- published: 17 Oct 2014
- views: 1845805
For the tv-series see Freak Show (TV series).
A freak show is an exhibition of biological rarities, referred to as "freaks of nature". Typical features would be physically unusual humans, such as those uncommonly large or small, those with both male and female secondary sexual characteristics, people with other extraordinary diseases and conditions, and performances that are expected to be shocking to the viewers. Heavily tattooed or pierced people have sometimes been seen in freak shows, as have attention-getting physical performers such as fire-eating and sword-swallowing acts.
Freak shows were popular in the United States from the mid 19th to mid 20th centuries, and were often, but not always, associated with circuses and carnivals. Some shows also exhibited deformed animals (such as two-headed cows, one-eyed pigs, and four-horned goats) and famous hoaxes, or simply "science gone wrong" exhibits (such as deformed babies).
Changes in popular culture and entertainment, and changing attitudes about physical differences, led to the decline of the freak show as a form of entertainment. As previously mysterious anomalies were scientifically explained as genetic mutations or diseases, freaks became the objects of sympathy rather than fear or disdain. Laws were passed restricting freak shows for these reasons. For example, Michigan law forbids the "exhibition [of] any deformed human being or human monstrosity, except as used for scientific purposes". However, in many places freak shows are still popular features.
Mat Fraser (born 1962) is an English rock musician, actor and performance artist. Between 1980 and 1995 he was a drummer with several rock bands including Fear of Sex, The Reasonable Strollers, Joyride, The Grateful Dub, and Living in Texas, the latter of which had a number one single in Italy.[citation needed]
Fraser was born with phocomelia of both arms, due to his mother being prescribed thalidomide during her pregnancy. As a live artist he was a member of the performance art group The DHSS in the early 1990s. He was included in Manuel Vason's book "Exposures" and has performed at numerous internationally renowned venues. He received considerable critical acclaim for his one-man show "Seal Boy". In 1999 he worked with the Hydra Collective on an event known as "Wrong Bodies" at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.
As an actor Fraser has performed with the "Graeae Theatre Company", Europe's leading disabled theatre company. He is the creator and main performer in a new play called Thalidomide!! A Musical. He also co-hosts the BBC's Ouch! Podcast.
You led me on
Like a ball and chain
But I ignored the pain
And now I'm losing it
And I was wrong
To cope with your mistakes
Now I'm a sick head case
And I am losing it
You're underneath my skin
Reality sets in
You're calling me crazy
But I am what you made me
Like an animal, losing all control
You got me acting like I'm caught in a freak show
Come and catch a glimpse
Won't you stop and stare
Take a good look 'cause I'm caught in a freak show
Caught in a freak show
You set me off
You shake me in my cage
You love to watch me break
And now I'm losing it
And you're the cause
I know you know the ways
That you expose the rage
And now I'm losing it
You're underneath my skin
Reality sets in
You're calling me crazy
But I am what you made me
Like an animal, losing all control
You got me acting like I'm caught in a freak show
Come and catch a glimpse
Won't you stop and stare
Take a good look 'cause I'm caught in a freak show
Caught in a freak show
Caught in a freak show
I try running away
But you're after me
You keep finding a way
To get back at me
Locked inside of this cage
I don't want to be crazy
But I am what you made me
Like an animal
Losing all control
You got me acting like I'm caught in a freak show
Like an animal
Losing all control
You got me acting like I'm caught in a freak show
Come and catch a glimpse
Won't you stop and stare
Take a good look 'cause I'm caught in a freak show
Caught in a freak show
Like an animal
I'm just an animal
And it's all your fault