The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia

I waited a while before seeing this film because I thought it might be exactly what it was. A documentation of the sort of people I grew up around in central Missouri. While many people who have not grown up in such areas may believe that the Whites are not a significant part of the population, unfortunately many rural communities especially Southern rural areas of America produce tons of folks like the Whites.

Even those who break away from this sort of dysfunctional rural white trash lifestyle often merely become Bible thumping, intolerant leaders in the community who still do not know or understand history, art or the value of education.

It is the extremely poor schools, glorification of anti-intellectualism and Fundamentalist Christianity that produce these people generation after generation. It is these types of folks that build the base of small town American Republicans. It is not surprising that statements made by Michele Bachmann could easily sound like things said by any of the Whites. It is no accident that Hank Williams Jr said the ignorant stuff he did about playing golf with Obama and that his son is hanging out with the White family.

You can see similar homes of VERY similar people in central Missouri http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avq3-lBgyzs or my longer version at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKWqKTGwTg

This is why I STRONGLY advocate a lot more funding of rural schools especially in the Midwest and the South. The increased funding should also include a great deal of Federal oversight of the schools and long term counseling to help the next few generations climb out of this ignorant and intolerant lifestyle of destruction.

Some of these folks seem chill, some seem a little off, some I wouldn't let myself get caught alone with.

Basically, like any family, except they do illegal things and have mountain folk accents so its shocking I guess.

I won't make a case here for drug dealing, violent crimes against creepy uncles, or sex work, only because most here don't come here because they care about this but rather because they want to laugh.

Well from the technical standpoint, its OK. It gets the job done. We all know films like this are made for those sleazy types that like to watch poor people go through hell so they can hate them, so there isn't much more to say.

If you been through sh-t and like to see people who go through sh-t talk about their lives, this film is quite a ride.

If you have never had to do sketchy sh-t to survive because you had no other options, and are proud of it, don't bother, go watch catfish or something as reprehensible.

You really can't imagine anyone doing a much better job depicting this scourge on society. I've watched this three times and showed it to friends. No one seems to be able to turn away from the Whites.

Being born into that family is an incredible handicap. Life really isn't fair for some people from the git-go, especially those who are addicted to drugs in the womb.

Also, we all aren't created equal, because although crafty, the Whites are completely dim and dysfunctional in their outlook towards life. The sad thing is that there are many people like the Whites in America; leeches on the rest of us, sucking the lifeblood out of this country.

...and marijuana.

With the Dancing Outlaw 1 and 2, White Lightnin', and an episode of Roseanne, our beloved Jesco has been the main White focus; but not anymore. Jesco is still on-hand, guffawing, tapping and being just a good ole boy, but we now get a glimpse of the bigger picture. The whole dang White family tree.

In The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia, you're introduced to a whole bunch of Whites. And in the beginning you may be slightly confused with who's who and what's what. But eventually, you get the swing of things as the film turns and basically places it's attention on the female side of the Whites; The trio of the Biggest (Mamie), the Meanest (Sue Bob) and the Baddest (Kirk), and I can't forget Mousie, or the gentle Bertie Mae.

Of course going into this film you're expecting the craziness and entertainment that the family is known for delivering, and that's all well and good. But really, it wouldn't have been enough for this doc to succeed. What had me nodding in approval after the film had concluded was the layer of emotion the movie delivered. Jesco has spoken in the past about the misfortunes of the White family, but it's not until now do you really grasp it. Unless you've gone through similar things yourself.

The White Family is undoubtedly questionable and intimidating with their life-styles. At the same time they live a very predictable life-style that unfortunately seems to repeat itself. Lots of sadness, violence and drug abuse revolve around this family, and they mask a lot of their sadness by rolling with the flow, and living up to their legendary name. And it kinda makes me think this streak that they're going on, may come to a sad and depressing halt. Then again, they're quite obviously tough, crafty and without a doubt survivors. I just hope they can learn to embrace their rebel ways, while slowing down on the drugs. One White made it out, and it seems Kirk is on the way.

I caught this late last night on Showtime or IFC, and was mesmerized by the ignorance of the characters and the utter disregard they displayed for common sense. I mean I could not take my eyes off of the train-wreck-of-a-clan. They possess no ability to think things through. They are ultimately grown children who don't understand the consequences of their actions. I was in awe of their shear stupidity, and even more fascinated with the women of this clan. Shocking, disturbing, and infuriating when you realize that the tax-payers are supporting them.

All in all, I think it was good film-making. I definitely learned something, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in "rarely seen cultures" within America. Or to anyone who just wants to feel better about themselves.