Friday, April 30, 2010

A Freak No More


This is a picture of a side-show "fat man" from the early 20th Century. People actually paid to see this "freak" 100 years ago, but he would fit in practically anywhere today. If you saw this guy walking past you in an airport or a mall in sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt, you probably wouldn't even turn your head. There's no longer any shock value to seeing someone weighing 300, 400 or 500 pounds anymore. You can read a little more about him here: http://modeledbehavior.com/2010/04/18/americas-obesity-epidemic-bringing-sideshow-freaks-into-the-discussion/
This man actually died at the age of 43, no doubt from his obesity, but it got me thinking about all the other "fat men" and "fat ladies" who participated in circus side-shows in the last century. They'd all be out of work today because they're now normal. It's a very sad comment on our society.

1 comment:

  1. Excellent Judi Bola article. I will be experiencing some of these issues as well..
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