Despite certain historical inaccuracies, the movie touches on the abuse of circus artists, including the usage of animals. The movie shows how elephants, formerly a common sight in circuses, are mistreated. However, as a result of numerous nations outlawing or restricting the use of animals in performances, circuses that utilize animals will become more and more uncommon by the year 2020.
The Barnum & Bailey Circus ended its 146-year run in 2017 with an official closure. Animal rights activists, who had long decried the use of animals in performances, increased their pressure on the circus and attendance was on the decline. Other animal-using circuses do still exist, albeit on a much lower scale than in the past.
Elephant use in circuses has also generated controversy regarding its legality. Although many states and cities in the US have passed their own regulations, there are currently no federal laws that prohibit the use of animals in circuses. 2019 saw the official state of New Jersey prohibition on the use of elephants and other wild animals in touring circuses.
The character Anne Wheeler, played by Zendaya in “The Greatest Showman,” is regarded to as a freak because of her race and acrobatic skills. This is an homage to the historical fact that due to physical or cultural differences, many circus artists were seen as anomalies or curiosities. The movie depicts the performers’ battle for respect and acceptance in a culture that frequently treated them as misfits.
Overall, despite considerable artistic license used with historical accuracy, “The Greatest Showman” does raise significant issues regarding the morality of using animals in circuses and the treatment of performers who were viewed as outsiders.
No, the article “Is Bailey the Character Played by Zac Efron in ‘The Greatest Showman’?”