Cast members replaced hallway flyers for the fall musical “Side Show” today after several teacher complaints.
The flyers read “Come look at the freaks.” The use of the word “freaks” in the slogan offended some people, principal Alan Goodwin said.
“I understand the allusion and the slogan’s relationship to the musical, so I didn’t think they were offensive,” Goodwin said. “But I also understand that others may feel uncomfortable with it.”
“Side Show” promotes acceptance and inclusion of people who have deformities and may be considered “freaks,” so the complaint was unfounded, senior producer Erin Pearson said.
“I understand where the concern is coming from, but ‘Come look at the freaks’ is the first line of the show,” she said. “Saying that we’re not allowed to have the posters up is like saying that we are not allowed to put on the show.”
Some student actors felt it was unfair that they had to replace the flyers.
“People often get offended out of context,” sophomore Abby Lederman said. “’Freaks’ are crucial to the musical itself.”
The word ‘freaks’ doesn’t necessarily have a negative connotation, as many performers, like Lady Gaga, are proud to be ‘freaks,’ director Christopher Gerken said.
“I think on a social level this generation is very active at taking terms that may have been historically exploitative and using them for inspiration and independence,” Gerken said.
The new flyers read, “Come gape at the geeks,” the second line of the opening song.
An. Other Parent • Nov 14, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Unfortunately in advertising, the advertiser has to take responsibility for slogans put up without context. The public has no obligation to research the story behind the headline. I think the “Freak” headline was perfectly OK myself – but I SO much prefer ‘where love speaks’…we all know about the freak show but we may not be expecting love. Great redo by the show’s producers. Plus controversy sells tickets!
A. Performer • Nov 14, 2010 at 12:00 am
The entire show is about a “freak show” and how the freaks, while shunned from the outside world, find a happy, family-like environment in the freak show. They accept that they are freaks and are happy with it. The slogan is not just an attention grabber, but rather a reference to the meaning of the production. Used in this context, the word “freaks” isn’t derogatory at all. Obviously, the offended people didn’t bother to find out what the show is actually about but preferred to complain to the administration with no knowledge of what the slogan stands for in the show; acceptance of deformaties.
A.Parent • Nov 13, 2010 at 10:11 pm
In the original posters the drama department missed the opportunity to invite students to see the show from the prospective of inclusiveness. If the show promotes “acceptance of people with deformities”, why invite students with catch phrases like “Come look at the freaks” or “Come gape at the geeks.” I am glad the topic has been discussed. Words are powerful. What we say matters.
A. Geek • Nov 13, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I’m offended by “Come gape at the geeks.”
R. Kerr • Nov 11, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I think the new posters are more interesting. Using the word “freaks” is a blatant attention-grab. I heard one student referring to the show as “the freak show,” which it obviously aspires to transcend. The new phrase on the flyers, “hear the voice of love,” is far more intriguing.