Documentary Review: The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia

The Whites live in an insulated world. Living in a small area, the close knit family has a long history of drugs, fights, violence, and jail time. What is most shocking and intriguing about the film is the openness of the family, which is coined by a local as a "sense of entitlement." As blue-collar workers, specifically coal miners, they have been born and raised in West Virginia, and do not seek opportunities elsewhere. This will be a general discussion of the documentary featuring the infamous family. Titled 'The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia, I insist you view it.

The film begins with a quick rundown of the family tree and an introduction to the living relatives. Throughout the family history most have died young, and all have criminal records. Through the years they have become quite notorious, not only with local law enforcement, but with locals and those passing through. Part of the morbid curiosity about the family is their lack of any ability to conform to society whatsoever. On the documentary, they openly crush and snort pills, admit to receiving disability checks, and discuss acts of violence they have committed and why it was deserved. Their personalities switch on and off from calm to abrasive in a moment. While they are very loyal to their family, they do not seem to follow the same moral standards, for example, by sharing partners, etc.

While watching the film, it may be difficult not to judge, but it is also important to consider their opportune circumstances in their living situation. Generally blacklisted among the local community, I would imagine it would be very difficult for any of them to get a fair job, for example, knowing the family history and the illegal activities the members are involved in. This fact was openly admitted at one point in the film. This does not in any means excuse their behavior, however, and I found it difficult to watch situations where these acts were discussed or committed in the presence of their children. It is clear when seeing the family dynamics, that the same lifestyle is already being passed down.

From a historical point of the view, it is interesting to consider where this lifestyle came from. They are from an area that was isolated geographically and culturally, and in a financial position that made them unable to change other factors in their living situation. This is based in a culture based on the tight knit group versus outsiders as a matter of protection, and they have withstood changes in times and technology and held onto these beliefs. Due to this, their loyalty and acceptance by their family is more important than that of general society.

I found it to be somewhat sad that each generation would represent their intentions for their children as being so their children could have good opportunities, and do what they want in life. Yet this is impossible if they are not setting the example for their children to follow and do so. It is clear, however, that they have no positive reinforcement themselves to do so, and so have no way to guide their children in that manner.

That said, I have to give credit to the White family member who left West Virginia and moved out of state. In an interview with him and his family, they seemed very relieved that they were able to be removed from the situation in their hometown. One White did eventually go to rehab as well, to regain custody of her newborn daughter, who was born addicted to drugs.

Overall, I think this is a very fascinating and enlightening documentary that shows how different life is and can be based on your circumstances. I would recommend this documentary for anyone looking to see life from a different point of view.