural appropriation.
42:38 - 44:44 (02:05)
Summary
The concept of snake oil salesmen and the scam they represent is deeply intertwined with racism and cultural appropriation. The holes in our medical system have led to the rise of such scams, with communities of color getting exploited by the ones who held power.