This analysis will focus on how humans with extraordinary bodies were turned into freaks through processes that stem from a concept of normalcy. Firstly, the social construction of normalcy will be examined in combination with the societal expectation of bodies to be whole and how these expectations influenced the lives of people with unusual bodies. Moreover, the focus will be laid on the concept of Othering in order to further explain the formation of freak shows. In addition to that, Garland-Thomson’s theory of Staring will be applied to the way that ordinary humans with extraordinary bodies were turned into freaks. The different theories are connected through the variable of normalcy. Normalcy influences the different ways that people were turned into freaks. The analysis is mainly based on the works of Rosemary Garland-Thomson, who wrote about extraordinary bodies and the theory of Staring, Robert Bogdan and Brigham A. Fordham, who closely studied freak shows, and Lennard J. Davis and his concept on normalcy.
‘Monstrosity’, ‘Freak’, ‘Cripple’ were terms that used to describe humans whose bodies deviated from the norm. These people were solely reduced to the way their bodies looked and how they possibly malfunctioned. In nineteenth century America, people with unusual bodies were exhibited in so-called freak shows, in order to make profit for the owners and to amuse the audiences. The body forms the center of attention in freak shows and is deeply connected to and intertwined with the concept of normalcy that is common in society. Even though the term ‘freak’ has a negative connotation nowadays and is not acceptable to use anymore, it used to be a set expression, which is the reason for using it in this analysis without quotation marks.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Freak shows in 19th century America
- The Concept of Normalcy
- Turning Humans into Freaks
- Social Construction of Normalcy
- The Concept of Othering
- The Theory of Staring
- Conclusion
- Works cited
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This analysis explores how individuals with extraordinary bodies were turned into freaks in 19th-century America, emphasizing the role of normalcy in this process. It examines the social construction of normalcy and the societal expectations placed on bodies to be whole, analyzing how these expectations influenced the lives of people with unusual bodies. The analysis also delves into the concept of Othering and its role in the formation of freak shows. Finally, it applies Garland-Thomson's theory of Staring to understand how ordinary humans with extraordinary bodies were transformed into freaks.
- The social construction of normalcy and its influence on perceptions of bodies
- The concept of Othering and its role in creating a distinction between "normal" and "freakish"
- The theory of Staring and its impact on how individuals with extraordinary bodies are viewed
- The role of freak shows in 19th-century America and their connection to notions of normalcy
- The presentation and exploitation of individuals with extraordinary bodies in freak shows
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the analysis by defining the term "freak" and highlighting the significance of the body in shaping perceptions of normalcy and abnormality in 19th-century America. It outlines the key concepts and theories that will be explored throughout the analysis.
Chapter two delves into the history of freak shows in 19th-century America, focusing on their rise in popularity and the role of P.T. Barnum in popularizing them. It explores the different categories of "freaks," including "born freaks," "made freaks," "novelty acts," and "gaffed freaks," and examines the ways in which these individuals were presented and exploited.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This analysis focuses on the concepts of normalcy, freak shows, extraordinary bodies, social construction, Othering, the theory of Staring, and the exploitation of individuals with unusual bodies in 19th-century America.
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- Carolin Rohe (Autor:in), 2020, Extraordinary Bodies or Bodies Made Extraordinary? How Freaks Were Made Through Normalcy in 19th Century America, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1019814
