Freak Shows

Bob Bogdan spoke to my class tonight and his conversation and slide show was very interesting. For over thirty years, he studied freak shows on midways and the portrayal of disabled individuals in American history. His conversation, designed through a photograph slide show, was very educational, especially in light of what constitutes a freak and the politics that go with it. Historically, the way shows put individuals on stage is a sign of a cultural period. At one time, it was status, so much so that Asian siamese twins bought property in the south and owned slaves - They were high society.

Times change, however, and then they don't. If we look at Octo-mom, one could say that our society still pours cash on those who create notions of abnormality. I think paying attention to how we display one another - whether normal or abnormal - is a great place to challenge our definitions quickly placed as truth. As it's been pointed out again and again, a supermodel - who is supposed to epitomize beauty - is actually quite freakish and odd. Yet, she's placed before the masses as an ideal. Quriky insight for a Wednesday.