Emma, Carrie, Vivian

Reflections

Molly Brown reflects on the haunting legacy of the eugenics movement through her poetry, capturing the voices of those affected by it. Her work, inspired by visits to the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded, paints a vivid picture of the lives and struggles of its residents. Molly emphasizes the human flaws that drove such campaigns, noting, "It was a campaign undertaken by deeply flawed human beings" 1. Her poems serve as a reminder of the past atrocities and the need to remain vigilant against similar ideologies today 2.

   

Legacy

The stories of Doris and Vivian Buck highlight the devastating impact of forced sterilizations on families. Vivian, despite being labeled as "not quite normal," excelled in school before her untimely death at age eight 3. Molly Brown, who has cerebral palsy, feels a personal connection to this history, recognizing that she might have been a candidate for the colony had she been born earlier 4. Her reflections underscore the ongoing struggle against the stigmatization of disabilities and the importance of acknowledging this painful legacy.