Freaks

It is extremely difficult to say that Freaks  is either a defense of equality or a demonization of difference. One could make a strongly supported argument for both sides. I believe however that the film is more in favor of equality (excluding the final horror scene). Throughout the film, it is the "freaks" who are relatable and sympathetic and it is the "normal" people who are the most monstrous. While at the time, people may have viewed those with disabilities as cursed or unwanted, we now know that they do not have the option of choosing their disability and in fact many of them have very strong skills from having to adapt to a world that wasn't made for them. The evil ones in this film are those who choose to exploit the ones that don't have a chance, the ones who make fun of those who can't choose. Perhaps this also means that the American public is just as evil as the characters in the film. They were horrified at seeing these people on the screen, although the traveling freak show was still around. They had no problem seeing it in person, but seeing it on screen made people very very uncomfortable. Even viewing the "freaks" with sympathy is harmful in a way, as it perpetuates the stigma that they are less than human, that they are not as good as normal people. One thing that many people at the time did not consider is how the actual performers feel about this portrayal. Obviously they consented to it, although with some it is questionable as to whether they truly had the judgment to consent to it at all. Regardless, this movie is unique and there will never be another like it, for better or for worse.