Freaks

          I agree with the argument that this film is in defense of equality. Throughout the movie there are many examples of "freaks" and "normal" people having regular interactions with each other. Most of the "normal" people in the circus seem to not only tolerate the "freaks" but even see them as friends. Distinctly there is a scene where a "normal" person is complimenting one of the pin heads on how pretty her dress is and even goes on to point it out to the others around him that the dress looks nice.
          Cleo and the strongman she is with are the ones who seem to be most offended by the "freaks". Nobody notices this until it is found out that Cleo has been leading on Hans just for her own amusement. The "freaks" just want to be accepted into society and be treated with the same respect as everyone else around them. As long as the "normal" people treat the "freaks" with respect there is no problem at all. When the freaks come across someone who does not see them as equals and makes it apparent, they take it upon themselves to level the playing field and make that person a freak just like them. It is not the most civil way to go about bringing equality to their world, but that's the way they choose. Even though the "freaks" choose violent means to level the playing field, all they really want in the end is to be seen as equals.