Gawker’s—Not How I Would Put It—”Freakshow”
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.
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5 opinions for Gawker’s—Not How I Would Put It—”Freakshow”
Eleanor
May 2, 2008 at 3:28 pm
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.”
VAB
May 2, 2008 at 3:36 pm
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.
Kristina Chew, PhD
May 2, 2008 at 4:38 pm
agreed about “nothing wrong with being poor and deviant”—-not so sure about the situations of some of those mentioned (but that’s me).
Regan
May 2, 2008 at 4:55 pm
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.
» Gawker’s—Not How I Would Put It—”Freakshow”
May 11, 2008 at 11:36 pm
[…] Connecticut Employment Lawyer & Attorney : Daniel Schwartz : Stamford, Hartford New Haven, CT wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt 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 t […]
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