How Ten Days in a Madhouse Changed Journalism and Mental Health History
Major
Mass Communications
Minor
na
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Melony Shemberger
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Nellie Bly’s famous exposé, Ten Days in a Madhouse, was published in 1887 in Pulitzer’s New York World. Nellie Bly, a relatively unexperienced journalist, was tasked with investigating the Blackwell Island asylum. Bly took her assignment seriously and went on to fake insanity to gain admittance to the asylum. While at Bellevue and Blackwell Island, Bly documented the abuse and mistreatment patients dealt with. Bly’s exposé shed light regarding how mentally ill patients were seen in the 19th century — as poor, dangerous, and non-feminine women. Further, Bly’s exposé led to changes within her personal life, journalism, and the mental health system as a whole.
Affiliations
OTHER Affiliation
Other Affiliations
JMC 615
How Ten Days in a Madhouse Changed Journalism and Mental Health History
Nellie Bly’s famous exposé, Ten Days in a Madhouse, was published in 1887 in Pulitzer’s New York World. Nellie Bly, a relatively unexperienced journalist, was tasked with investigating the Blackwell Island asylum. Bly took her assignment seriously and went on to fake insanity to gain admittance to the asylum. While at Bellevue and Blackwell Island, Bly documented the abuse and mistreatment patients dealt with. Bly’s exposé shed light regarding how mentally ill patients were seen in the 19th century — as poor, dangerous, and non-feminine women. Further, Bly’s exposé led to changes within her personal life, journalism, and the mental health system as a whole.