I am pleased with the strides our civilization has made in 2022, recognizing that progress comes in various forms. While acknowledging that certain aspects of the past were better, it’s crucial to highlight that some elements of bygone eras belong precisely where they are, in the past.
In the 19th century, “freak shows” were a popular attraction, considered a regular part of American society. These mobile circuses showcased individuals deemed “odd”, such as bearded women and Siamese twins. Mary Ann Bevan, labeled the “Ugliest Woman in the World”, emerged as one of these attractions, and her poignant life story emphasizes the need to remember and learn from such historical missteps.
While human curiosity about individuals with different ethnicities or physical abilities has existed throughout history, exploiting them for profit is ethically wrong, regardless of the time period. In the 19th century, audiences flocked to witness people with deformities in “freak shows”, an unsettling trend that persisted from the 1840s to the 1940s without widespread moral objection.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story unfolded in this challenging period. Born as Mary Ann Webster on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, she grew up in a working-class household, one of eight children. Unlike her brothers, who found employment when they reached adulthood, Mary Ann pursued education, graduating from medical school and beginning her career as a nurse in 1894.
Her life took a positive turn when she married Thomas Bevan in 1902, and together, they experienced the joys of raising four children. However, tragedy struck after 14 years of marriage when Thomas suffered a stroke and passed away. Left alone with her children, Mary Ann faced additional challenges as she grappled with a rare condition known as acromegaly, which affected her physical appearance.
Acromegaly, characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone, leads to enlarged body tissues and bones. Mary Ann exhibited symptoms around the age of 32, and with limited knowledge about the condition at the time, she struggled to find help. Unlike the typical manifestation of acromegaly after puberty, Mary Ann’s ailment affected her face, altering her features.
Despite her hardships, Mary Ann initially found solace in her family and received support from her husband. However, after Thomas’s death, the disease’s impact worsened, rendering her unemployable due to her changed appearance. Desperate to provide for her children, Mary Ann responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking the “Ugliest woman” for a circus.
Claude Bartram, an agent for Barnum and Bailey, selected Mary Ann based on her photograph and offered her a contract that included a weekly salary, travel expenses, and proceeds from picture postcard sales. Mary Ann’s journey to America in 1920 marked the beginning of her fame as “The Ugliest Woman on Earth”, with appearances at the Coney Island Circus.
Despite objections to the morality of using individuals with physical differences for entertainment, Mary Ann became a sensation, earning significant income. The financial success allowed her to provide her children with education in England, fulfilling her commitment as a devoted mother. Mary Ann’s resilience and sacrifice epitomize true beauty and maternal love.
Returning to France in 1925 for an exhibition, Mary Ann spent the remainder of her life in New York, working at the Coney Island Dreamland Show. She passed away in 1933 from natural causes at the age of 59, fulfilling her dying wish to be buried in her native country, laid to rest at South London’s Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery.
Mary Ann Bevan’s story is a testament to her unwavering determination to support her family. In a time without modern benefits, she worked tirelessly, embodying the selflessness of a mother who prioritizes her children above all. May Mary Ann rest in peace, a deserving tribute to a woman whose life exemplified sacrifice and maternal love.
MELISSA MCCARTHY’S STUNNING METALLIC DRESS POST-WEIGHT LOSS SPARKS CONTROVERSY – SEE WHY
At a recent event in the entertainment industry, Melissa McCarthy wowed everyone with her outfit, causing a mix of praise and criticism on social media. The 53-year-old actress, who has been open about her journey with self-acceptance and fashion, was a hot topic online.
At the SAG Awards, McCarthy wore a stunning silver metallic dress that hugged her figure. The dress had ruched puffed sleeves and she paired it with silver accessories, including rings, earrings, and a matching purse.
Her new look, especially after her recent weight loss, received mixed reactions. Some people were concerned, saying she didn’t look like herself, while others criticized the dress’s design.
Many people had strong opinions about Melissa McCarthy’s recent outfit at the SAG Awards. Some critics were not impressed with her silver metallic dress, especially the voluminous sleeves. One person said, “I love Melissa, but the dress with those big sleeves could have been better.” Another commented, “She looks great, but that dress is a NOOOOO. It’s not flattering.”
However, McCarthy also received a lot of positive feedback from her fans. Supporters praised her look with comments like, “You looked AMAZING!!!!!!,” “Wow, you looked gorgeous @melissamccarthy ,” and “Not a better, kinder celebrity out there. She’s great and is wearing that dress beautifully!!!”
McCarthy’s journey with fashion has been challenging. Back in 2014, she shared that she faced rejection from designers when she was looking for a dress for the Oscars. “Two Oscars ago, I couldn’t find anybody to do a dress for me. I asked five or six high-level designers, and they all said no,” she recalled.
Despite mixed reactions to her recent outfit, Melissa McCarthy remains confident and self-accepting. She credits much of her strength to her supportive husband, Ben Falcone.
McCarthy has often spoken about how Falcone’s constant love, kindness, and humor have been crucial in her journey to self-acceptance. She values his role in her life deeply, calling him “the weirdest human” she knows.
In reflecting on her journey, McCarthy has emphasized the importance of love and self-approval. She believes that it’s okay for people to have different opinions and that loving others only adds more love to the world.
Her recent appearance and the resulting discussions highlight the challenges celebrities face with fashion and public perception. While opinions on her dress were mixed, McCarthy’s message of resilience, love, and kindness continues to inspire many.
Melissa McCarthy, known for her vibrant personality and comedic talent, recently wowed fans with her stunning look. At 53, she posted photos on Instagram showcasing her incredible physique in a tight, sparkly jumpsuit.
In the photos, Melissa and her husband, Ben Falcone, are dressed to impress for a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing party. Ben looked stylish in a bedazzled black shirt and a jacket with white checkered lining, while Melissa shone in her glitzy one-piece, complemented by a sequin coat and sparkling jewels.
Fans were quick to praise Melissa’s look, with comments like “Wow, you look amazing!” and “You got skinny! I’m trying too!” Many appreciated her timeless beauty and the effort she put into her transformation, noting that she looked fantastic no matter her weight.
Melissa’s journey in Hollywood has had its challenges. Early in her career, she was told she would never succeed unless she lost weight—a comment that hurt her deeply. Despite the criticism, Melissa remained determined, confident in her talent, and vowed to prove her doubters wrong, saying, “I’ll show you!”
Melissa McCarthy’s recent Instagram photos have impressed fans with her amazing transformation. At 53, she looked stunning in a tight, sparkly jumpsuit, posing with her husband, Ben Falcone, at a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing party.
While the positive feedback poured in, highlighting her impressive figure and style, Melissa’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Early in her career, critic Rex Reed harshly criticized her appearance and comedic style, calling her “tractor-sized” and a “gimmick comedian.”
Despite the hurtful comments, Melissa responded with grace, focusing on the positive aspects of her life. She expressed sadness not for herself, but for the critic’s negativity, saying, “I felt really bad for someone who is swimming in so much hate. I’m in such a happy spot.”
Melissa has also emphasized being a positive role model for her daughters, Vivian and Georgette, teaching them to value health, happiness, and self-acceptance. She and Ben promote a balanced lifestyle, enjoying life’s small indulgences while leading by example.
Her latest Instagram post reflects her inner strength and resilience, showing that success and happiness come from one’s character and talent, not just appearance. Melissa’s journey from facing harsh criticism to becoming a symbol of body positivity is inspiring, proving that true beauty comes from within.
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