Blog Post #4: Freaks
In her article "'Gooble-Gabble, One of Us': Grotesque Rhetoric and the Victorian Freak Show" (1997), Christine Fergusson argues that "what bother[s] me [is] the ease with which we [are] able smugly to dismiss the gawking attitudes of the Victorians, who recognized only difference in the freak body, and assume a moral high ground via our own contemporary attitudes to bodily abnormality. We live in a society which has, since the turn of the last century, increasingly attempted to view the freak as 'one of us,' whoever and whatever the 'us' may be....however, the relatively recent move to domesticate or normalize extreme physical difference has consistently failed to be less voyeuristic, less gratuitous, than prior attitudes towards abnormality" (245).
Consider this claim in the intervening 14 years since this article's publication. In what way has physical abnormality been incorporated into the social mainstream or does it remain the unseen, the unspoken, monstrified by its relegation to the cultural shadows? Asses what is at stake in any such incorporation or excision.
Society’s attitudes towards physical abnormality have changed since the Victorian Era in such that discrimination is not as visible or noticeable. Instead, people whisper to their neighbors, discuss the actions behind closed doors, or point and stare when the person of interest is not looking. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has enabled people with disabilities to be more accepted into “typical” or “normal” culture. However, individuals with disabilities encounter “normal” individuals who glare or offer assistance when help is not needed. Society has deemed the physically disabled as incapable of taking care of themselves. This is most evident with the physically disabled’s’ family members. These family members constantly say, “Let me do that.” Society has not fully embraced the physically handicapped.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there are cases where society has encompassed and pulled for the physically challenged. The Paralympic and Special Olympic games are excellent examples. Society comes together to cheer on the participants and embrace the competitors challenges. In recent times, an Arizona St. wrestler won the NCAA title with only one leg. At the time, people were inspired by this young man’s courage to overcome his adversity. But over time, people began to view having one leg in wrestling as an advantage. This man had more upper body mass and less limbs to grab and hold onto. Instead of pulling for the physically disabled society began to pull against them.
These examples give proof that society has not fully embraced the physically disabled. Even though reactions have been tamed, discrimination is still evident in day to day life. Society continues to worship physical perfection and longs to be that of celebrities. With this being said, much more is needed for people to feel a complete sense of belonging in society.
I like the example you use. I thought of more literal "freaks" but I think that you make a good point. And the discrimination is still present even if society doesn't outright say it.
DeleteThe disabilities act has really given new grounds for those with disabilities to fit in more in society, giving them a sense of normality. Though it is true that those with "amazing" talent such as Tebow/Manning(s)/Brady gives those with disabilities a disadvantage. It is very true however how you point out that people just keep their thoughts less noticeable and say their thoughts behind closed doors. It's sad that people can do this to people.
DeleteSociety's attitudes have changed toward people with disabilities. They now come up with tools to help people with their disabilities, like wheel chairs and elevator for people who cannot walk on their own. They also now provide handicap parking and seating when it comes to big events to make it easier for the physically disabled to become more involved in activities.
DeleteI agree with you on how people with disabilities have gained more societal acceptance in recent years. With that, there is a drawback which you have touched on that kind of concerns me. Since the handicapped people have gained such a presence in society, there are those who view those with disabilities with much scorn because they have become exemplar ideals in society. The disabled person will have a better appreciation of life, and will usually be a better example of how to be a "Good" person compared to a normal human with no disabilities that takes everything for granted. This is because you can never appreciate how much you rely on, say, your legs, until you find that you are missing one.
DeleteThe way we look at people who are different today is very much different from in the movie. THose who are different are not discriminated against and they are very mainstream. There are no longer "freaks" and if there are, society has learned to keep quiet about it. Years ago, many of the things seen today such as body tattoos and piercings, would be seen as different and those people would be considered freaks. However, our society has become more accepting of those who are different.
ReplyDeleteThere is still a sense of what is "in" and what is "out" however, it is not as present as it was in previous years. I think that even though it is not necessarily talked about as much doesn't mean that these types of judgements don't exist. There are many times when people are judging others, it is just not politically correct to be as outright as before. I think that the "freaks" have now blended in with out society and nobody wants to point it out as they did before. I think that the discrimination is still very evident in the workplace. Those who are tattooed are not able to perform certain jobs because of the way they look. I think society has become more accepting but there is still presence of what we consider to be "freaks."
There is always going to be that sense of what is "in" and what is "out" and I think it is because that is how our American culture has been for a long time. For example the rise in technology keeps people in our society wanting the next new gadget while their old gadget just gets thrown into the dumpster. I believe we are brought up into thinking we need the next big thing in order to fit in. Within the movie in order to fit in you had to look and speak a certain way as in todays society its simply what you have.
DeleteIn society there will always be those who judge and discriminate others, but like you said people will just not do it as blatantly as before. I like the point you make about people with tattoos being discriminated against in the workplace. Tattoos and piercing are becoming a cultural phenomena so maybe one day it will be socially acceptable for people to have tattoos and piercings. The idea of what is "in" and what is "out" is constantly changing so it is always going to be present, but again I agree with you and that it is less evident than it was in the past. Lastly, I feel that everyone has their own opinion on what defines a "freak", but the idea of the word is becoming less harsh than it was before.
