@Trepang 412 but you need facts to support an opinion. He already declared that he has viewed most youtube channels and that is impossible for anybody to do.
@Trepang 412 opinion without comparison is no opinion at all. Most 5th graders could understand that. If I ate only 1 piece of pizza in my life and I said that is the best pizza in the world.....that would be riduculous because I didn't compare it to any other pizza.
@Trepang 412 No I'm not. In his statement he compared this channel with all youtube channels without comparing them with any youtube channels. If he would have said "this is an important youtube channel", that would have been an acceptable opinion.
I have known this family all my life. They lived on the hill from my grandparents. They walked everywhere and lived poor. Always thankful for everything and hard workers.
Jerry mowed grass for my grandparents every week. He paid him $5.00 (1975) and you would think he won the lottery. It was enough to help feed the family. Honored to have known them. Great people.
If Jerry is Ray, he is the best actor ever. At first, I thought it was Ray until he spoke. Your videos are great. I appreciate the empathy and kindness that you have shown them.
Were they TWINS? I don't know the ages so that's why I'm asking. They're too similar & in the other video the sister that told her Mom she'd never get married & always take care of them said that they were always together. Wow. Thanks for a superb channel & content.God Bless you ~Anita
Indeed and there's likely a reason for the resemblance. Both of them have comitant strabismus, which is often found among descendants of excessive inbreeding.
I live and grew up in West Virginia, and you have no idea how much i appreciate that you are doing things like this. Families like this and the Whittaker's are close to my heart because my dads family is a very old family, and we all grew up around people like this where they lived. I used to love and hear some of them tell stories like this. The way the speak just feels like home to me. Thank you so much for not making us look like uneducated hill folk like so many people paint us to be. Thank you for shining a different, kind, light on the people of my state. Im very proud to be from West Virginia.
I got family down in Ky/West Virginia and they truly are the forgotten Americans, completely untouched by the system and no help for them, but no matter what they are always happy with the absolute bare minimum and they are the most loving family oriented people in this nation. My great grandmother was a Shiflett, which there seems to be a whole shit Ton of them down in West Virginia, it makes finding relatives a little difficult when there’s so many of the same last name.
These guys got strong chill on the porch and talk about nothing in particular for hours energy. You don't have to be witty, clever, or have a stance. You can just sit around and just be.
If only he would listen more and maybe ask questions on their level and not his. That guy on the right with the beard told him he quit school at 15 years old in 7th grade and walked home but he asked again about the schooling.
@@CharleysMom2 He always does that he ask same question over and over He does it on Whitaker’s video Every video same question He says he’s not an interviewer but you don’t have to be in interviewing to remember and comprehend what somebody says to you
Yeah but he really needs to improve how he talks to people, when people get uncomfortable he shouldn’t push the same question, but mild his tone a bit, be more soft-spoken and talk a bit slower. Sometimes it feels like he’s interrogating not interviewing.
Watching these families I notice such a huge difference. They’re not sat with they’re head in a phone or Xbox and actually spend quality family time together which is rare nowadays. It’s a breath of fresher to see no reliance on wifi/internet and computer games, and still they’re happy with a simple but peaceful life.
These stories are not so uncommon. I am a mental health therapist in a part of the USA that people live and thrive and these ARE the secrets I hear from people who are just like you and me… I explain to my clients that secrets are poison NOT shame. We must talk about these things In order to prevent them in future generations. There are so many suffering people even if they don’t appear to be so. Mark you know this. Your interviews are often cathartic for the interviewee and that is why they come back over and over. I so so applaud you. This has to be changing you greatly. I would love to hear you talk more about this. I know I am changed by my work. In some very good ways and in some other ways that are maybe a burden like carrying so much sadness around and loving people who I watch struggle and never get better and sometimes die. Thank you so much and I do wish more people watched and I wish more People didn’t make comments that they think are clever and entertaining. I wish more people were inspired to listen and know people instead of judge. Thank you thank you. From Virginia Beach via NY.
