Following Julia's death she was placed with her child in the museum of University of Moscow. I found this rather disappointing and negligent towards another human being. Just like the discussion we had this week, these events show you how things that were acceptable back then are viewed much more differently today. It made me think - would I have agreed with that action of preserving Pastrana reasonable back then? Of course I find that appalling today, but after a few weeks of this class it's getting easier to think outside the box.
In the 1880s, the only reason for preserving her was to exhibit her for money. I would like to think that there was more of a scientific rationale behind it but its doubtful. If she was classified as not human then the preservation seems fair, but the fact is she was human. Not only was she human, she was talented in singing, dance, and the guitar. She loved her husband and wanted a child. No matter the differences freaks should not be taken advantage of for fame and fortune.
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