Defectives, Feeble-minded: United States. Massachusetts. Waverly. School for Feeble-minded: Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded. c. 1903

Editor: This photograph by William A. Webster, titled "Defectives, Feeble-minded," captures scenes from the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded. The rows of children are stark and unsettling. What historical context should we consider when viewing this image? Curator: This photograph reflects early 20th-century attitudes towards disability and institutionalization. Consider the rise of eugenics and the belief in segregating individuals deemed "feeble-minded" to control reproduction and maintain a perceived societal norm. How do these power dynamics shape your understanding? Editor: It’s disturbing to think about how social policies influenced the lives and treatment of these children. It shifts my perception entirely. Curator: Exactly. It forces us to confront the ethical implications of social control and the power of institutions to define and marginalize individuals. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific and social biases. Editor: I see now that it is a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in history, one where science was misused to justify discrimination and segregation. Curator: Precisely. The image is not just a document; it's a historical artifact prompting critical reflection on societal values and their impact.