Welcome To Freak Show

Although I do not really plan on going in depth about the television show American Horror Story: Freak Show, there is something to be recognized about what the series is doing as far as diversity. This season of American Horror Story focuses on a freak show in Jupiter, Florida and follows their struggle with being excepted in the community in the 1950's.

What's amazing about the show is Ryan Murphy's use of real "freaks" in the series. This use of these characters really hones in on what society thinks of people with disabilities now and then in the 1950's. Murphy even goes as far as using the music of artists that have been labeled or considered freaks i.e. David Bowie and Lana Del Ray.

In the opening credits of the show Murphy uses a montage of freaks throughout history:

• Cephalophagous babies
• Nicodemus the Indestructible 
• The Ohio Bigfoot Lady
• The Lobster Boy 
• The three-legged Woman. 

This presentation during the opening credits shines light on the history of disability in America. In addition to the analysis of disabilities in America during the 1950's Murphy also addresses voyeurism. Seeing societies obsession with watching other people is an interesting critique of how we deal with others who are not like ourselves.

I think it is important to recognize Ryan Murphy to opening a door for people with disabilities in television as well as give a stage to those who have often been looked at as freaks, allowing them to share their stories.


Happy Viewing!!!