Thank you for not judging these people. They had no control how their lives began. Now they live with the taboo of being inbred staring them in the face daily. I greatly appreciate the way you ask questions without using their vulnerability against them. Your interviews have helped this large family to afford food, and to repair their shelter, and have vehicles to get around in. I hope and pray that the Whittaker family will live a long, fulfilled life. ❤️
They've got alot of similarities to the Whitaker's but they're DEFINITELY NOT them. They keep a cleaner home then the Whitakers & they can BOTH speak clearly.
"It's been such a long time..." and "that was so long ago..." and "I don't remember, it's been too long..." are cleansing phrases. They protect the speaker from painful memories and possibly a guilty conscience from the distant past. While these men's intellects are not high-level, the number of times they squash recall is telling.
I feel for these guys as it's obvious there was trauma in their life. One seems to have a good stand on blocking out the past while other wouldn't mind a conversation but fears his brother. if that makes any sense.
Disagree. I think they just don't care and aren't interested in the discussion. They live primarily in the present and are dismissing questions they find odd, irrelevant, or uninteresting to them.
These fellows stayed living in a time when life was simple.. and their happy with it… im a wv man, and I love how they live so peaceful. God bless them
Jerry looks to be either Rays father or brother... I was looking at both pictures side by side and they look like twins. I love hearing the old stories from elders that live in small towns or villages. This is well done. Thank you!
As someone who was born, raised, n still lives in Southern WV, It intrigues me to read some of these comments. I know so many good folks just like this. They are simple people who love the simple life. And people like this are always the happiest and most content. I love being an Appalachian girl💙💛
I’m from the uk and all I know about the Appalachian people are what I’ve seen on RU-vid. I am really intrigued by the way of life. My impression of the Appalachians is that they are hard working down to earth people and I feel a pull towards them. Maybe being a Lancashire lass I can feel some sort of familiarity. When Covid is over I would love to visit Appalachia, where do you recommend?
Well, my beautiful state of West Virginia is for sure. We have the best whitewater rafting, the most beautiful views you would picture from a calender, we have a ski resort called Snow Shoe, we have rock climbing, great fishing, we have The Greenbrier, which is a luxury resort that is beautiful and had lots of history including an underground bunker that was used in the Cold War(you can take a tour) If you're into history and beautiful nature, WV is the best naturous place you'd ever imagine. Any states that are home to Appalachian people most likely have beautiful views& awesome nature activities. The mountains are my home and though there's not alot to do like on the big cities, there's still alot to do if you're in tune with Nature #WV💙💛
@@Bee-ly4gx salyersville ky, is a beautiful country w beautiful ppl. My mom grew up there and I have beautiful memories of visiting my mamaw and pawpaw. No bathroom just a out house but had a kitchen sink. Spotless home although there was 8 kids. All the males were coal miners and all of them worked in the tabacco and sugar cane fields. Hard working ppl, had what they needed. This was only 20 mi from Butcher holler where Loretta Lynn grew up. Really beautiful ❤️ place and you'd love the wooded hills. You'd be very much welcomed and ppl won't let you leave till they feed you and omg, the food taste like no other. Please visit you won't regret it. You'll make great friends. Ps you can take a tour of Loretta Lynn's house where she grew up.
@@Bee-ly4gx We got us some pretty places out here in Western, NC. Clingman's Dome, Mt. Mitchell, Cherokee, NC. You likely feel some familiarity because most of us come from the Northern English, and Southern Scottish borderlands, and some from Ulster. Lots of us live the way folks did decades, or centuries ago. My neighbors and I grow most of our own food. I had a hog killing just this past week from 2 hogs I raised from piglets. Instead of salting pork like our ancestors did, we just freeze it, but we don't buy any grocery store meat and very few grocery store veggies. We're as stubborn as the granite that's up on some of our balds ;)
These are the cutest sweetest old men who have had a rough upbringing and the odds are against them. But look how sweet they are. I hope they have a peaceful and happy life 💕
Fascinating interview. Well done. I love the clock ticking in the background. It’s like time stands still in this old house yet it’s passing by with these two sweet men.
I just started watching this adorable family , it just warms my heart how sweet , humble , loving and absolutely kind these people are ❤ God bless them ….
