Carny culture: Should we mourn the decline of the "freakshow"?

For some, the decline of the "freakshow" can't come soon enough, with accusations of the industry exploiting individuals with disabilities. But for others, the industry's decline is a cultural loss. 

For a better understanding of "carny culture," guest host Allan Hawco speaks to Ward Hall, the owner of one of America's last traditional travelling sideshows, and his biographer Tim O'Brien.

"People want to see things that are odd and different," O'Brien says. "And of course you can watch everything from whatever to whatever on the internet today, but it's not like seeing it live."

O'Brien also defends sideshows from critics, saying, "It's not exploitive if the person wants to do it themselves."

*Click on the listen button above to hear the full segment (audio runs 16:51)