This last Monday we talked about
freak shows in Disability Studies class.
In the 1920s people who were considered abnormal were showcased for
entertainment value. There was Robert
Wadlow, known as the tallest man on earth at 8 feet 11 inches; Chang and Eng Bunker who were male conjoined
twins, and Daisy and Violet Hilton, the most famous female conjoined
twins. These people, because society
would not accept them into the regular workforce and lifestyles, had no choice
but to showcase themselves as freaks to make money. These people had regular dreams just like you
and me, to go to school, to get a job, to get married, and to raise a
family. Unfortunately for some, the
world was not accommodating. When Robert
was going to school, the school system refused to make bigger desks; Daisy and
Violet were refused marriage licenses, and Eng and Chang were really the only
ones who ended up happy in spite of the freak show lifestyle. They became farmers, and raised 21 children
between them.
You would think that freak shows
are a thing of the past, but we also learned about a modern day freak show
called 999 Eyes. At first, I wondered
why these people would subject themselves to such a horrible concept of the
past, but then I realized that they are only working with what they were
given. They come forward and not only
showcase their talents (which include singing, dancing, juggling and much more)
in spite of having things like dwarfism, amputations, and body deformations. The only thing they are trying to accomplish,
is to pray and to the forefront the disabilities and illnesses that classify
them as "freaks". In their
efforts, they educate the audience, and slowly silence the many whispers and
stares that come along with the abnormal and unknown. They take the ammunition that could very well
be used against them, and in turn show the world that they are comfortable with
themselves and to educate and thwart ignorance.
I ended up relating to them really well, because I hope to thwart
ignorance with my writing and the stories I tell. I also found that I have I a
knack for comedy, and I can’t wait to add that to my current pile of ammo!
Questions always trump ignorance!
Karli