This channel has given me empathy and insight. I know I can’t truly know what people go through. I’m so grateful and know that my life might feel empty and I’m absolutely heartbroken over my husband’s death. 35 years of love and understanding. I’m fortunate to have two ginormous dogs who give me purpose. Please don’t hate on me, I never ever comment. This world is viscous and at times feel unlivable. I watch these sweet men and know that their lives matter. They’ve lived a good life ~ what else could me ask for. Thank you Mark for allowing us to live vicariously through you. God bless us all.
Its a pity the host of the site has not gained any empathy or insight. His bombastic rude questioning is worthy of a Lawyer in s murder case. What a disgusting way to make a living, prostituting poor people for financial gain on utube.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband Mel. I hope you have family to help you through this difficult time. Sending love and comfort to you in your time of need and a hug if you're a hugger.
My late grandpa lived in the mountains of western PA (1901-1985). He had a 4th grade education and then worked in the coal mines. These brothers often say they don’t remember things, and my grandpa would say the same thing when we asked him about his early years. I think it’s a way of saying, “that’s none of your business.”
Any one that thinks there having a bad day,and suffer from panic attacks and depression severe, watch this and thank God that u walk on.thanks mark.from the frozen praire of South Dakota
@@Evettecord First, their cost of living appears to be super LOW. In addition to this, their father worked during a time when employers (the Rich) took FULL RESPONSIBILITY for the retirement of those who made them rich. It was only in the 80's when the 401k became the norm
@@Evettecord Working with a lady now in her early 70s. She's still receiving pension funds from her deceased husband who worked in New York. Together, we work for the same employer who offers a pension (a county hospital) and we have the multiple options on how to distribute our pension after retirement (or death) which also includes dependants. I suppose their father had better options though, especially with children who have learning disabilities?
No. just NO. Stop bending answers to fit some definition of "wisdom." Human beings desire and NEED love. You don't think both those men wouldn't move Heaven and Earth to find true love, acceptance, caring, and support? There is no "Appalachian mountain country wisdom" in that statement. You may as well find "wisdom" in quiting school and living in poverty. These are good, decent, honorable people. But they aren't "wise."
@@jakemitchell1671 Love is a very loose word. They still have each other for company and obviously there's a brotherly bond. Maybe they just don't produce much testosterone or maybe they are asexual. Plenty of possibilities
@@jakemitchell1671 with the potential of being as heavily inbred as the Wittakers it’s possibly a defense mechanism their organism has to prevent them from reproducing any further. It could also be that they’ve been so traumatized at home as children that they want nothing to do with any kind of romantic relationship.
My mom's family is in Floyd County Kentucky and I am in Texas. I am glad you are doing these videos. So many people in the hills and hollers that remind me of my family, these guys have included.
Wow, it’s amazing how much Ray and Jerry look alike, my prayers have always been from a good, non-judge mental place, your last upload was so phenomenal, I was so excited for them all, 👍🏻👍🏻great to see them sticking together ,you visiting totally makes their day, which is absolutely special, Some thing about Ray just tickles me, he is who he is, and I totally understand him when he’s trying to show you some thing, Especially the new truck, that dad gum deer ran into lol, bless them and bless you mark✌🏻💕
Thank You for all of your work. This is the best channel ever. I'm a WV native and I knew when the camera started panning down... what type of footwear I would see. Lol. I personally know families like this and although they have very little..they will freely give to a complete stranger. These folks are rich in ways that many in our society are alien to. These folks have pure hearts and no smokescreens... God bless them. ❤️
Jerry is still at home. I saw him out walking a couple of weeks ago. Leonard had some health problems, but he’s doing well now. Leonard is living in a long term care facility.
You said “ gentleman “. I wouldn’t use a restroom that said “ gentleman” I wouldn’t know what bathroom to use. And I don’t even blow snot in my hand b or pick my butt and eat it Or roll around with a sack of dead birds. What would you consider a gentleman
I find these videos of the Appalachian families very interesting. Mark you are giving a voice to people who for many generations have been ignored and not given the opportunities that many in a more urban areas take for granted and abuse. These are people who no matter how they came into the world are survivors, who don't expect anything more than respect.
Jerry is definitely Ray’s doppelgänger!! It’s uncanny how much they look like each other! I gotta watch Ray’s video after this and jump back and forth a few times just to understand in my head. It makes me sad to think about their poor mother/sister! It’s awful!
