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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Freak shows in 19th century America
3. The Concept of Normalcy
4. Turning Humans into Freaks
4.1 Social Construction of Normalcy
4.2 The Concept of Othering
4.3 The Theory of Staring
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper examines how individuals with extraordinary bodies were socially transformed into "freaks" within the context of nineteenth-century American freak shows, specifically focusing on the intersection between societal concepts of normalcy and the mechanisms of exclusion.
- The social construction of normalcy and its role in defining human deviance.
- The process of "Othering" as a means to establish in-group superiority.
- Rosemary Garland-Thomson’s "Theory of Staring" as an interrogative tool for social categorization.
- The commercialization of bodily difference for public entertainment and profit.
- The historical evolution and eventual decline of freak show culture in America.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2 The Concept of Othering
The audiences of freak shows distance themselves from the exhibits through focusing on their differences, especially physical ones. By doing so, they see themselves as one-group and the people with extraordinary bodies as another group. This concept is called Othering. Othering has its foundation in several philosophical and theoretical traditions. It consists of the Self and the Other. The concept of Self draws on a definition of self which Hegel influenced in his ‘Phänemonologie des Geistes”. It was paired with de Beauvoirs understanding of Other, which she explained in her book ‘The Second Sex’. (cf. Jensen, 2011, p. 64)
Othering, or Otherness, is a multidimensional process that is based on different forms of social differentiation and can be combined with intersectionality and systems of oppression in feminist theories. (cf. ibid., p.65) The main characteristic of Othering is, that it is mainly concerned with the point of view of the group that distances themselves from the other group. By doing so, they feel superior. Society is therefore divided into different groups. The ‘in-group’ embodies the norm and the expectations that society has on its members. Their identity is valued because they fit in the norm. The ‘out-group’ on the other hand, falls out of the norm and is defined by its defects and faults and tends to be discriminated. (cf. Staszak, 2008, p. 2)
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the historical prevalence of freak shows and establishes the core theoretical framework surrounding the concepts of normalcy, Othering, and staring.
2. Freak shows in 19th century America: This section provides an overview of the rise of freak shows in America, highlighting the categorization of performers and the commercialized nature of the spectacles.
3. The Concept of Normalcy: This chapter discusses the historical emergence of "normalcy" as a societal standard, contrasting it with previous notions of the "ideal body."
4. Turning Humans into Freaks: This chapter serves as the analytical core, deconstructing how social processes translate physical differences into the cultural label of the "freak."
4.1 Social Construction of Normalcy: This section investigates how social norms legitimize specific groups while stigmatizing those who deviate from culturally constructed standards of fitness and beauty.
4.2 The Concept of Othering: This section explains the mechanism of creating "in-groups" and "out-groups" to reinforce identity and maintain social hierarchy.
4.3 The Theory of Staring: This section applies the theory of staring to explain how the act of looking at "unusual" bodies functions as an interrogative gesture that reinforces social boundaries.
5. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the analyzed theories, reinforcing the argument that "normalcy" is the primary variable that necessitated the creation of the "freak" identity.
Keywords
Freak shows, Normalcy, Othering, Theory of Staring, Social Construction, Nineteenth Century America, P.T. Barnum, Bodily Difference, In-group, Out-group, Disability, Cultural Norms, Marginalization, Identity, Spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper explores the socio-cultural processes of nineteenth-century America that turned individuals with physical or behavioral differences into "freaks" through their exhibition in public shows.
What are the central theoretical frameworks utilized?
The analysis relies on the concept of social normalcy, the process of "Othering" (in-group/out-group dynamics), and Rosemary Garland-Thomson’s "Theory of Staring."
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to demonstrate that the "freak" was not an inherent quality of the person exhibited, but a social construct created to uphold normative standards of the time.
What scientific methodology does the author use?
The author employs a qualitative literature analysis, synthesizing sociological and cultural studies research to examine historical representations of bodies.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body deconstructs the historical context of freak shows, the invention of "normalcy," and the specific mechanics of how audiences and showmen categorized individuals through social and visual dynamics.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
Key terms include Freak shows, Normalcy, Othering, Theory of Staring, Social Construction, and Identity.
How does the concept of "normalcy" differ from the "ideal"?
The "ideal" (historically linked to gods) was unattainable and thus exempted humans from failure, whereas "normalcy" implies that the majority should conform, creating deviance for those who do not fit the bell-shaped curve.
What role did P.T. Barnum play in this context?
Barnum is identified as the central figure who capitalized on American fascination with the exotic by creating theatrical life stories to transform diverse performers into successful "freak" spectacles.
Why did the popularity of freak shows eventually decline?
The decline was largely driven by a shift in societal perspective; as medical viewpoints became more dominant, the fascination turned into pity or disgust, pushing these bodies into private, clinical settings.
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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
