Tattoos and piercings are so common now that persons with them no longer qualify as “freaks.” We see them everywhere.

Advances in medicine have allowed the prevention of a large percentage of birth defects such as microencephaly, dwarfism, hypertrichosis, dipygus twins, etc. Many of them can now be headed off with the introduction of vitamins and medications at certain times during pregnancy. Our current knowledge of simple things like nutrition, sanitation, and lifestyle also contribute to the reduction of birth “defects.”

So what will future “freaks” be?

As for the Coney Island performers, it’s interesting that a lot of the top-billed acts these days aren’t freaks per se, but folks who render themselves different, but would otherwise earn mainstream approval. It’s kind of like the environment has been made more conventionally family-friendly. The values have certainly changed over time (freak shows were the family-friendly activity over a hundred years ago as well.)

and to the ignorant A**h*** with the racist remarks, your name doesn’t strike you out to be a white anglosaxon, so i can only conclude that you are not impressed with the way your own life is heading and have to take it out to the unfortunate…may you never be in a position like that, because i doubt you are strong enough or smart enough to handle it…you my dear are the true freakazoid on this page.

I would say something about “people in glass houses” here but not only would that be a judgment on Michael, it would go against my complete “no stones throwing” policy (why should people in glass houses be the only ones to not throw stones?). And yes, I stole that observation from Dimitri Martin.

The freakshow at Coney Island is pretty awesome if you ever have the chance to check it out. Donny Vomit was an excellent MC and the rest of the performers were fun. Good times.

Not everyone who is homeless is damned. Some of them are people who lost their way, and need to be helped. But you would rather shake your head at them, and damn them, rather than lift one little finger to help them. When you are homeless, and destitute, don’t expect a helping hand.
Judge not, lest you be judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Awesome read though.