Neither Human nor Huwoman

The fascination with sideshow “freaks” parallels the fascination with horror movies, car wrecks, blood and general misfortune. Foucault discussed this fascination in general in examining public executions, concluding that publicly staged corporal punishment as well as execution served specific purposes and were in fact necessary. For the offender receiving his or her sentence, the act served as an acknowledgment of their deed and acceptance of the laws of the state. For the public, the execution served to reaffirm the system of governance by which everyone lived and supported financially. It was the ultimate test and confirmation that the state was strong.
There is a parallel between viewing tragedy and observing the sideshow freak. By witnessing the abnormal, we confirm our own normalcy. By seeing the "freak" as spectacle, isolated from society, we reaffirm our sense of belonging with chosen friends and associates.
Some "freaks" fascinate as a result of their extreme size or physical prowess; the world's tallest lady, the smallest man, the fattest lady. Others captivate on the basis of some extreme physical deformity; Siamese twins, three eyes, reptilian skin. Many have characteristics which completely defy description in normal human terms leading them to be compared to animals or even inanimate forms; the "dog-faced" boy, the bird lady.
While viewing "freaks" allows the spectator to reaffirm his or her normalcy in general, it could be said that this sense of normalcy relates specifically to gender identity, especially in cases where the “freak’s” abnormalities are gender specific. The examples collected on this page have gross deformities which either obscure or transform standard gender identity in surprising fashion. The horrible attractiveness of these freaks is their gender indeterminacy or asexualtiy, and the resulting perception that they are unable to procreate and thus preserve the human species. This perceived inability to reproduce and sustain the species seen in these freaks helps viewers affirm the normalcy of their own gender roles and ability to sustain human life.