@@cb4883 ..Baahaha!! Your right, he does look like Biden! I bet Leonard could also run this country better than Joe Biden! Hell, Ray could do a better job!!
Meeting these guys reminded me of my summer days on the beach growing up. Not much talk, just listening to the sounds of ocean, feeling the air, no concern for anything… just a towel and a few friends, few words, just nice
I live in WV. There really are, deep in the mountains, people like this and even in my home town. But everyone isn’t this way. My family and I are perfectly “normal” in societies eyes. We live close to Morgantown now and it’s rare you see folks like this but honestly, these are the best kinda people to live close to. They will literally give you the shirt off their back. There’s more simple folk here and there’s people like you’d see wherever you live. It’s amazing how these people can live and be happy with so little. Thank you mark for shining light on them and helping them. I’m originally from GA and my husband from Illinois but our parents moved us here as kids. It’s a beautiful state full of some of the best people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. Around here people hold the door for others, say ma’am and sir, they are respectful and kind. Everytime I Leave WV I’m appalled at how rude people are.
When I first moved to DC from WV I was always told in interviews that people like to hire us for our work ethic. I met a dozen or so WV natives who were working corporate. (Not me. I hated staying in the same job every year. My husband was building a career and going to school. I had the luxury of doing things I liked tho money was tight_ I did work corporate 3 years in security) anyway, it was something oft repeated, that a WV hire was better than 10 others. Lol. I think we all grew up knowing these sort of folks. I remember one girl was mute. I would sit with her in church and she carried a sketch pad and drew beautiful nature scenes. Home delivered babies often suffered oxygen deprivation from unskilled midwives. That was common up to the 60s. My grandmother was a chicken farmer, sold eggs, she spoke a mix of Cherokee and old English _ org from KY. She wed the first time at 13 and the second at 16. I recall she had a philosophy about everything. A strong woman of small stature who raised 14 kids _ 2 she found in her shed during the depression. She found a way to help everyone and oft said, be kind to the outcasts and simple folks, we are poor and hard working so they can have someone look out for them. Yes. It was a shock in the city how cold and rude folks were. It's crowded and where we lived ethnically diverse but gang infested even in the 90s. The police were the equivalent of your rural rear ends_ the men were less gentlemen or not very skilled, I was used to natural mechanics and problem solvers. I had never encountered racism as my family and husbands look white but are ethnically mixed. There's all sorts of divisions in the city. No tolerance under the surface. A sort of caste system among certain groups. And a lot of creeps lol. We left 2000 and it was pretty violent and with terrible schools. Basically a non education so we had to teach much of history and my husband is a chemist. He taught our kids from books at home too. (Also WV born) I donated my 25 Year collection of books locally when I moved where i currently live. Started organic farming and have a 3 acre habitat. We tend to have highly intelligent g children so public education is a challenge everywhere. We still encourage learning in home. I think the lesson is people are people. You have the equivalent to these folks in cities. You have every sort of humanity. The difference is attitude and the fact rural is community, like family, you tend to take time to know them and people help each other. They value all life. The slower pace gives you time to reflect and not having things close makes you think on your feet and problem solve. Most older gen females are skilled and self reliant. They tend to be less self obsessed, and more community oriented. Career women in the city were fairly boring and limited to themselves or status as subjects of conversation lol. Men not much different. I often took (people) jobs just to avoid the yawning nothingness of pretentious conversation. Worked in ethnic salons and malls, walked a lot to encounter more grounded folk.
Sad that basic courtesy has become a rare thing. I don't live in Appalachia and I've always held doors/greeted people etc. I guess it helps that they probably have more limited Internet access and so don't completely worship at the altar of social media.
The life stories and memories shared with us are very much appreciated. Mark, I know that you bring enrichment and any necessary assistance to these hospitable people who open their home to us. 💕
No best times, no worse times, no loves, no regrets, no words of wisdom.. I guess when you're isolated there's not much to think about. That seems like what many on this channel strive to feel.. nothing. I want to hug these guys for some reason. Awesome/tough interview, Mark *hugs*
I'm sure 'It was so long ago' just means 'none of your business'. Living in WV you learn these people have a lot to say if they trust you and honestly most of it ain't pretty. Older generations out here were encouraged to keep there problems to themselves.