DeletePhysical abnormality has been incorporated into America’s culture one-step at a time. In the last 14 years since this article has been published, things have miraculously gotten more confortable. There will always be the observation if something is out of place, but within current culture abnormality is hidden behind closed doors and discussed only by those who have an opinion. Where as in Freaks, 1932 was a lot different. Being a “freak” was known simply by the way they were laughed at in front of their faces. Today society has gradually become more accepting to those who look or seem different. And if they have a judgment and just can’t keep in, they will most likely tell it as a secret. In recent times there is a sense of confidentiality when it comes to letting someone know they are different. It is not just out in the open for that “different” person to see.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the movie, Freaks, discrimination was held strong through the characters making fun of other characters. I do believe a little bit of this type of discrimination exists today, but on a more settle level. Stereotyping under the radar is the most popular way of discrimination in most recent times. Even advertisers have to closely monitor what they say in order to appeal to the right group of people. What is mostly at steak with this “freak” epidemic is personal opinion. Does this movie allow people to think it is ok to point fingers and call names based on what they consider different? Or does this movie put upon the opinion that this kind of activity is completely wrong and absurd?
I agree with everything you said in your blog post. I agree with you in how society has become more accepted with people who have disabilties even though there might still be a little discrimination. I also agree with you in how you said stereotyping is the most common form of discrimination. I think stereotyping will always be around and I don't think it will ever go away.
DeleteSociety will never admit that they discriminate, but it still and always occur. It is just the way it is. We say we provide equal opportunities for all, but this is not always true. Stereotyping occurs a lot more that we would like to admit. Society is making a conscious effort to stop discriminating, but it will always need more time
DeleteStereotyping is still very evident in today society. Even though we have come a long way, people will continue to have their own thoughts on certain groups of people. In recent years the news has covered student minority’s and how they were not accepted into a college but their credentials were far more superior than a student of the majority that was accepted into the same college.
DeleteI think that over the years we have become more sensitive toward people's feelings, which is why I think there are less people discriminating against one another. On the other hand discrimination has not gone away, it could have in a way gotten worse because people are not expressing their opinions they are gossiping about them. I don't think discrimination will ever go away.
DeleteSociety has done a great job in trying to make people with disabilties more accepted into society. Back when the movie Freaks was made, people with disabilties were always discriminated against and as time goes on, society is trying to include people with disabilties in events especially sporting events. Society has comed a long way but there might be a few instances that come up where someone will be discriminated against because of their disabilties.
ReplyDeleteOne way people with disabilties have been able to feel more accepted is the passing of the Americans Disabilities Act of 1990. This law prohibits anyone from being discriminated against because of their disabilities. This was a huge step in the right direction. Also, there is an athlete name Oscar Pistorious who is an olympic runner who has double below-knee amputations. He became the first amputee runner to compete in the Olympic Games. This is a huge accomplish and in the future, we will probably see more amputee runners competing in the Olympics. Also, the Paralympic Games has helped people with disabilties feel more accepted.
I like how you used the example of Oscar Pistorious. It shows how society has changed to help those who are different like having a physical disabilities. It also shows that we don't judge as much now than those years ago.
DeleteThe way people look at physical abnormalities has changed greatly over the past 14 years. This movie portrays being a "freak" as having different physical characteristics, which today some would call physical disabilities. For example, some of the freaks in the show did not have legs, or did not have arms, or were even joined at the hip. Today society would not look at them as freaks, but a lot of people would acknowledge their differences and try to help them. There would still be some that would think they were freaks, most likely they would whisper to a friend or tell someone privately instead of making a huge scene. Today people with physical differences are now helped with their challenges, for example a person without legs would be put in a wheelchair and there are now ramps to assist those who need help. In the movie no one tried to help any of them, except each other. The difference between current times and the movie is the way freaks are viewed. Now it is not about look different physically, but trying to help; compared to the movie where the "normal" people just pointed and laughed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that when we acknowledge the people's differences that we try to help them. I think we do this by creatig organizations and fundraising for them. I also agree with you when you say that people whisper if they are going to talk about the "freaks". This shows that there will always be discrimination in the world. The biggest difference between now and the movie is definitely how people who are different are viewed.
DeleteAs years go by, the ways in which people view physical abnormalities will continue to change. Society as a whole has grown to be more accepting of "freaks" and have tried to help them. You don't see as many people pointing and laughing at people who appear different as you did 14 years ago. However, the discrimination will never completely disappear. Discrimination will always be around even if people keep it inside themselves and do not admit that they do it.
DeleteThroughout the past 14 or so years, people have become less stereotypical when it comes to those with disabilities, or merely ‘Different’ looking. It used to be if you looked/ acted differently, you were looked down upon, or gained less. At my high school, our motto was “ All students will achieve to their fullest potential”. This I felt was very motivating because it showed that no matter how different you were, you would be sure that the staff was making sure you got the most out of your education.
