Freak Shows

The idea of freak shows to display people with physical handicaps or just people playing a role has always been thought of as discrimination and wrong. While taking an American Popular Culture class, we discussed how the industry of freak shows was the only option for some individuals. Parents were not being insensitive by sending their children off to tour with these shows, it was their only option at income or purpose. Most of the acts that were displayed in the freak shows voluntarily joined and had the feeling of acceptance around people like themselves. In the case of Tom Thumb, he became an international celebrity because of P.T. Barnum. This was an opportunity he would not have had unless it was for the entertainment industry, particularly freak shows. As a result of his tour and fame, he ended up in a happy marriage that attracted as much wonder and attention like his act did. Some performers emphasized their disabilities so that they would be more appealing and interesting to the public. Some may think this is wrong to dramatize disabilities, but when the freak shows were popular they were not seen as average and accepted but as unique and unknown. Therefore, the idea of playing up something different was a huge contributor for freak shows. For example, a person with hair all over their body could be known as the "wolf person" or something along those lines. I am sure that at some point in their life they felt alienated and ashamed of their condition, but seeing all the people willing to come and see them and pay attention to them was something that was ideal. I believe that freak shows were an important part of history, not only for the entertainment industry but for the people who were involved.


Valerie Walden