Why it Was Illegal to be Ugly?

The video explores the history of 'ugly laws' in the US, which were discriminatory laws targeting people with disabilities, injuries, or those deemed 'unsightly.' These laws emerged in the late 19th century and were used to remove such individuals from public view. The video discusses the origins, spread, and eventual decline of these laws, highlighting key cases and societal impacts. It also covers the loopholes that allowed some to work in dehumanizing conditions, such as circuses. The decline of ugly laws coincided with the rise of disability rights, culminating in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which aimed to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.

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