ReplyDeleteNew technology and creations have made it easier for those with disabilities to do day-to-day tasks. In “Freak” those who were disabled were looked down on in a way. In the current day in age, we don’t look down on them merely as much, but rather look up to them. We look up to them as a sense of motivation. We even have the Paralympics which are out there for those with disabilities to participate and win medals for our country.
My school had a motto that followed the same idea, out motto was "Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours" if you want to let things such as one persons smart ass remark about how you are different get you down then it will. We all have a choice to choose what effects us and everyday we make those decisions. your motto and mine can relate in that everyone will live up to their true potential if they apply themselves and every day we have to apply ourselves. like you said new technology does make day to day life for people with physical abnormalities much easier and it helps for sure to make everyone equal which is what we as a whole should all strive for, equality for all.
DeleteThe way we look at people who are different today is very much different from in the movie. Being different has been incorporated into America’s culture one-step, but others will always judge those who are different than them. In the movie Freaks, discrimination was a normal part of society. It was held strong between the characters because they would make fun of the other characters. Being known as a “freak” in the movie is having different physical characteristics like a physical disabilities. Today, we usually wouldn’t judge others who have a physical disability or consider them as a freak, but if someone did, they would keep it on the down low. We would simply help them in a way that we could.
ReplyDeleteIn the past couple of years those with disabilities have become more accepted in society. We do not long down on them as different or freaks, but rather those who have extreme faith. Laws and regulations make discrimination illegal and not allowed on society. Those with a disability are treated equal, and have the same job and education opportunities. People are always going to look and stare at those who are different, its just part of society. However, public humiliation has decreased overall.
ReplyDeleteNew laws have made it easier for those with a disability. We have adapted society to be fitting for all types of people, not matter there condition. With the American Disabilities Act, humility of those with special conditions has decreased dramatically.
Although those with disabilities have become more accepted in society, there are still instances of wrong doing. While a physically handicapped individual, for example, can show a facility is inadequate, mentally handicapped individuals may not be able to demonstrate they were fired or not hired due to their disability. These discrimination instances are present in today's world and cannot be overlooked. Laws have been introduced to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, or physical disabilities. However, cases do occur of employer misconduct. Discrimination has decreased over time but there continues to be occasions of wrong doing.
DeleteIn the last 14 years, the word “freaks” is not a socially acceptable word. Those who would be considered “freaks” are not discriminated against like they were before. If there is something to say about them then it is discussed among oneself and not throughout society. “Freaks” back in the 1932 were a lot different. If you were a “freak” people would judge you and make fun of you. Today, society has become more accepting of them. It is more unspoken. Instead of having circuses to make fun of these people, we have organizations and groups that are for those people in honor of them. They blend in like anyone else now. However, there are still people who will discriminate against those who are seen are “freaks”. Even though the people who are discriminating might not make it as obvious as they had back in 1932, they still might voice their opinion. It is only an opinion. In Freaks, discrimination was held strong through the characters making fun of other characters.
ReplyDeleteIn the past fourteen years "freaks" have become more accepted in society. People with disabilities now have many options available to them because of research development and people wanting to help the handicapped more easily live their lives. There are prosthetic body parts available to people who want them, wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps so handicapped people can more easily access buildings, and much, much more. You do not witness as many people pointing and laughing at the "freaks" of the world like they did in the movie. These days people may still think of certain types of people as "freaks" but for the most part they keep their comments to their selves. People these days are more open to the idea of people who appear different than themselves and are more accepting of their lifestyles. Just because someone looks and acts differently than you does not make them a "freak". Discrimination will always be around, however, the amount of people who openly discriminate others is constantly decreasing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point that modern science makes it easier for handicapped people to become less of "freaks". I also think that people have become less obvious about discriminating, but at the same time people these days are very possibly talking behind each others' backs a lot more. It is definitely considered pretty rude to point your finger and laugh nowadays too.
DeleteOver the past 14 years the use of the word "freak" has changed, and societies views of people with abnormalities has also changed. Society has became more accepting of those with disabilities or abnormalities. During the Victorian era people that were physically different were considered to be "freaks," and same with the characters from the film. In the film the "freaks" were made fun of and not socially acceptable. They were a part of the circus so the "normal" people could make fun of them.
ReplyDeleteIn today's century people with disabilities are no longer considered to be "freaks". People with disabilities are becoming more socially acceptable, and things are being made to accommodate them. People with differences are even being brought into the mainstream. There are multiple TV shows that feature people with disabilities. "Little People Big World" and "Abby & Brittany" are both TV shows on TLC that are about families with abnormalities. The shows are meant to inform people about their condition and show that they are normal people and live normal lives, just like people who do not have disabilities. Olympian Oscar Pistorius is another example of how people with disabilities are becoming more accepted. Oscar has prosthetic legs, but was allowed to run the 200m and 400m event in the non-Paralympics heat because of his talent.
Although the majority of society is accepting of people with disabilities, there are those people who will still judge and consider them to be "freaks". These people will often stare, or talk about that specific person when they are not looking. Unfortunately, this is something that will always be present in society because people are so worried about fitting a certain image. Overall though, people with abnormalities or differences are discriminated against a lot less than they were 14 years ago. These people are considered to be a function part of society, and are accepted by most. The context of the word "freak" also has a different, less degrading meaning as well.
