When: In the 1890’s the popularity of freak shows began to decline and in the 1950’s it was nearly vanished.
Why: There was an overall change in the people’s mindsets.
SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES:
Curiosity and mystery which attracted people to the freak shows was taken away by scientific discoveries. The people with abnormalities showcased in the freak shows were no longer mysterious creatures, they were people with biologically explainable diagnoses.
COMPETITION FOR ENTERTAINMENT:
Film was invented in the 1890’s and television was invented in the 1920’s. People would rather be entertained in their own homes rather than having to go to Coney Island to be entertained.
MORAL DEBATE:
Curiosity was lost and the question of “is this moral or not” began to linger in people’s minds. With the rise of disability rights, people started to realize that by attending these performances they were promoting an event that is morally unethical. On one hand freaks were paid large amounts of money and acquired fame which helped stabilize their lives. They were even given opportunities to feel important and connect with others with similar abnormalities. On the other hand, performers were taken advantage of, and their disabilities were mocked and utilized to entertain the public. These events were emotionally degrading and people would scream out in fear after watching these grotesque acts.
Works Cited
Stanton, Jeffrey . “Coney Island – Freaks & Shows.” Coney Island – Freaks & Freak Shows. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2017.
Stein, Harvey. Coney Island. 1st ed. New York: W.W. Norton &, 1998. Print.
