One hundred years ago, most circuses included dwarfs, giants, and anyone else with physical abnormalities. They attracted enormous crowds who came to the circus to gawk at the so-called freaks. Even today, people often stare at those with physical abnormalities, seemingly mesmerized by even slight differences from the norm. Now, people can stare at them from the safety of their TVs without worrying about others noticing their stares.
Little People, Big World, just like the circuses, seems to showcase dwarfs for no reason other than the fact that they are dwarfs. If they were of normal height, who would be interested in watching them pick pumpkins and argue about chores? The show is only a way for people to stare at dwarfs to their hearts' content.
The Series "Wolfboy" will Set a New Bar for Reality TV
A new reality show, called Wolfboy: Divorced and Looking fo Love is going to take reality TV's showcasing of those with physical abnormalities a step further. Larry Ramos Gomez, the "Wolfboy", was thus named because of his unusual hair growth covering his entire body. According to MNBC's article by Diane Mapes, "Hairy Guy Needs Love Too", the "Wolfboy's" rare condition, known as hypertrichosis, is known to have only occurred to such an extreme in about 50 people since the middle ages. In the past, people with his condition were thought to be demonic and to be the result of the union beteen men and apes.
Now, reality TV viewers will watch as the "Wolfboy" searches for someone who will love him despite his hair. Viewers will be able to stare, and feel as intrigued or disgusted as they want while the poor man tries to find a lasting partner. The parallels between reality TV and the old circuses never seem to be more apparent than in his case. The "Wolfboy" worked at a circus in Mexico before becoming the star of the show.
The destructive potential for invading the reality shows' celebrities is showcased by Jon and Kate. The tension of constant filming has ripped apart their marriage. However, viewers should really feel sorry for their kids. They did not have a choice to participate in the reality show, but the rest of the world will know their names and the intimate workings of their family for the rest of their lives.
The shows may claim that they are actually helping mankind by showing that these people are really just like everyone else in most ways, and that they may help society combat stereotypes. However, will Wolfboy: Divorced and Looking for Love really help people with hypertrichosis or merely showcase "wolfmen" as freaks?
