They redefined the meaning of “family matters” in the most unexpected way. The guttural utterances of an inbred family might seem like a caricature from offensive hillbilly horror flicks, yet, a dedicated photographer brought to light the genuine existence of such communities. He documented the secluded lives of the Whittakers, notoriously dubbed “America’s most incestuous family,” a group whose communication methods range from grunts to barks at unfamiliar faces.
“It was beyond belief — the most astonishing spectacle I had ever witnessed,” recounted documentarian Mark Laita, 63, during a recent conversation on the Konkrete podcast. He was reflecting on his initial encounter with the Whittakers, who inhabit the isolated mountain hamlet of Odd, West Virginia, a place infamous for its close-knit community of approximately 779 residents.
Laita has invested considerable time in understanding this notoriously incestuous family, initially meeting them in 2009 for his project “Created Equal” and again last year for an unplanned reunion. He frequently shares glimpses into this rarely seen aspect of Appalachia through his podcast, “Soft White Underbelly,” which presents “interviews and portraits of the human condition” to a substantial audience of 4.56 million YouTube subscribers.
Mark Laita documenting the Whittakers
Mark Laita’s poignant portrait captures the essence of the Whittaker family from Odd, West Virginia.
The surviving members of the Whittaker incestuous family tree include siblings Betty, Lorraine, and Ray, along with their cousin Timmy. Their brother Freddie has passed away due to a heart condition. Reports suggest there is another unnamed sister and additional relatives whom Laita has not encountered.
‘Despite their silence on hardship, their existence is profoundly challenging … These individuals navigate life with visible physical anomalies, some with eyes diverging in different directions, and communicating through barks,’
Mark Laita’s observation on documenting the Whittakers of Odd, West Virginia, a town of 779 residents.
Among the remaining siblings, Timmy is the only one who completed high school. During his first visit, the photographer faced hostility when a neighbor, brandishing a shotgun, threatened intervention if Laita’s team didn’t cease their activities. “They are protective and disapprove of outsiders mocking the family,” Laita explained. Despite the initial skepticism, he was eventually permitted to take photographs.
The Whittaker siblings standing together
The Whittaker family members, subjects of Mark Laita’s documentary, aiming to bring awareness about their living conditions.
Laita likened the scenario to “Deliverance,” director John Boorman’s unsettling 1972 film that delves into the lives of isolated mountain people, adapted from James Dickey’s novel of the same title. “These individuals were present, some with noticeable physical differences like misaligned eyes, and they communicated with us through barking sounds,” the astonished documentarian detailed. “One family member, if you made eye contact or spoke to him, would shriek and flee, his pants slipping down, only to return and angrily kick a garbage can. This behavior recurred repeatedly.”
Footage from a 2021 visit depicts the family on their dilapidated porch, surrounded by scattered belongings, reminiscent of scenes from the Dust Bowl era. The West Virginian incestuous family carries a long history of inbreeding. Initial accounts indicated that the parents of the three siblings were brother and sister. However, the family later clarified they were double first cousins, meaning they shared both sets of grandparents.
This pattern of consanguinity has resulted in various mental and physical conditions within the family, with some members limited to communication through grunts and squawks, as evidenced in Laita’s podcast videos. Despite these communication barriers, the Whittakers seemed to understand Laita’s inquiries. “They comprehend what you’re saying,” a relative informed Laita. “If they disagree, they express their displeasure vocally — making it clear they dislike the notion.”
Ray Whittaker on his porch
Ray Whittaker is captured in a candid moment on his porch, part of the documentary series highlighting the realities of their life.
According to Thought.Co, a source for educational content, inbreeding can lead to numerous adverse effects, from reduced physical stature and fertility issues to an increased risk of genetic disorders. In rare cases, it can even cause unique conditions like sapphire-colored skin, as seen in the well-known Blue Fugates of Troublesome Creek, Kentucky.
The Whittakers appeared unaware that their genetic issues originated from inbreeding within their family lineage. When Laita questioned Kenneth, a family member, about their misaligned eyes, Kenneth attributed it to “might be coal mining.”
Understandably, Laita’s project might be viewed as exploitative, resembling a carnival sideshow. Melody West and Shane Simmons of the Real Appalachia YouTube channel have criticized the documentary for perpetuating the Appalachian inbreeding stereotype prevalent “for decades.”
However, Laita, who has also directed commercials for major brands like Nike and Apple, stated on Konkrete that his intention was to highlight the “level of poverty” endured by the Whittakers.
The Whittaker family outside their residence
The Whittaker family pictured outside their home, illustrating the conditions that prompted a fundraising initiative.
Since then, the photographer has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist the West Virginian incestuous family with “living expenses and home improvements.” It has successfully raised nearly $50,000 towards its $75,000 goal. In a video from Laita’s recent 2022 visit, Ray is seen giving a tour of their renovated home, now equipped with a refrigerator, a proper bed, and other necessities, thanks to the funds raised. Ray even excitedly shows Laita a dent in their new truck from a deer collision.
The Whittakers in a group portrait
The Whittaker family, first encountered by Laita in 2004, depicted in a group photograph from his documentary project.
Laita maintains that his primary objective is to bring attention to overlooked issues in regions of the country rarely seen. “People might argue that Appalachians lead fulfilling lives and should be left alone,” he explained. “However, they could greatly benefit from increased support from governmental bodies or corporations to alleviate their struggles of surviving on minimal income.” He concluded, “Despite their lack of complaints, their life is undeniably harsh.”
