"The Greatest Showman" has taken USD$300 million of box office earnings (worldwide) since it opened with cast of heavies; Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zach Efron, Zendaya and more.
I read somewhere that this musical took 7 years to film, produce and it surely didn't disappoint. In fact many young and young at heart audiences have begun singing the songs like it was the new "Let It Go" anthem. Never enough...Never, Never! 😊😊
The movie looks to be a timely celebration of diversity and inclusivity of the "others" in society. From bearded women to little people to tattooed men and conjoined twins.
“...what makes you different makes you special” ~ PT Barnum shares in the movie.
The Problem is, the real-life PT Barnum was NOT really an advocate of equality.
He like many in the 19th century, were trying to sell freakshow stories, of course Barnum being the most famous of them all! Famous for his statement, "there's a sucker born every minute" (that is also claimed as a hoax statement), Barnum was known for mesmerizing his audience.
He is seen below with "General Tom Thumb" at only 99cm tall.
Source
One of his most famous items was the Fiji (FeeJee) Mermaid. People came from far and wide to peek at what they believed was a real mermaid! LOL... in fact, it was actually created combining monkey and fish body parts. 😂😂 I saw this fake item at a "Ripley's Believe it or Not" exhibition in Europe.
Eventhough Barnum was more interested in exploiting people (and animals alike), than liberating them, there are a few Key Lessons I'd like to share from observing this Super Showman!
1. Barnum was a True Visionary.
Before the worldwide famous "Barnum and Bailey Circus" he started out his infamous museums that featured exotic and unbelievable items.
Source
2. Barnum was a Daring Risk Taker.
From Museums to Circus to a Top Class Opera Singer from Sweden which became his most successful act of all time. Jenny Lind, known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” was a famous soprano singer in Europe. He took the risk on her and took her on a tour across the States, earning him to an equivalent of US$20 Million today.
Source
3. Barnum was an Amazing Fighter - who never knew when to quit.
He lost many of his animals and possessions in a few fires at his museums and personal estates including investing in other companies that crashed, which almost wiped out his whole fortune.
Hardwork and Creativity always pays-off!!!
Another thing that Barnum possessed was insightful "First-Mover advantage". He was perhaps the first of the original entertainers who brought people into a world of fantasy and imagination.
Bringing it home to Steemit. I'm celebrating my 7 Days on it today!
Like Barnum, I believe those who are value-adding on the platform have First-Mover advantage as well. Thanks to Leaders like 
Let's all bring along "Hard Work, Creativity & Magic" to make Steemit - the Greatest Show on earth! 👍🏻
Have a Great Week ahead!
Your friend,
Mel
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