I appreciate the fact that you used pop culture references such as "Little People Big World" and "Abbey and Brittany" to illustrate ways in which those which physical differences have been incorporated into mainstream society. I also think that concerns with self-image or being abnormal have contributed in a way to discrimination but almost in a self-inflicted way. You're right in saying that although things are better, we still have a long way to go when it comes to discrimination.
DeleteWithin the past 14 years, I believe our society has made large strides to become more accepting of those who past cultures would have labelled as "freaks". Our culture truly has become much more tolerant of physical abnormalities due to a few things. One, it has become mainstream through media such as TV shows on MTV. Some shows often include a social misfit or a physically handicapped person and portray their struggles in a positive, sympathetic way. Also, I believe that there are certain morals that have recently been set in our culture that discourage making fun of and judging others for their differences (at least publicly).
ReplyDeleteWe have come to realize that there is probably a little bit of freak in all of us, even if it is not shown physically. Many people have insecurities and think that they might have freakish qualities, and so don't judge others as easily for their own physical and mental differences.
I think that your point that social media such as television has played a major role in assimilating people with abnormalities into society. I think it is interesting that you brought up morals though seeing as how in the past two or three years you could argue that morals have been more flexible than usual, perhaps instead of morals being the driving force behind this, it is that we do not want others to view us differently for making fun of others so we try and protect our public image.
DeleteMuch has changed in terms of society’s viewpoint on physical abnormalities since the Victorian era. In the time that has past between Queen Victoria’s reign and today there has been an impressive amount of both legal and medical advancements that have benefited those who may not have previously fit into society’s standard of normal. In 1932, when “Freaks” was filmed, freak shows and vaudeville acts were incredibly popular. People where fascinated by what was different and unexplained. Since that time however it has become unacceptable to view those with physical differences and abnormalities as “freaks”. Medical explanations to many deformities and differences contributed to this and legal movements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act have helped people who are “differently abled” to incorporate themselves more easily into “normal” society.
ReplyDeleteMy little brother Kasey was born with a birth defect that caused one hand to be significantly smaller than the other and his fingers fused together. During Victorian times he would have been labeled a “freak”. Today however, you would never know he was any different than anyone else. He plays hockey, does well in school, and lives a completely normal teenage life. It is because of this that I believe that there is nothing at stake when it comes to the incorporation of those with differences into what is considered familiar or normal to society.
I agree with what you are saying about how time has changed the way people look at people’s differences. Especially with todays technology and our better understanding of how abnormalities happen. I very much enjoyed your personal experience with the story about your brother. I believe you have a better understanding of how people today view this subject.
DeleteTodays technologies have made it easier for people to live normal lives. the times have also changed to a more understanding time than back in the Victorian age. i like how you shared the story of your brother. i feel that you have a better understanding of this topic because you have dealt with it first hand.
DeleteI do believe that we have made tremendous strides in integrating anybody with disabilities or any abnormalities into society without being looked at in a different light. The movie “Freaks” revolves around the idea that it is okay to laugh at and make fun of anybody that is different, I think in the past fourteen years we have improved the social situations greatly. Most people now will have the common decency to not make fun of somebody to their face just because they are different, but in defense to Fergusson’s argument that we have not changed since Victorian times racism is still very prevalent and most people will have a comment to make behind closed doors when they know they can say whatever they want.
ReplyDeleteI believe much has changed since the Victorian era in regards to what is normal and what is not. Back then if you had anything about you that would deem you different you were carted off to the circus or hidden away. Today I want to say people are more accepting of people’s differences but that’s not always the case. With the technology we have today birth defects are better understood and sometimes treatable. This is much different then in the Victorian era. You can even argue that being different is kind of desirable. Everyone is always trying to be different and stand out in a crowd. This is common in today’s fashion and material possessions. Even in todays modern culture people what to be different. This is evident in modern films specially superhero movies. When you think about it the heroes abnormalities make him/her special. In todays time I believe that abnormalities are not looked at the same way as they were in the Victorian era and accepted more easily.
ReplyDeleteTreatment of these people has certainly improved since the Victorian era, but there are still cases of people being discriminated against. I like the point you made with the fact that today with medical technology, we can better understand birth defects and sometimes treat them. And how that has improved how we treat people with physical abnormalities. The connection you made between superheroes and "freaks" was interesting. I think you are right about them being a sort of glorified version of being different.
DeleteToday's society has gone to great measures to accept those people with physical and mental abnormalities. We see a lot more of these people living normal day to day lives. We also see a lot more television shows highlighting these people and how they live their lives, such as TLC's "Little People Big World," and "Abbey and Brittany." But even though the people who were labelled "freaks" are now publicly accepted, they are still gawked at and laughed at behind closed doors. What are these shows but a circus stage in disguise? We like to pride ourselves in being accepting of any person, no matter what they look like, but these people with extreme physical abnormalities are still discriminated against. I believe that we are on the right track towards total acceptance of these people.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right that these shows are in a way circus acts. They are merely acts for audiences to laugh at these people without feeling ashamed, since they are alone. We are on the right track, but we still have a long way to go before their totally accepted into our culture.
