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.
JOHNNY DEPP’S CANNES APPEARANCE SPARKS OUTRAGE OVER HIS ‘ROTTING’ TEETH
Johnny Depp is making news at the Cannes Film Festival, but not for the reasons he might have hoped. His new movie, Jeanne Du Barry, premiered on May 16th, but it was Depp’s appearance that stole the spotlight—specifically, his teeth.
The 59-year-old actor, known for his roles in *Pirates of the Caribbean* and *Sweeney Todd*, has kept a low profile since his 2022 legal victory over ex-wife Amber Heard. He has been spending time at his large estate in Somerset, England. However, he decided to attend the Cannes Film Festival for his film’s premiere.
Unfortunately, Depp’s teeth have become a major topic online, with fans expressing shock and disappointment. Some even compared his look to that of rock musician Ozzy Osbourne. Comments on social media have been harsh, with some fans saying they are “disgusted” by how Depp looks. It seems Depp’s appearance at Cannes is getting more attention than his movie.
Fans have been reacting strongly to Johnny Depp’s appearance on social media, especially his teeth. Some people are shocked and unhappy about how his teeth look in photos from the Cannes Film Festival.
One Twitter user wrote, “Johnny Depp’s teeth are literally ROTTING,” and shared a close-up picture of his teeth. Another person asked, “Why do I have to see close-up pics of Johnny Depp’s teeth against my will?” A third critic said, “Johnny Depp just looks like someone grabbed his teeth and painted them black.”
Many fans expressed their disappointment, with one saying, “Seeing that pic of Johnny Depp’s teeth on my timeline just ruined my mood. That’s enough Twitter for me.” Another joked, “Well, at least he’s committed to staying in character for his next pirate movie.” One person even commented, “This should be considered bacterial biological warfare,” while others speculated that his long-term smoking might be the cause, with one user writing, “Dude has been a tobacco smoker for his entire adult life so not surprising.”
Johnny Depp received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, despite some criticism about his teeth. After the premiere of his French biographical drama, Depp was applauded for seven minutes. Reports say he was moved to tears by the response.
While some fans commented negatively on social media about his teeth, many others defended him. On an Instagram post from OK! Magazine, fans showed their support. One wrote, “Jeez, negative trolling—give the guy a break after all he’s been through.” Another said, “Still love Johnny Depp,” with a hand-praising emoji. Fans also praised Depp as a “wonderful talented actor” and a “great man, great father, and amazing actor,” reminding others that he’s been through a lot and deserves respect.
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