The Kennedy family curse has been a topic of discussion and intrigue for many years. This curse is said to bring tragedy and misfortune to members of the Kennedy family, one of the most prominent and influential political families in the United States. The curse is believed to have originated with the patriarch of the family, Joseph P. Kennedy. Despite his political success and wealth, Joseph experienced personal tragedy with the death of his eldest son, Joseph Jr., in World War II.
The Kennedy Curse: A Timeline of Tragedy
The Kennedy Family photographed at Hyannis Port in September 1931. L-R: Robert Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy, Jean Kennedy (on lap of) Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy (who was pregnant with Edward "Ted" Kennedy at time of this photo), Patricia Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (behind) Rosemary Kennedy.
Image Credit: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library / Public DomainFrom plane crashes to assassinations, overdoses to terrible illness, the Kennedy family, America’s most famous political dynasty, has been struck by a whole host of devastating tragedies over the years. After a car crash in 1969, Ted Kennedy, who had by this point lost 4 of his siblings prematurely, wondered if “some awful curse did actually hang over all the Kennedys”.
The sheer number of tragic illnesses and deaths involving the family has led many to deem them ‘cursed’ in some respect. The tragedies suffered by the Kennedys, combined with their glamour, ambition and power, has captured the imagination of people across the world for well over half a century.
We’ve rounded up a timeline of the most notable examples of the so-called Kennedy ‘curse’ below.
, in World War II. This tragic event set the stage for a series of other unfortunate incidents that would befall the Kennedy family. The most well-known instance of the Kennedy family curse is the assassination of President John F.
1941: Rosemary Kennedy lobotomised
Rosemary Kennedy, sister to John F. Kennedy and the eldest Kennedy daughter, was thought to have suffered from a lack of oxygen at birth. As she grew up, she failed to hit the same developmental milestones as other children her age. Her family sent her to schools for the ‘intellectually disabled’ and ensured she had extra time and attention spent on her.
As she reached her early 20s, Rosemary began to experience violent mood swings and fits, making her mental illness much harder to hide. Her father, Joseph Kennedy Sr., decided to subject Rosemary to an experimental new procedure, a lobotomy, choosing not to inform his family until after it was complete.
The lobotomy was botched, leaving Rosemary with the intellectual capabilities of a 2-year-old and taking away her ability to walk and talk. She spent the rest of her life cared for in private institutions, hidden away and discussed in the vaguest of terms as her family believed knowledge of her mental illness could prove damaging for their political ambitions.
From left to right: Kathleen, Rose and Rosemary Kennedy on their way to be presented at court in 1938, several years before Rosemary’s lobotomy.
Image Credit: Keystone Press / Alamy Stock Photo
Kennedy in 1963. His death shocked the nation and had a profound impact on American history. Just a few years later, his younger brother, Robert F. Kennedy, was also assassinated while campaigning for the presidential election. These assassinations left a lasting impact on the Kennedy family and the American public. In addition to the assassinations, the Kennedy family has also suffered other tragedies. Ted Kennedy, the youngest son of Joseph P. Kennedy, was involved in a car accident in 1969 that resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. This incident tarnished his political career and furthered the perception of the family curse. Beyond these high-profile incidents, the Kennedy family has also faced numerous other personal tragedies. Several family members have died prematurely or experienced personal hardships. From plane crashes to drug overdoses, the Kennedy family curse has taken its toll on multiple generations. Despite the belief in the Kennedy family curse, skeptics argue that these tragedies are simply a result of the family's high-profile status and involvement in politics. They believe that the incidents that have befallen the family are a matter of coincidence rather than a supernatural curse. Regardless of the cause, the Kennedy family curse has left a lasting impact on the family's legacy and the perception of their political dynasty. It continues to be a topic of fascination and debate among historians and the general public..
Reviews for "The Kennedy Curse: More Than Just an Urban Legend?"
1. JohnDoe123 - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Kennedy family curse". I found the writing to be very dry and lacking in any real emotion. The author seemed to focus more on presenting facts rather than telling a compelling story. Additionally, I felt like the book didn't provide any new or unique insights into the Kennedy family curse. Overall, it was a very forgettable read for me.
2. Booklover22 - ★★☆☆☆
I had high expectations for "Kennedy family curse", but unfortunately, it fell short. The author's writing style felt disjointed and it was hard to follow the timeline of events. The book also seemed to lack depth and analysis, leaving me wanting more. While it did touch on some interesting aspects of the Kennedy family's tragedies, it failed to truly explore the impact and implications of the curse. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of the Kennedy family curse.
3. DisappointedReader - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Kennedy family curse" to be a complete waste of time. The author provided a superficial overview of the tragic events that have befallen the Kennedy family, but there was no real depth or analysis. It felt like a rehashing of commonly known facts, without adding anything new or thought-provoking. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the curse and its effects on the Kennedy family, but this book failed to deliver. Save your money and skip this one.