Introduction: From Wonder to Error- A Genealogy of Freak Discourse in Modernity

Rosemarie Garland Thomson writes about the history of "freak" shows and how they came to be a popular attraction for all types of people. Thomson depicts what defines a "freak" and how people would display their "freakiness"; by performing in rented halls, permanent exhibitions of freaks in dime museums, circus sideshows, fairs, and amusement park midways.





Terms:

• fetus in fetu-developmental abnormality in which a fetus gets enveloped inside its twin and an entire living organ system with torso and limbs can develop inside the host.


• anomalous body- a body that is considered not normal from other bodies.
• lusus naturae- nature's sport or the freak of nature.

Questions

• How do we depict what is human and what is not?
• What do you think is the main reason that "freak shows" aren't a typical thing anymore?
• What first comes to mind when you hear the work "freak"?
• Why would people put themselves in "freak" shows? It couldn't possibly be an uplifting feeling to have people stare at and mock you.

Comments

I found this article to be very interesting because we have heard about "freak" shows but probably have never looked this in depth at how "freaks" were treated or how they came about. I found it disturbing that some of the participates in "freak" shows were mentally retarded and probably couldn't make the decision if they didn't want to be in that type of situation. I'm glad we live in a society where our differences can now make us who we are and most of the time we aren't looked at a "freaks" because of our differences.