Michael Rembis

Michael Rembis, a Professor of History at the University at Buffalo and director of the Center for Disability Studies, sheds light on the often-overlooked narratives of asylum inmates between 1830 and 1950. He discusses how their writings reveal the harsh realities of life in asylums, challenging the stigma surrounding madness. Rembis highlights the activism of former inmates who fought for reforms against oppressive lunacy laws, emphasizing the importance of their voices in understanding mental health history and advocating for change.

Michael Rembis, a history professor and director at the Center for Disability Studies, dives into the often hidden narratives of asylum inmates from 1830 to 1950. He reveals their writings that challenge the image of asylums as mere medical facilities, exposing them as venues of violence and abuse. Rembis highlights the impact of mad writers advocating for change, illustrating how their personal stories influenced perceptions of madness and mental health reforms. The discussion uncovers the struggle between medical authority and the voices of those labeled as mad.