NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2008-03-21-lunatic-asylum_N.htm?csp=34

A man bought a former psychiatric hospital as an investment. It is on the National Historic Register so he is also saving it from just sitting there and rotting. He changed the name of it to Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum which was one of the hospital's former names and the people are upset.

He also plans events like "Psyco Path" dirt bike races on the grounds, and events such as "mud bog" races, a reunion of former employees, an"Hospital of Horrors" haunting tours in October, and a "Nightmare Before Christmas" tour on Dec. 23.

So, are people being overly "politically correct" in wanting him to change the name, or is this just another case of "political correctness gone to far?

well it sounds like it could be very spooky to visit on Halloween :)

freak shows and sexual molestation FTW!

I say if he bought it, then he should be able to name it how he wants.

ooh! One's own lunatic asylum. Fun!

You could have a community garden on the property called the Funny Farm. :)

ooh! One's own lunatic asylum. Fun!
Admit it LG, the story's about you...
You could have a community garden on the property called the Funny Farm. :)
Or a petting zoo...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2008-03-21-lunatic-asylum_N.htm?csp=34

A man bought a former psychiatric hospital as an investment. It is on the National Historic Register so he is also saving it from just sitting there and rotting. He changed the name of it to Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum which was one of the hospital's former names and the people are upset.

He also plans events like "Psyco Path" dirt bike races on the grounds, and events such as "mud bog" races, a reunion of former employees, an"Hospital of Horrors" haunting tours in October, and a "Nightmare Before Christmas" tour on Dec. 23.

So, are people being overly "politically correct" in wanting him to change the name, or is this just another case of "political correctness gone to far?

interesting use.

The daily tours that began last week — which cost $10 to $30, depending on duration — focus on issues such as the evolution of mental health care, the Civil War, the Great Depression, even architecture.

and the events I can see actually sparking an interest in the feild of Psychology and mental health.

sometimes, finding the humor in things can also be healing.

Or a petting zoo...
called the "getting in touch"

a hedge/mirror maze called "Losing yourself/Finding yourself"

and the events I can see actually sparking an interest in the feild of Psychology and mental health.

unless the guy is a scientologist...

unless the guy is a scientologist...

then I suspect that the history of Psychiatric care tours need to be examined... closely! :eek:

I don't really see what the big deal is. Personally, I think he should have renamed after L. Ron Hubbard.

I don't think it's too politically correct for them to want him to be sensitive about it, and "Psycho Path" dirt bike races aren't sensitive at all. He can name it what he wants but he should take the former patients into consideration. Although, I do think it sounds pretty cool, especially the evolution of mental health care part.

Nah, leave it as it is. It harms no one having a name like that. Plus, everyone knows it by that name already, beats having to learn an entirely different name to refer to a place you already know.

Yes, he should change it, to the Lunatic GOOFBALLS Asylum ;)

Yes, he should change it, to the Lunatic GOOFBALLS Asylum ;)

... Teh Lunatic Goofballs Institute of Mental Ticnology.
We put the Tic in your Lunatic.

Nah, leave it as it is. It harms no one having a name like that. Plus, everyone knows it by that name already, beats having to learn an entirely different name to refer to a place you already know.

Actually, it was known as the Weston State Hospital.
The Weston State Hospital, constructed between 1858 and 1881, is the largest hand cut stone masonry building in the North America, and is purportedly the second largest in the world next to the Kremlin. It was designed by the renowned architect Richard Andrews following the Kirkbride plan, which called for long rambling wings arranged in a staggered formation, assuring that each of the connecting structures received an abundance of therapeutic sunlight and fresh air. The original hospital designed to house 250 souls, was open to patients in 1864 and reached its peak in the 1950's with 2400 patients in overcrowded and generally poor conditions. Changes in the treatment of mental illness and the physical deterioration of the facility forced its closure in 1994 inflicting a devastating effect on the local economy from which it has yet to recover.

Despite being designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1990 the hospital has deteriorated to the point where its very survival is threatened. The entire facility and 300 acres was privately purchased in September of 2007 and renamed Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (TALA). With the aid of government grants, private donations, fund raising events, and a team of dedicated local volunteers, we are committed to restoring the TALA to its former grandeur thus reviving the local economy and preserving an important piece of American history.
http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/History.html

However, I don't have any particular objection to returning it to a historical name, especially as a museum.

... Teh Lunatic Goofballs Institute of Mental Ticnology.
We put the Tic in your Lunatic.

ROFL!
*runs to make the sign for it*

He owns the place, he can name it whatever he want.

Should he change the name?

Yes.

Do I want him too?

No, they're too funny.

SHould he change the name? Yes.

As someone who has a family member with a psychiatric illness, I believe fully in treating them with dignity and respect. And this isn't the name of some comedy house, its a hospital and rehab program...

It would be like if someone called a Orphanage in Africa "Nigga house". And that they play games like "Black man's bluff" etc. Or openly calling someone with a physical disability a cripple. Its disgusting.

sure he should change the name.
Then again there's loads of things that insult by the very name, labour party that isn't a labour party, lemon juice made from artificial flavouring but the cleaing products have lemon juice in them, i mean wtf?

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2008-03-21-lunatic-asylum_N.htm?csp=34

A man bought a former psychiatric hospital as an investment. It is on the National Historic Register so he is also saving it from just sitting there and rotting. He changed the name of it to Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum which was one of the hospital's former names and the people are upset.

He also plans events like "Psyco Path" dirt bike races on the grounds, and events such as "mud bog" races, a reunion of former employees, an"Hospital of Horrors" haunting tours in October, and a "Nightmare Before Christmas" tour on Dec. 23.

So, are people being overly "politically correct" in wanting him to change the name, or is this just another case of "political correctness gone to far?

Personally, I find his intentions to be in bad taste, but he bought it, and so long as what he does is legal, it doesn't really matter to me.