Well, I Laughed 119: Eye of the Beholder pt.2: Whiskers on Women
Aug 20, 2025
This week, the discussion dives into the intriguing world of bearded women, spotlighting historical figures like Annie Jones, known as the bearded lady of P.T. Barnum's circus. The hosts explore themes of identity, societal perceptions, and the challenges these women faced, blending humor with historical reflections. Anecdotes of the circus life unveil their struggles against beauty standards and dehumanization. The conversation also hints at broader themes of love and resilience, inviting listeners to reconsider the legacy of these extraordinary women.
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Circus As Cultural Mirror
- 19th-century circuses shaped public ideas about nationhood and
Sideshow Presentation Worked Two Ways
- Sideshows blurred staged spectacle with perceived authenticity by presenting performers as exotic or status-enhanced.
- Those presentations both reinforced colonialist and class narratives while driving ticket sales.
Annie Jones' Early Exhibition
- Annie Jones was born with a heavy chin beard and exhibited as "Infant Esau" at PT Barnum's museum as a baby.
- Barnum offered Annie's mother a lucrative contract that changed the family's fortunes.
