Liat Ben-Moshe, Leah Harris, and Vesper Moore discuss the increasing calls to "reopen the asylums" and the dark history of psychiatric incarceration. They challenge the nostalgic portrayal of asylums, highlighting the horrific conditions and abuse that occurred. They also explore the racialized and gendered construction of danger and the connection to issues like eugenics and the war on terror. They analyze political statements advocating for reopening asylums and discuss the dangerous generalization of individuals. The chapter also delves into the complexities of homelessness, mental health, and institutionalization, emphasizing the need for community care. Overall, they caution against reopening asylums and stress the importance of centering the perspectives of individuals with mental health conditions.
