It was about 1959 or 60 (4-5 yrs old) when I saw a Circus come to town by rail and "parade" to the fair grounds (New Britain, Ct). My Dad took me to watch the parade and later the tents go up and I did watch Elephants pulling tent ropes and was of course amazed. We did go one evening but I honestly don't remember the show itself...however, what I do remember vividly was the Freak Show. I remember two performers in particular the sword-swallower, an older man in a beat-up tux that let me touch his throat as he put a curved blade down his gullet and the other, a man without limbs beyond elbows or knees and his act was just taking out a cigarette, striking a match and smoking who spoke to me the whole time and they impacted me profoundly about what people are beyond what I see
Different times now…I hardly tell people about seeing things like that as a kid these days since it feels more like I'm relating being abused but I think my Dad let me see things like that to not be afraid just because someone or something looks different

We have modern day circuses, they're just referred to as TikTok and Twitter.

I love how you highlight their talents and not degrade their differences. Nice job.

You did a great job of showcasing these people as human people and not freaks to be gawked at. Good job

Imagine standing in line at the store and instead of turning around the guy just turns his head 180 degrees and starts small talk about the weather.

The one thing I find frustrating and sad is that the "enlightened" people who who protested and eventually ended Side Shows didn't consider the consequences. For most of the "circus freaks",whose physical conditions and deformities prevented them from being hired in any conventional occupation, lost their only means to support themselves.

The piercing didn't harm him but he died from cancer from all the xrays

At least they all made a living from their unique looks

I just want to just say that I am so impressed with the amount of respect and truthfulness this channel gave these individuals.   While we know some of them were exploited, there were more still that handled their own careers.  Some becoming quite wealthy because of it.  They knew that finding a job that would hire them (especially in that day and age) would be impossible.    What I really loved was the fact that they were allowed to explain to their audience what life was like with their disabilities or afflictions.  I subscribed to this channel today due to the respect that the CC gave to these marvelous individuals.

Being conjoined twins would suck so bad, especially knowing if your twin died, you were on the way out too...

God bless them all. Life couldn’t have been easy.

Nice that your comments about them were all very upbeat. Many of them actually had tragic lives, but yes - being different - they were able to make a living for themselves.

First dude must have had healing factor of Wolverine

American horror story did their research

I absolutely love and appreciate how you presented this topic with so much respect to these amazing people.

We should be thankful for our lives

I like this video. It's upbeat and positive instead of the usual droopy and depressive expression and verbal description. Thank you

Johnny, the second guy, is an absolute Chad for living his life to the fullest and developing his talents despite the unfair hand he was given at birth.

I really appreciate how you describe each person here with dignity and respect.  And when any of these performers were exploited, you explain that as well.

dang, parents were pretty mercenary in the 1800s, selling your kids to the circus is next level savage.