For the readings for Thursday, they present "freak" as someone who does not look normal to society. Many of these kinds of people who are placed in circuses, and are criticised by their appearance for fun. So in those terms, a "freak" is someone who is physically different. But as we should know, all "freaks" are not like that. But then there is the other term of "freak" that is used. In the sociological sense, a "freak" is someone who isn't with the in-group (a normal societal group). A freak could be considered a person who isn't with the status quote, or a person that has an abnormal personality. What do you think the definition of a freak is, especially in today's society?
-Courtney O'Donnell
To me the definition of freak can fall under the same category you have stated as being a person that has an abnormal personality, however I would say it a person who does not fit the mental schema of "normal" society. By this I mean anything that seems unnatural or out of the ordinary.
ReplyDeleteI would agree with webs02604, and would add that while a freak may be unnatural or out of the ordinary, this is simply a social construct. What may be be freakish in one society may be completely normal and accepted in another society. I agree with what Courtney O said also, in that a freak could be considered someone who has a physical abnormality or a mental abnormality. To briefly expand on my opinion in terms of both responses, I read a book awhile ago about introverts and extroverts. In American culture introverts, traditionally more quiet and reserved, are considered abnormal, though to call them freaks is a stretch. Still, introverts face a more difficult time in a society that values gregariousness and considers introverts to be "broken" On the other hand, Asian cultures traditionally have the opposite view on this. Introversion is seen as a sign of wisdom and patience, while being an extrovert is seen as a neutral trait.
ReplyDelete-Robert Ward
Robert and webs02604 responses as to what constitutes a ‘freak’, can apply to race, ethnicity, and etiquette as well. In every culture and society, norms will vary. What we, as Americans, cogitate to be respectable, others may construe to be outlandish and discourteous. For instance, in countries such as Japan, Korea, and China, gratuities are never expected. In repute to determining what a ‘freak’ is, it gets confusing. Some cultures may view the application of makeup and the extreme alterations Americans go through to look presentable as bizarre; while we view it as a common act of everyday life.
ReplyDeleteBy the way this post was by Courtney O'Donnell. My signature didn't go through apparently.
ReplyDeleteI tend to think "freak" is defined in the sociological sense in today's world. My post about tattoos would be an example of how people with tattoos were once viewed as sociological freaks. I think people are more open to physical "freaks" today because they generally have no control over their defects or disabilities. It's the sociological freaks that make the conscious decisions themselves to be different and for that I feel as though society has less sympathy for them, thus labeling them "freaks."
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