DeleteWhen I think about the word "freak" I don't think about physical deformities. Back in the 1930s it was acceptable to view physically deformed people as freaks. In more recent years however, most people would consider that to be rude. In today's society, it's more about the way in which people think than how they look. We consider serial killers and pedophiles to be freaks. That's socially acceptable. If I were to make fun of a little person in public, I would't be surprised to receive several dirty looks. Some might even say something to me about how disrespectful and rude i was being. If I talked about how creepy and weird the serial killer on TV is, I'm sure I would have several people who would agree with me. Instead of poking fun at the people who are physically deformed, we tend to feel sorry for them. You could even argue that we look up to them in some ways.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the majority of society has become more acceptive of peoples physical differences, I believe it is still a sensitive subject. Many people feel uncomfortable simply when they are in the same room with someone with a physical deformity. I'm not sure if that will ever go away completely, but I think things are a lot better now than they were back in the 1930s when people were openly calling them freaks.
Society seems to be more focused now on personal behavior rather than physical appearance. Those with Down Syndrome, physical handicaps, or other physical abnormalities are more widely accepted. Instead, those who act "differently" are subject to ridicule by their peers. I think society is much more accepting than it used to be, but now the focus has shifted.
DeleteSociety today has taken great measures into accepting people with physical and mental disabilities. We see more and more abnormal people today living normal lives. It shows up in pop culture today with television shows like “Little people big world.” People don’t laugh at people with disabilities like they used to back in the 1930s. it is frowned upon to laugh at someone with a disability because these people can now live normal lives. I believe that today we are making strides to accepting everyone in our society and not discriminating against the people labeled as “Freaks.”
ReplyDeleteJudgmental people have always been around and will continue to prowl. They make assumptions about people before they take any time to get know you. In “Freaks” this is very evident in the opening when it says anything that deviated from the normal was considered an omen of ill luck or representation evil. This clearly explains societal norms or regulations that everyone believed in. This film shows how the ability of humans to adapt and change can impact and make the world better for everyone in it. Some examples of this would be the abolishment of slavery, women’s rights, and the ending of the Holocaust.
ReplyDeleteJust because someone has a deformity does not make them less than you, in fact it could very well make them more interesting because they are different from the everyday person. In high school we had a guest speaker come in and his arms were not all the way formed, they only went down to about his elbow. Despite that, he followed his dream and worked hard at wrestling until he won state championships. Just because someone may look different doesn’t make them different from you at all.
My favorite fact I read about this movie after I watched it, was about F. Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has always been one of my favorite authors because of his offbeat view on life and society. Most of his characters are someone jaded and detached from the norm, and I get the feeling that he probably identifies with that. Fitzgerald worked in the MGM studios at the same time the movie "Freaks" was in production. During his lunch hour, it was common to find him eating at the same table of the side-show freaks from this movie. When asked about it, he commented that he felt he had more in common with them than with anyone else in the studios. I think Fitzgerald probably would share the same view as you. I can imagine that he was able to see past the physical differences and truly connect with them because they all shared this feeling of being an outcast.
Delete^ Alex Thompson
DeleteNowadays having a disability is not as big a problem as it was several years ago. Being considered different is now a desirable trait because it makes one unique. While things like birth defects and other abnormalities are always attempted to be avoided, still these differences just cause more uniqueness. It is sometimes even better to have these things occur because it causes you to be different than others, but forces them to accept you. Today has technology that helps those who are suffering from a disability and try to help them be as close to normal as possible, yet in the social aspect of society there is this drive to constantly be different than everyone else and to stand out. This is evident by the fact that fashion has such a broad range from being prim and preppy down to the punk look.
ReplyDeleteWhile being different is sometimes unavoidable, it is almost always disired by everyone to stand out.
Though people definitely want to be different I do not think that having a disability is the type of difference that people strive to achieve even if they are all about standing out. Clothes are a much better example of this because you can change day to day while someone with a disability just has to learn to accept it because they have no choice. Yes, its true that having a disability is not as big of a problem in this time period but I'm sure plenty of people with disabilities would get rid of their disability if they had the choose to do so.
DeleteIn today's society, "freak(s)" is a word that has a strong negative connotation. It is not as acceptable to use this word because it comes off as extremely offensive. Back in the 1930s, “freak” was used mostly to describe physically deformed people. However, nowadays, people are judged more for their process of thought versus how they look. For example, sociopaths who kill animals at a young age or have no remorse when they hurt others – we see these people as “freaks”. We fear these people because of how grotesque they treat others. To talk badly of sociopaths is okay because widely people would agree with how “sick” Jeffery Dahmer is. However, when we see someone who may be autistic or have Downs Syndrome, most people would be infuriated with someone who decided to tease them. We sympathize with those who may be physically deformed because we do not know how hard their life may be. If people do talk about others in a negative manner, they usually do it behind closed doors. Because those who talk badly about others are usually treated badly as well. But there is still a distance we keep from those with physical deformities. We do not know what to do exactly because we don’t know what would be offensive or not.
