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

Editor: This photograph by William Webster, titled "Defectives, Feeble-minded," depicts a line of boys in a gymnasium setting. It feels incredibly staged and sterile. What can you tell me about the social context surrounding this image? Curator: This photograph forces us to confront the history of eugenics and institutionalization in the early 20th century. The title itself, "Defectives, Feeble-minded," reflects the dehumanizing language used to categorize people with intellectual disabilities. How do you think the setting, the gymnasium, contributes to the message? Editor: I guess it emphasizes the attempt to "correct" or "improve" these children, framing them as needing to be fixed. It's unsettling. Curator: Precisely. It highlights how institutions aimed to control and normalize individuals deemed "unfit" by society. The photograph serves as a stark reminder of the social and political forces that shaped these practices. Editor: This has given me a lot to consider about the role of photography in reinforcing harmful social norms. Curator: Indeed. By examining these images critically, we can learn from the past and work towards a more inclusive future.