I have met with a lot of resistance from the film establishment who feel that, and I quote “this is not a disability empowering movie”
. Go figure, a bunch of freaks decide to celebrate diversity in a way of their own choosing, why that will never do. It would seem that they are only allowed to act in ways deemed appropriate by the able bodied, they after all know whats best… Well, not surprisingly, I and the members of the freak show would seek to disagree. It’s largely the only time that some members of the troupe get any kind of positive reaction from people. Ken the elephant man for example draws only reactions of distaste in the street, at least on stage he can let people see that he’s an intelligent and lovely man. It’s the one time they can be themselves and not have to hide their disability or ignore the stares and glares of the so called normal people in society (whatever normal is ?). It’s not the disability that stops them functioning successfully in society but the barriers and prejudices that society places in front of them that causes the problems. Don’t blame the freaks for being freaks, look at yourselves and realise we are all freaks. Perhaps this freak show and my film about them, will give people an opportunity to examine their attitudes to the disabled. That would be good. So, why don’t you go and spend a week in a wheelchair, see how it feels.
. Go figure, a bunch of freaks decide to celebrate diversity in a way of their own choosing, why that will never do. It would seem that they are only allowed to act in ways deemed appropriate by the able bodied, they after all know whats best… Well, not surprisingly, I and the members of the freak show would seek to disagree. It’s largely the only time that some members of the troupe get any kind of positive reaction from people. Ken the elephant man for example draws only reactions of distaste in the street, at least on stage he can let people see that he’s an intelligent and lovely man. It’s the one time they can be themselves and not have to hide their disability or ignore the stares and glares of the so called normal people in society (whatever normal is ?). It’s not the disability that stops them functioning successfully in society but the barriers and prejudices that society places in front of them that causes the problems. Don’t blame the freaks for being freaks, look at yourselves and realise we are all freaks. Perhaps this freak show and my film about them, will give people an opportunity to examine their attitudes to the disabled. That would be good. So, why don’t you go and spend a week in a wheelchair, see how it feels.
Interesting take on freak shows. How would you suggest to allow disabled people / such ‘freaks’ to be assimilated into society? By education? Changing the infrastructure…?
Do you feel freak shows are empowering or simply reinforcing prejudice ideas on people that are dissimilar to the rest of society?
Im currently writing a university essay on disability and freak shows so would appreciate your view and suggestions for this.
hello, i adore paris. she is crazy and i cannot wait to see what she does next! x