ReplyDeleteI believe that disabilities have become more accepted. I think that this is partly because science and technology has proven that both disabilities and deformities are a product birth that cannot be avoided by someone. Along with this incorporation of disabled individuals into society has come the demise of using the word "freaks" as a way to describe these beings. Though people with such deformities or disabilities will always be looked at differently because they are truly different in a physical and aesthetic sense, we are able to accept it based on our knowledge of how such problems come about. In the victorian era they were not able to do so and resorted to marking people with the tittle of "freaks" and making negative claims abut them. Even in Christine Fergusson's article she uses the word "freak" and though she is criticizing victorian era society the word continues to bring a negative connotation into the tone of the article. In current westernized society most people, because you can never really say everyone, have come to accept disabled individuals and we have even glorified their achievements in all aspects including athletics. Yet we continue to not fully incorporate them. Disabled kids are never hanging out with everyone outside of school or sporting events, we tend to make ourselves feel better by associating ourselves with disabled individuals when it is necessary but not when it isn't.
ReplyDeleteAdvances in medicine have certainly diminished some of the nastier physical deformities. Social acceptance of disabilities has also caused a general view of intolerance for those still choosing to openly use foul language in reference to those disabled. From personal experience however, most people generally don't associate with the handicapped based on a 'necessity.' A member of my fraternity has been paralyzed from his lower back to his legs after a car accident. The tragedy was unimaginable however it changed nothing about the way we acted around him. There was no changes in our dialogue that would even hint that being in a wheelchair for the the rest of his life had changed the way we would treat him. Being in a wheelchair has changed nothing about his personality and having this understanding is what separates the ignorance of closed-minded people from truly seeing someone for who they are.
DeleteThe knowledge that scientists have collected about physical abnormalities has truly aided in our understanding on the people who live with these conditions. They are no longer gazed on as "freaks" but as people who endure certain mental or physical conditions. Through attaining more knowledge, society has learned to embrace the differences that this select group of people live with. Furthermore, society has become proactive by trying to find ways to prevent others from developing abnormalities. Every year numerous hospitals spend a large sum of money researching the causes of disability. This research produces new medication and information. Overall, these actions have helped society to respect the members of society whom live their daily lives with abnormalities.
Delete“Freaks” today are treated very differently than 14 years ago. Mainstream society has become more accepting of a much wider group of people. Many of today’s styles, such as tattoos or the “goth” group, are accepted into our society without much thought. But just 14 years ago these people would have been considered abnormal and weird. Other innovations have led to freaks being more generally accepted. Science and technology have given many with disadvantages easie ways to cope in our modern society. However, society will never truly accept abnormal people. There will always be those that point and stare. Hopefully, someday, society can reach the point where these frivolous details won’t matter. We have come a long way to understanding others, but I believe we still have a long way to go.
ReplyDeleteI really hope society can reach that point as well. You're absolutely right. We've come a long way already in terms of accepting abnormalities. We just need to continue pushing forward. I would also say that science has been a big factor in helping people deal with their disadvantages. Maybe with more scientific advances, society will learn to accept everyone for who they are. We won't have much reason to call each other freaks.
DeleteI feel that physical deformities and differences are more widely accepted than they were when the article was written. Advancements in research and medicine have proven that these abnormalities are due to differences in the genetic code, and people have no control over them whatsoever. I think the word "freak" is now used to describe people who behave differently rather than have a unique physical appearance. To say someone is a freak today is to say that their behavior is very peculiar, but the term still holds a negative connotation. It is used to point out what is popular and unpopular, acceptable and unacceptable in society. In the film, Cleopatra takes advantage of Hans, marrying him only to obtain the large fortune he possesses. She does not accept him for the midget he is and only looks past his physical appearance to see his inheritance. While people are more accepting than they were in the 1930s, people still look down on others who look no different from themselves. For example, while some people are supportive of the LGBTQ community, others think that they are too weird and are sinners for being homosexual or transgendered.
ReplyDeleteSince the Victorian era people have become more self-conscious of their views of people who appear different. In the Victorian era people would just talk about the people’s abnormalities right in front of them and criticize them for being different. They are made outcasts in society for being different. In today’s society the people with abnormal physical features are welcomed and encouraged to participate and partake in everything else that “normal” people do. Since the Victorian era a lot of work has been put in place to guarantee that people are not discriminated against. The discrimination act is probably the most prominent example of the work. Along with these new outlooks on people who are different come people who instead of openly voice their feelings of people but instead they simply hide in the shadows and whisper amongst themselves about the “monstrosity god created” , I feel that people who look at them this way have never spent any time with anyone who was physically abnormal, I have been encouraged since I can remember to treat everyone equally no matter how they look because it doesn’t matter what’s on the outside it matters what’s on the inside and if everyone followed this rule then we wouldn’t have to deal with ignorance of judgmental people who criticize the physically abnormal.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we are more welcoming towards people with abnormal features but don't some people talk behind their back? How can we be more accepting towards people with differences if we can't even look at them and not what to say something behind their backs. Everyone has abnormal features some are just more prominent then others. Yes the Victorian era was a bit more out in the open about how they did not approve of how someone looked, but it would be better to have it said to your face rather they hear it through the grape vine. Wouldn't it?
