Thomson's "Introduction: From ... Modernity"

Rosemarie Thomson’s “Introduction: From Wonder to Error – A Genealogy of Freak Discourse in Modernity”

I. Description
Rosemarie Thomson’s piece explains different meanings of the word freak and how it’s changed throughout history, the history of freak shows, who classifies as a freak, examples of freaks in history, and provides a description of their roles as entertainment in society. Thomson then provides an overall introduction to the works of Leslie Fiedler, Robert Bogdan, David Gerber, Elizabeth Grosz, Paul Semonin, among others.
II. Terms/concepts
freak- The meaning has changed from Milton’s a fleck of color to whimsy or fancy to the 1847 definition which was “synonymous with human corporeal anomaly.” *This means that it’s a deviation from the common body* (dictionary.com)

“enfreakment”- narrative and cultural premise of irreducible corporeal difference

corporeal- of the nature of the physical body, bodily (dictionary.com)

freak show- entertainment that included those who were considered abnormal by human standards. These shows included conjoined twins, albinos, midgets, etc.

III. Questions/thoughts
What were some initial reactions to the freak shows? Were there any groups against it?
What did freaks think about the shows? Were they forced to “perform”? Were they paid?
How were the shows advertised?
What was the real cause of the shows ending?
Why dress the freaks up if they were already considered entertaining?

I found this piece both interesting and disturbing. It’s hard to think that someone’s disabilities or abnormalities were considered entertainment. It was interesting that the author used the example of Michael Jackson to point out the “freak” in our culture.