There Are No Freaks
She uses the word freak—sans scare quotes—repeatedly; she uses the word “aristocrat” to describe their kingly portion of trauma.
I can pretty definitively state that when I see someone different, no, I don’t have cruel thoughts. When I pass by someone who dresses outside the mainstream (your example), usually I appreciate their originality and drive towards self-expression, or alternately their daring (if sometimes unconscious) violation of societal norms. I was going to say, “Who the fuck does think cruel thoughts?” But I realized that, indeed, I used to be taunted a great deal for not fitting in. It’s why I left high school. It’s the story of every real punk, and it’s the story of every freethinker. I’ve always thought that was bullshit.
What I’m saying here is that I don’t see any “freaks” in the world. I see other human beings, perhaps with problems, but always fully deservant of the dignity which should be accorded to any other.
Arbus’ work revels in the same mentality that drove the old circus sideshows. It does not humanize the handicapped, it dehumanizes the rest of us. And I think the fundamental empathic disconnection that her work evinces is probably what brought her to commit suicide.
I will post my comment/response on my site since I feel it would be rude to post a lengthy comment here. =)
-Mack-July 3rd, 2003 at 5:07 PM
I agree, I have always felt that the work of Diane Arbus was not uplifting in the least. Her portrayal of people in the “real” view has always seemed demeaning to the subject as well as the group from whence the subject came.
And that’s not to say I just don’t like art that focuses on realism and the not so perfect side of humanity…quite the contrary. For example the work of Chuck Close’s extreme sized facial portraits are among some of my favorite modern art. Not to mention the poignant photographs of Dorthea Lange from the great depression.
Well, enough rambling, talk to you later Tim.
~dave
Happy 4th of July btw!
-Dave-July 4th, 2003 at 2:07 PM
they had a great Lange exhibit not too long ago at the Getty. I believe some of it is still archived on their webpage. Dorthea Lange’s one of my fave’s too, but then again, Steinbeck is too. I guess they are kinda like peanut butter and jelly.
-Tanya-July 5th, 2003 at 2:07 AM
how can you say there are no freaks when stuff so vile comes out of bo’s ass, and man thats cause enough to call him a freak!
-me-July 22nd, 2003 at 3:07 PM