In the backwoods of Appalachia, the Whittakers, an Inbred Family has lived in obscurity for generations. Recently thrust into the limelight by filmmaker Mark Laita, the family’s unique circumstances have drawn curiosity and concern from all corners of the internet. But Laita, the man who brought their story to the world, has a stern warning for anyone tempted to visit the Whittakers.
An Unlikely Spotlight on The Inbred Family
Mark Laita’s documentary series, “Inbred Family: The Whittakers,” exposed the world to the peculiar lives of this family. Living in the rural town of Odd, West Virginia, the Whittakers’ story is one of severe genetic mutations caused by generations of inbreeding. Laita intended to highlight the challenges they face and to bring awareness to their plight. Not to turn them into a sideshow.
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An Interview Full Of Surprises
In an interview on the Koncrete KLIPS Podcast, Laita recounted his experiences with the Inbred Family, the Whittakers. Vividly describing scenes of the family. He noted their misaligned eyes and erratic behavior. “It was like that little scene from Deliverance that everyone knows. We came around to this road, which turns into a country road, which turns into a dirt road,” the filmmaker recalled.
“Then we come to this trailer and then a little shack on the other side of the road. And there’s these people walking around and their eyes are going in different directions and they are barking at us. Then one guy, you would look him in the eye or say anything and he would just scream and go running away, and his pants would fall around his ankles, and he would go running off and go and kick a garbage can. And this would happen over and over. It was out of control – the craziest thing I have ever seen.”
The filmmaker also acknowledged the difficulty in determining the full extent of inbreeding within the family
“There is no way I would be able to confirm that the Whittaker parents were related, but given that this does happen in this part of the country and the Whittakers are the most extreme case I’ve seen so far,” Laita said. “I would bet that inbreeding was at least partly responsible for the mental and physical abnormalities seen in [siblings] Lorraine, Freddie, Ray, and [cousin] Timmy.”
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A Surge of Unwanted Attention
Since the documentary aired, the Whittakers have experienced an influx of attention from the public. The quiet life they once knew has been disrupted by curious onlookers and internet sleuths eager to see them in person. This invasion of privacy has caused significant distress to the family, who struggle to cope with the newfound fame.
Mark Laita’s Plea for Privacy for the Inbred Family
In a recent statement, Laita urged the public to respect the Whittakers’ privacy. “These are real people with real lives,” he emphasized. “They are not attractions or spectacles to be ogled at.” He recounted instances where strangers have shown up at their doorstep, disrupting their peace and sometimes putting them in danger. Laita’s plea is clear: leave the Whittakers alone.
The Risks of Voyeurism
Visiting the Whittakers uninvited is not only an invasion of privacy but also poses significant risks. The remote location and unfamiliar terrain can be hazardous to outsiders. Additionally, the Whittakers are a vulnerable community, and unwanted visitors can exacerbate their anxiety and mistrust of outsiders.
Ethical Considerations
The Whittaker family’s situation raises important ethical questions about media exposure and the responsibility of viewers. While curiosity is natural, it is crucial to remember that the subjects of documentaries are human beings deserving of dignity and respect. Laita’s work aimed to shed light on their struggles, not to encourage invasive behavior from the public.
Supporting the Whittakers
For those moved by the Whittakers’ story, Laita suggests constructive ways to help. Donations and support can be directed to local organizations that provide aid to families in similar situations. Raising awareness about the broader issues of genetic disorders and rural poverty can also make a significant impact without infringing on the family’s privacy.
A Call for Compassion
Ultimately, Mark Laita’s warning serves as a call for compassion and respect for the Inbred Family. The Whittakers’ story, while extraordinary, is a reminder of the humanity behind every headline. As we consume media, it is vital to approach stories with empathy and to consider the real lives affected by our curiosity. In a world where the line between public and private is increasingly blurred, Laita’s message is a crucial reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and respect the dignity of those who become subjects of our fascination.
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Sources
- “Man Who Made America’s Most Inbred Family Famous Has Warning For Anyone Trying To Visit Them” IGV. Annie Walton Doyle. July 4, 2024.
- “America’s most inbred family who speak in barks and grunts have private cemetery” Mirror. Paige Freshwater. April 19, 2024.
- “‘America’s most inbred family’: Photographer captures rural Whittaker siblings who ‘bark at people and live in squalor‘” LBC. Kit Heren. April 3, 2023.