Freak shows and the circus were a mainstream form of entertainment during the pre-internet era. Freak shows were at their peak during the 19th century and 20th century. However these forms of entertainment and amusement would not be around forever. They soon would fall into decline while facing harsh times.
Enter into the 21st century where freak shows and the circus have been replaced with the internet and television. Modern day freak shows are on the internet. Replace the barker with the person recording the video(s), replace the tent with YouTube or Facebook, have a blog(s) or vlog(s), set up a GoFundMe account, and you’re set. The price of admission is losing your dignity, respect, and privacy. The gain is international exposure and 15 minutes of fame.
Some examples of modern day freak shows are Toddlers N Tiaras, Dr. Phil, Bizarre ER, Jerry Springer, Maury, Jeremy Kyle Show, John & Kate Plus 8, 16 & Pregnant, SNL, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Other examples of modern day freak shows are the Hartley Hooligans, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and The Kardashians.
Some people hosting freak shows have a huge martyrdom complex. It’s the glorification of martyrdom they want to receive. It gets their message out for whatever they have to say regardless of what anyone else thinks or believes. Our human culture rewards this sort of behavior and it is quite sickening. They use it for financial gains and emotional support. Freak shows thrive off drama.
To sum it all up… the freak shows have gone onto the internet and television. The internet is a modern version of the circus and so is television. What kind of life is this?
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