COVE

Freakshows have undergone a metamorphosis over the past few centuries since their inception. In the beginning, freakshows were meant to financially gain and berate those who have abnormalities or disabilities. It has changed throughout history and has come to develop new meaning. How did this change occur? How did one of the blackest marks on human history, manipulating the poor, helpless, and disenfranchised, turn into a more positive mark on our history? This exhibit goes over some of these changes via the artifacts provided. We have made strides in becoming a more progressive society in regards to what is acceptable when it comes to a person's individuality. This social-cultural movement has helped make freakshows more about the individual talents and gifts of the participants in these shows. These individuals have taken the power from the manipulators and owners of freakshows and turned it into a more positive message; of accepting one's natural gifts and individuality. This movement however has some setbacks, we often focus exclusively on the gift and the ability of the person, and we loose the individual themselves. Where is the line drawn from great represenatation and appropriation of culture?

Artifact:1 (1941) Traveling show in Vermont. https://www.lynchburgmuseum.org/sideshows

The traveling show that was held in Vermont in 1941 is the latest piece of evidence, of freakshows being used to exploit those with abnormalities/abilities. The signs of the event make it very clear, that "Human Freaks" takes up a majority of the sign. The "freaks" of the show are still the main attraction and their characteristics are the selling point for these shows, which isn't inherently bad as it will be explained further, but in this context it is predatory. These shows are still exploitative of the individuals who partake in them.

Artifact:2 (1947) Living wonders start to hit the stage.

This is the earliest piece of evidence for the tonal shift in Freakshows, The sign reads "Freaks and Living wonders". Now positive reinforcement and identification is starting to become present within freakshows. It is starting to lose its edge of negativity and developing into recognizing the abilities of those who partake in these shows. This is a big shift in the cultural movement at the time, a trend that will persist throughout the coming years. 

Artifact:3 (2013) Modern day Freakshow on AMC https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-xpm-2013-feb-14-la-et-st-amc...

This is the first artifact that is being gathered from a more modern era and has a troublesome depiction of the "Freakshow" community. The show freakshow aired on AMC from 2013-to 2014 and was a documentary on a local freak show that was operated in Florida. The unique aspect of this local freak show was that it was run by the individuals who partook in the show itself. Now we are developing into a time where the predatory marketing and exploitation aspect of freakshows is starting to disappear. There are still issues however, Freakshow is a documentary and its host for the duration of the show is problematic. He objectifies the cast of characters that partakes in the local show and often refers to them more so by their gifts than them as people. Progress is being made but ultimately there are still aspects of objectification present in freakshows.

Artifact:4 (1890) Nora Hildebrandt, first tattooed lady (2016) Layla Hildenbrandt, Great, Great, Great Grandaughter of Nora https://www.tattoodo.com/a/the-art-of-tattooed-performers-from-vintage-f...

Nora Hildebrandt is the first tattoed lady to perform in a freak show, during 1890 the concept of tattoos was still taboo in some communities, this was especially apparent for women. Nora came from a family of individuals with abnormalities/gifts and was not born with any that would allow her to join in a show with her family. This problem was solved with her getting tattoos all over her body, this act caused an uproar in any state or city that would host the freakshow she would participate in. She often faced threats and harassment from people who would attend the show. This kind of behavior was tolerated because at the end of the day the owners of freakshows care more about exploiting their workers than making sure they are safe. To be fair this was Nora's own decision, but she did not receive any help. Almost a century and 30 years later her Great, Great, Great Granddaughter is starting to make a name for herself by following in her footsteps. Layla is an avid tattoo enthusiast who is tattooed head to toe. Layla explains that this is special to her and empowers her. She attends freak shows and various tattoo cons, where she is one of the top headliners for the attraction. She is being celebrated for her individuality.