Gawker’s—Not How I Would Put It—”Freakshow”
May 2, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
There’s a list of 23 unidentified modern eccentrics over on Gawker today. From the descriptions, some of those mentioned are homeless, one is a paraplegic, and more than a few have possible diagnoses; whether those who need it are getting any treatment or even care is not at all clear. The list is part of a “research project” to determine New York’s greatest modern eccentrics. Certainly I’m used to walking around New York with my own son offering some occasional eccentric behavior but I don’t think that “freakshow is the best, or an at all appropriate, word to use about anyone, and especially those who really may need some help and understanding.
I always thought “eccentric” was a euphemism for “crazy but rich.”
I guess Gawker didn’t want to say flat-out “Let’s amuse ourselves by commenting on crazy poor people.”
I think eccentric is mentally different but functioning and happy that way. I would not rush to treat anyone who was happy, including a lot of these folks. I didn’t read all of the entries (kinda long) but I did notice any of them being described as unhappy. As far as I’m concerned there is nothing wrong with being poor and deviant.
agreed about “nothing wrong with being poor and deviant”—-not so sure about the situations of some of those mentioned (but that’s me).
It didn’t sound like the observer got close enough to make the determination of whether the person was happy or unhappy, making a life-style choice or having one chosen by mental illness or financial circumstance or both.
I think it was meant to be humorous and possibly admiring, but I got too much of a “going to the zoo” vibe from the writer to really feel comfortable with the piece.