In honor of this week’s opening season of American Horror Story ~ Freak Show, I’ve decided to write an article dedicated to those who courageously face society with their unique abnormalities.
For centuries, onlookers have been astounded by the malformations of these distinct individuals, gawking at their obvious differences. Freak shows became popular attractions associated with fairgrounds where freaks would often entertain the crowds with their many talents. Some of these astonishing individuals were quite skilled at dangerous acts such as sword swallowing or flame throwing while others would catch their audience by surprise with deformities like mutated limbs or extra appendages. Even exceptionally tall people were viewed as freaks and labeled as giants.
These extraordinary people joined traveling circuses and fairs to gain employment and possibly a sense of belonging because in earlier times, they weren’t so easily accepted by society. Take Joseph Merrick for example. He was well-known as “The Elephant Man” during the 1800s. He suffered from a severe thickening of the skin that caused huge lumps throughout his entire body and a bony growth on his forehead. Joseph was also inflicted by enlarged feet and an enlarged arm. The cause of his condition was never determined. He tried working as a door-to-door salesman, but because of his deformities, his attempt at such employment proved unsuccessful.
Conjoined twins, John Baptista and Lazarus Colloredo gained their recognition by touring Europe in the early 1600s. Then there was “The Missing Link”, a Burmese girl who’s real name was Krao Farini. She was employed by P.T. Barnum from the late 1800s to the time of her death in the mid-1920s. The reasoning for her stage name was because it referred to Darwin’s theory of evolution. Krao Farini had an excessively hairy body with ape-like qualities.
Many freaks were actually quite financially comfortable back in the day. Popular freaks were even depicted on trading cards, another way that these remarkable people were able to achieve monetary gain.
You can call them freaks, human oddities or whatever you choose, but the fact of the matter is that we are all humans regardless of our appearance.
“I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!” ~ Joseph Merrick, a.k.a. The Elephant Man
~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter @sheilarparker.
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SHEILA RENEE PARKER 
The 1932 film Freaks directed by Tod Browning (Dracula) was marred in controversy, so much so that the original version was deemed too shocking and I believe it was destroyed, the film that was released was banned in the UK for 30 years! Browning’s career never recovered, sadly. Not to mention the film was also responsible for a catchphrase we all still use today, “One of us, one of us.” but like you said we are all humans regardless of appearance.
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I know the film you’re referring to. I saw it a long time ago in black and white. It was unlike anything else I’ve seen. Definitely a film to remember.
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Your post reminded me of it. Its definitely one that once seen is never forgotten.
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We ALL are unique and beautiful. The kindest and most honest people I know are labeled as “freaks” by so called “normal” society, what is the definition of normal anyway?!
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Well said 😀
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Bravo!!
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Very well said. My son, having dealt with Tourette’s and OCD, since he was 6 has dealt with this attitude of people who are different being freaks for a very long time. It makes me sad that what many people fail to realize is that we are all here on a journey together. We are all connected and we are all worthy of love and respect. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. And thanks for the follow on my blog A Purple Patch Life.
Peace,
Ginger
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Thank you as well, Ginger!! 🙂
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Oh My Gosh Sheila! What a great post 🙂 I haven’t watched Freak Show yet even though I love American Horror Story because the subject this season makes me a little uncomfortable. I’m still not sure if I’m going to watch it. I’m so glad you included Joseph Merrick. His story has always broken my heart. And I loved what you said at the end about us all being human regardless of our appearance. I wish more people ascribed to this.
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Ahh… to peacefully coexist would be such a beautiful reality! 🙂
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I agree with you By Hook or By Book – I’m not comfortable with the Freak Show theme American Horror Story has chosen for this season. I think I’ll give it a miss. I just don’t expect the topic will be treated with any respect. I hope I’m wrong, though.
Thanks for the great post Sheila! I love learning about the things in history that I knew very little about 🙂
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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Thanks for the follow. Look forward to reading your blog and your books, glad you found me and now I’ve found you…:)
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Thank you as well, so wonderful to have you here! 🙂
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