The Whittaker Family Chronicles: A Word of Caution
The Whittaker family from Odd, West Virginia, captured public attention through filmmaker Mark Laita’s documentaries over the last 20 years. Known for their unusual communication methods, such as grunting, barking, and gesturing, the Whittakers became notable figures thanks to Laita’s portrayals.
Credit: Soft White Underbelly via YouTube
Mark Laita’s initial encounter with the Whittakers back in 2004 came with challenges as the local community was defensive, worried outsiders might ridicule their neighbors. However, his resilient efforts led to a trusting relationship with the family. Capturing their portrait for his book “Created Equal”—a dive into America’s cultural diversity—Laita helped tell their story to the world.
In 2020, Laita revisited the Whittakers, peeling back further layers of their lives. His experiences with them were so vivid, they seemed almost cinematic. Describing their world, he drew comparisons with infamous film scenes, discussing their rural setting and the peculiar behavior observed, like “misaligned eyes” and unpredictable outbursts.
You might recall scenes where a family member would suddenly bolt, howling, as his trousers slipped to the ground. While it might sound chaotic, Laita gives insight into a world previously hidden from view.
Discussion around the extent of inbreeding within the family surfaces, yet Laita carefully treads these waters. Without concrete proof, his observations emphasize the prevalence of such familial ties in their region, with the Whittakers being an extreme case he’s encountered.
The incidents surrounding their lifestyle contributions paint a complex picture. Aiding them through fundraising on “Soft White Underbelly” helped provide unexpected support. Yet controversy brewed following a YouTuber’s investigation into “America’s poorest region,” featuring the Whittakers.
This resulted in Betty Whittaker, in a video, questioning the donations’ whereabouts, much to Laita’s dismay. Passionately defending himself, he claims significant improvement in their lives since his involvement, arguing that demand for funds had been consistent without clear uses.
In response, Laita presented financial documentation to address these claims, expressing a wish to conclude such fundraisers.
Larry Whittaker’s case added further layers to the drama. Reports of his death, quickly refuted, stemmed from a ploy by his daughter to gain funds. Restating his position, Laita attempted understanding and offered help based on an agreement never fulfilled.
Pastor William Plumley points out the dual nature of attention brought by the documentaries—while providing aid, it draws unwanted visitors keen on gawking, rather than helping.
In conclusion, while the Whittakers’ tale, chronicled on “Soft White Underbelly,” is both intriguing and sobering, those intending to visit should heed Laita’s advice. Entrenched in community defense, they may not receive the warm welcome outsiders seek. Consider the full story—its human elements, lessons, and the layers of complexity surrounding these individuals.