@@mandacole8703 of coarse.. that makes total sense. It's not that they're dull, they're private. Sharing nothing doesn't necessarily mean they're feeling nothing. You made an excellent point.
Leonard reminds me Of Larry and Jerry is Ray's Twin. I was waiting for Jerry to talk so I could imagine what Ray's Voice would sound like, if he could talk. Ty for doing this Mar
A moving portrait of a life less lived. Mark's subjects are always treated with such respect & without judgement. Such a brilliant documentarian of the fringes of society
I've been living in Western NC for 20 years now. We regret not moving sooner. Its absolutely amazing here. A vast difference from living in what I call Hell which is Florida. We often take long drives and passing homes just like these I have often dreamt of stopping, knocking on doors such as these just to sit and talk and learn from these original Mountain Folk aka Appalachian People. The people we have met here, out friends who are native to here are some of the most caring people I've known. Thank you for bringing faces to these wonderful folks. As a fellow photographer, MUCH Respect!!!
This is so sad ! Makes me want to cry 😢, I'd love to go visit these folks .God is great & these people are just as wonderful as we R .they can't help what life they were brought into. I hate when Others make fun of people. I always told my daughter in school & to this day ! To never make fun of anyone 😕 I was taught this from my amazing mother. And I've always ❤️ looked @ things like this could be me!it just breaks my heart ❤️ because they have never been shown much love ❤️ God bless 🙌🏽 them ! & for u ! For being so kind & good to these sweet people 💕
I’m one generation removed from the hillbillies of the Ozark mountains in Arkansas. Some of my fondest memories were from those days and as I age, I crave for the simplicity and small community back. I’m in Memphis, Tn and work for a Fortune 500 company here and according to today’s standards I’m doing well. I’ve watched several generations be pulled away from personal interaction with people to specifically technologically based communication. ( text, email, zoom...ECT). Most of the younger sect I engage can’t hold a verbal conversation more than a minute or two without the aid of an iPhone. There is a peace that most can’t understand around this lifestyle, folks in this realm are true friends to their neighbors, community and others. I’m glad to have experienced this in my younger days, it keeps me grounded in this world of instant gratification, technology and selfishness.
These people are amazing. Very intriguing. Seem super wholesome and I really can’t get enough of this content. Hope to see more and of the Whittakers please.
I thought this was a new brother you never interviewed before next to Ray. I thought, wow, Ray sure cleaned up nicely! I was hoping this was an updated video in a cleaned up home. I didn’t understand until this gentleman spoke. Sometimes people don’t care to share much and that’s fine too.
@@Bob-yt9qi I guess that’s your perspective. When I came through the comments section I found quite a few immediately said the same thing I thought but who knows 😉
I’m from West Virginia and I know of a brother and sister whose grandfather and father are the same person. These siblings are in their mid to late twenties and they also live in poverty. They are very sweet and kind people, I don’t know them personally but my mom taught at their elementary school.
At first this reminds me of Ben Fogle (BBC Earth). Similar voice, intonation and friendly calming tone. Mark is one of it's kind though, and watchinf this Appalachian people, the Whitakers, has made my jaws dropped. Never ever crossed my mind to see such poverty in the US. I am happy the donation has improved their lives. Best wishes from Jakarta, Indonesia.
They're sweet and still living the simple life they've always known, seeming content with it. I am from the appalachians and left right out of college, work was not easy to find. Think for some especially the younger generation don't understand back in their day you had to quit school and go to work because families were big then. Everyone pitched in to take care of each other, life was really hard. My daddy came from a family of 19 with 2 sets of twins and he had to quit school to go to work, he later joined the military and was in WWII from 1940-1945. He got a good job when he came out of the military and they put him through school to get his high school diploma. They were raised from the old school, respect of every one, work hard, take care of your family and regardless of the judgment they put their pants on the same way you do. It is sad what happened with their mother and father, of course those type of things weren't talked about, they were shoved under the rug and never mentioned again. My daddy's family had skeletons in their closet (but what family doesn't) but nothing comparable to incest and reading a lot of history its more common than you think, very common in other countries. Its a sad story for them but they seem content in their life and isn't that what matters? Thank you for the appalachian interviews, brings back memories I have always treasured for showing these interviews in an unbiased opinion.
