Freak show

Freak show is a type of entertainment that was popular in the Victorian era, featuring biological rarities referred to as "freaks of nature". Such shows were often associated with circuses and carnivals, and were a significant aspect of American culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

The history of freak shows dates back to the time of Ancient Rome, where people with unusual physical characteristics were often showcased in public spaces. However, it was during the Victorian era that freak shows gained widespread popularity, particularly in the United States and England. P.T. Barnum is one of the most notable figures in the history of freak shows, having established the American Museum in New York City, which displayed a variety of human oddities.

Performers

Performers in freak shows were often people with physical deformities or unusual abilities. Some of the most famous performers include Joseph Merrick, known as the "Elephant Man", and General Tom Thumb, a dwarf who achieved great fame working with P.T. Barnum. Other performers included bearded women, giants, dwarfs, and people with albinism.

Criticism and decline

Freak shows have been criticized for exploiting their performers, many of whom were born with the physical conditions that made them attractions. The rise of disability rights movements and changing social attitudes led to the decline of freak shows in the mid-20th century. Today, they are largely seen as a form of exploitation and are generally considered to be in poor taste.

In popular culture

Freak shows have been depicted in various forms of media, often as a setting for horror or drama. They have been featured in films such as Freaks and The Elephant Man, and in television series like American Horror Story: Freak Show.

See also

• Sideshow
• Human zoo
• Cabinet of curiosities