Page 51 - The Westerner Magazine Halloween 2018
P. 51
Pennhurst makes several million dollars world without Jews, and these
a year in the fall. Around the country institutions were to create a world
there are other large asylums where the without the disabled. We tend to
same thing is happening. I think this is a desecrate the truth about what really
phenomenon of the last twenty years. occurred. These fright nights are the last
As the actual historic story recedes the indignity portrayed on these people at
urban lore develops. these asylums.
TW: This phenomenon has some I think the public has an obligation to
validity in society today, doesn’t it? As know the history and not just exploit it.
a history professor don’t you think that Because you’re right, this is a social
shifts in societal norms are valid? We phenomenon that appeals to people, but
used to put people into institutions I don’t believe you can leverage the
because of intellectual disability and misfortunes of others for commercial
today we want to have fun with that. gain.
Dennis: I think in a way that’s true. We TW: You’re right.
have the responsibility not to exploit the
Dennis: I think we have an obligation to
misfortunes of others. I recognize that
tell the truth and that’s what we’re
happens and there are historical
trying to do in the book.
parallels that are relevant, but I don’t
think we’d open up a venue like this at TW: I really appreciate your taking the
Auschwitz. time to open our eyes on the history of
the Pennhurst Asylum.
TW: No. Touche. You’ve won that point.
Dennis: Thanks for your interest.
Dennis: Yet we do open them up all
around the country here. I’ve thought a
lot about the parallel between the two.
Auschwitz was opened to create a