The reason Jerry looks so much like Ray is no coincidence and it's the reson the nephew Timmy and the sister Lorraine all had a similar look. It's the genetic deficiency of a shallow gene pool (inbreeding).
this is stupid. these folks live in a town almost 100 miles away from where the whitakers live. this wasnt even a good try, just trying to paint all people from wv as backwood inbred savages or something, smh
The Appalachian interviews are the absolute best of any other interviews. It just hurts my brain to get the whole sister is mother and father is grandfather or whatever it is.. but either way, these interviews are great. Need more of the Appalachian interviews for sure. 🌹🇮🇹❤️
Well i was born in Toledo Ohio but we moved to Rogersville Tn and Coeburn Va and Bigstone gap Va so im dead in the middle of the beautiful Smokie mountains in the Appalachian mountains. And every morning I get to wake up in the most beautiful places on earth. Ain't god awesome.
Mark I love what you do. It’s so important. I truly find these interviews so much more interesting than anything Hollywood phonies have to say. Keep doing these interviews. Love your work.
Still living an old way of life in nearly 2022, what an amazing channel, to ask a nearly 80 year old man have you ever been in love for him to reply "i want no part of it" and he says he has no regrets and is happy really does make you think.
As a native West Virginian this reminds me of a lot of my older relatives. The beautiful part about the mountain state is there are folks like my relatives and these fine gentlemen, there are “normal” folks, there are LGBTQ+, Native American, Black, Brown, and several others. West Virginia is such a melting pot of culture and with that culture comes a kindness that you will find no where else. I’m proud to say that I am a first generation college graduate, masters student, and a West Virginian. Montani Semper Liberi
These good old boys just hanging out in their place that's weathered and worn, cosy and quiet. Ain't nothin' they want too much, ain't nobody they care to see too much of, ain't no clock ticking that they care to watch. No regrets, no dramas, no great shakes. Just livin' day to day, from sun up to sun down. They've got each other. Like always.
These brothers are amazing, I love country people born & bred . God bless them I hope they enjoy the rest of their lives there. Love 💙 and prayers 🙏 from Heather down Under Australia ⛱️🦘
@@GrabinGears I hear you on that,my friend💜 I have a sister and a brother, I'm the eldest. There's no way in Hell I'd be wondering about them all those years like Jerry and Leonard wondered about their sister, that would drive me insane😯
Omg he is identical to ray, a a spitting image of him. Pretty amazing that there’s someone in the world somewhere that we all look identical to. Seeing my own doppelgänger Is definitely on my bucket list. 😌
I would’ve sworn that Ray and Jerry were the same person if they were barking. It’s nice to see how you bettered their quality of life. They opened up so much more after they got comfortable with you. Glad to see them doing well now!
Is that the guy featured on the other videos?? How come he can speak quite well all of a sudden?? And the other brother looks like any grandpa from my neighbourhood. Thank you Mark for being so nice to them
They are probably happier than many other people as they don't need much, most people today need so much. They seem to be gentle souls, they don't know much but it doesn't matter to them. They may be wiser than we think. It's heart wrenching at the same time. TFS :)
I was thinking the same that Jerry looks like Ray. They could be twins.Very down to earth people. Wish them all the best, sincerely❤ And you are right, the world is getting worse. Nothing beats the old days. I sure loved my childhood. I am 64 years old. I am so glad I grew up when I did.
They are precious!! Sweet & genuine people living the simple life!! We can’t help or take credit either way for the circumstances we are born into. It doesn’t make one more important or less important. Neither does finishing school make one smarter or not finishing not make one not smart especially the ole timers. To live simply, humbly & with kindness & love is the best life! I love the ole timer’s! Special people!! To not do anything to have.any regrets is wisdome. May God bless & keep them!! 🙏🏻
I always love the way you interview people Mark. I love your kindness, and your ability to adapt to change questions so they could understand them better. I'm sure you left a positive mark in their lives, at least gave them something new to talk about on the front porch ❤️