DeleteThe more we know, the less sheltered we have become. With advancements in technology, such as television, the internet, and cellphones, it has become increasingly easy to broaden one's horizon and truly start to look outside of the immediate community. I think 14 years ago, there wasn't as much pressure to look beyond one's own home environment without spending a large deal of money to travel elsewhere. But today, it is a very different world, because with the abundance of access we have to learning about more than what is right in front of us without having to travel, there is now an added pressure to seem as politically correct as possible in order to not seem ignorant or old-fashioned. Tod Browning was absolutely ahead of his time, which is why this movie was reviewed so poorly at the time and banned in many areas. Browning, I assume, probably had more means to travel than the average person and I think that because of that he was able to see the problematic situation of people making a mockery of those who were deformed. The movie "Freaks" was him holding his mirror up to the world and show them who the monsters of that time truly were, and it certainly wasn't the sideshow-freaks, such as Hans, the siamese twins, and the half-man. I don't think people at that time were ready to accept this though. I don't think they wanted to give up the guilty-pleasure of gawking at those who were physically deformed and, more importantly, I don't think they were ready to accept the burden of the blame for their actions. 14 years ago, I'm sure that those who saw the movie originally were still not ready to accept this revelation, but I think that as a whole, it was still too new to confront it once again. But today the combination of time and a generally more liberal (in the sense of slowly becoming more accepting of attributes outside of the cultural norm) we are ready for this movie and can truly appreciate and learn from it's message.
ReplyDelete^ Alex Thompson
DeleteOne difference from the Victorian era and now is that people that are different are welcomed and encouraged to be apart of society. Back than the were put on display for everyone to laugh or shunned from everyone. this people were often mistreated or not taken care of. now it is illegal to shun or harass someone because they are different. we have become more accepting of of difference, we have become less afraid of them. we do not see these people as different any more, we see them as unique.
ReplyDeletePeople with disabilities are sometimes talked about in an unfriendly way but the way people think about the physical abnormalities has changed a lot over the past years. Society has become more accepting of those disabled people. In the movie “Freaks”, people always look down on those who are disabled but nowadays the way people look at the disabled is much different from the movie. We don’t see many people discriminate or laugh at them. On the contrary, People begin to help them and give them much more concern than before. For example, people are really proud of those athletes who took part in the Paralympics Games and government has founded specific organizations such as AAPD to take care of them and promote equal opportunities. In addition, society today is more knowledgeable about people with disabilities and we respect and sometimes look up to them as our inspiration.
ReplyDeleteTheir disabilities and impairments may cannot just disappear but barriers and misunderstandings between them and us can be cleared off. If the society is completely approachable and accessible, then discrimination will never come again and people will not be considered as the disabled forever.
.
In my opinion the way we handle and treat people with disabilities has definitely changed from past cultures. In the past, different people were labeled as freaks and pushed away from society. I think our society has made some major efforts to be more accepting of the differences that some people have. We now offer the Special Olympics, and look up to people who are different from everyone else. I think that as the years have gone by, we have learned to keep our opinions more of a secret rather than blurt out everything we think. I don’t think discrimination will ever go away, but I think that we are getting better on how to help and encourage people who are different to make it as far as they can.
ReplyDeleteIn Freaks, discrimination was a common theme throughout the movie. The characters were constantly laughing at the odd one out or the “freak”. I think that this type of discrimination does still exists today but not on that level. I think that we have become more sensitive to people’s feelings and have realized how to hide our true feelings. Everyone is different, and who is to say who is a freak and who isn’t? I personally think no one has to right to make that judgment.
Since the Victorian era, mainstream society has not necessarily diminished its perspective on abnormalities of a culture but has evolved. Advances in medical technology and therapy have allowed people of physical ailments to receive better treatment and live a relatively normal lifestyle. Back in the Victorian era, these deformities were a source of entertainment for the masses. Carnivals would attract attention for the most deformed and unique looking human being. The general consensus today has come to realize these freaks are still human beings that can be affected by emotional and psychological stress. I would argue that in today's world, physical deformities are a lot easier to understand than mental deformities. Those humans with diseases of the mind are harder to be accepted when they look completely normal from their external appearance.
ReplyDeletePhysical abnormality has been incorporated into mainstream society in numerous ways. One of the ways is though media. People with abnormalities have been placed into mainstream society through television and movies. For example, the film "Radio" showcases a character that has mental retardation. In result of his condition, the main character talks, walks, and acts in a different manner than the normal person. The strides to incorporate people with abnormalities into mainstream society has aided in our view of this part of our population. By learning to accept people who have abnormalities, society has learned to appreciate people for their differences. In result of being more accepting, society has become very sensitive to this topic. Using “politically correct” terms has become stressed in mainstream media. Society now must address people who are different using certain accepted terms so no one can be offended. Overall, people have learned to become more sensitive and excepting of others.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that incorporating physical abnormalties into society will help people learn and appreciate people for who they are. But also as bad as it sounds I can see the opposite of that. That just like you said the movie Radio helped this cause, I can also see it hurt it. There are going to be some people who see that movie and then start mimicing the different mannerisms that Radio had, which is terrible. It is hard to say how people react in situations like that, and that is why it is hard to say how much incorporation of physical abnormality could be too much. Which makes this subject a very touchy and undecided area.
DeleteOur society in the recent century has dialed down the discrimination against those physically disabled or impaired. I feel like people have accepted the fact that the appearance of someone physically is typically out of anyone's control. A deformity in no way tells about the characteristics of a person. What I've seen from our society however is nondiscrimination but also inequality. Those who have deformities tend to be unable to fit in with typical crowds. Though I don't feel as if people jade those with physical contortions I do see a sense of hierarchy attitude when comparing themselves. Without insulting and jeering we put ourselves on a pedestal. We have a tendency to categorize the people we interact with. This is an example of the popular culture's need to have an advantage. Cleopatra demonstrated this when she tossed the wine in the dwarfs face. She felt superior to the "freaks."
ReplyDeleteIn the last twenty years or so, our society has put less discrimination towards the physically and mentally disabled. However, it also seems as if we have put no attention towards the physically and mentally disabled as well. Which, in some cases, could be considered just as bad as discriminating against them. For example, I could only name a few television shows or movies that include a full time character with a physical or mental disability. So, it seems like instead of discriminating them we are deluding them. In the movie "Freaks", it seemed as if the author wanted you to feel sorry for the "freaks" in the beginning of the story and throughout the majority of the film. However, at the end of the movie, especially in the last couple seems, it seemed as if the author wanted you to fear the "freaks."
ReplyDeleteProgressions in research and medicine have proven that these abnormalities are due to differences in the genetic code, and people have no control over them whatsoever. I think the word "freak" is now used to describe people who act differently rather than have a matchless physical appearance. To say someone is a freak today is to say that his or her comportment is very peculiar, but the term still holds an adverse connotation. It is used to point out what is popular and unpopular, acceptable and unacceptable in society. We consider serial killers and pedophiles to be freaks. That's informally acceptable, if I were to make enjoyment of a little person in public; I wouldn't be surprised to receive several dirty looks. In the film no one attempted to help any of them, except each other. The difference among current times and the movie is the way freaks are considered. Now it is not about look different materially, but trying to help; compared to the movie where the "normal" people just pointed and laughed.
ReplyDeleteIn our society today you can see that we have incorporated the disabled more. We have started to discriminate less and include them in everyday tasks. Grocery stores are hiring disabled people to bag groceries or be greeters at the entrance. Also we have involved them in the school setting more too. Schools have started to put these children in with the non disabled students. It seems like we are realizing that they are normal people like the rest of us and just wanted to be treated the same. They do not want to be treated differently. In there minds they are just as capable to do all the same tasks as we are. And in most cases this is true. They have the capability but society just seems to look past that and does not give them a fair chance. I think society is realizing that there is no reason to treat them any different than everyone else and that they can function just as well. They do not need people feeling sorry for them and treating them like babies. They need people to treat them like everyone else and realize that they have potential to do well.
ReplyDeletePhysical abnormalities have been brought into many TV shows now a day. The TV producers have done this, I believe, because we have become a more accepting society and try to make everyone feel welcome and not be worried that they are going to be judge and are not outcasts of this world like some people think they are. Social mainstream is trying to bring these people out of the shadows and show them that they can make it in this world and don’t need to be highlighted on the physical abnormality that they have.
ReplyDeleteThe Victorian era might have highlighted these abnormalities more by having these people needing to be in the circus or freak shows to make money. But aren’t we doing the exact same thing but just not as bad? They still have to go on TV and preform whether they are just reading the lines for the part or just playing up what they already have. These people still basically have to sell what abnormality they possess to even earn money.
Comparing now to fourteen years ago, people with disablities have come increasingly more accepted in modern society. People are more informed in what those with disabilites are dealing with, helping them realize how its not their fault and how they are normal everyday people. Also with the help of modern medicine some peoples deformaties and abnormalties are hidden easier. For instance prosthetics and other things like that have gotten smaller and less noticable to the modern eye. For the main thing I believe is that when something is clearly different or off, people tend to classify that as weird just because they don't usually see it often. Also there are groups in schools that preach for equality of people, not matter what you may look or be. This helps show people especially kids, where generalities of deformity begin, that difference is ok and that everyone has their own problems, whether it be a deformity to mental disorder to just family problems. That everyone is different and unique in their own ways. But as much as everyone would like to believe that descrimination is gone and over with, it's not. We still have ignorant people today(although it is significantly less)who have little to no regard for other people's feelings. There are still people who point and laugh at those who are noticably different, showing how they have no heart or care for others. To those certain people, as long as it is not them it is hilarious. This will not end until the adults grow up and stop it. Each kid is taught certain things such as people with abnormalties/deformities are weird or freaks, from t.v. to their parents. So in order to stop it, it must be done their so it cannot be retaught and then the cycle starts all over again.
ReplyDelete