The Problem with Idolizing Serial Killers: The Need for Ethical True Crime Storytelling

By Priya Paul

By portraying these crimes as unique instances committed by abnormal people, true crime shows might give viewers a false sense of security. For instance, shows on serial killers might imply that they are uncommon and unlikely to commit another murder, leaving viewers with the impression that they are safe. That said, it's not always the case. In actuality, a large number of crimes are perpetrated by "regular" people who do not meet the description of a typical killer.

It's not new for people to be fascinated by serial killers. Famous killers like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer have caught people's attention for decades with their exploits. Although it's normal to be fascinated by the shadowy sides of human nature, becoming unhealthily obsessed with these criminals might be risky.

It's crucial to realise right away that these people weren't famous or heroic figures. They were murderers who ruined innocent people's lives and tore apart their families. We run the risk of exalting their deeds and elevating them to the status of objects of admiration if we become fixated on them. Due to the possibility that it will inspire others to imitate their actions or pursue their renown, this can be risky.

Moreover, this preoccupation may result in a desensitisation to violence and an increased tolerance for brutality. Reading or seeing about horrible atrocities on a regular basis might make us numb to the tragedy of the situation, making us insensitive to the suffering of others. This might spread throughout society and foster a cruel and violent culture.
It's also important to note that these murderers frequently attracted more attention than their victims. Instead than focusing on the murderers, we should remember the victims and their families and tell their stories. Families of victims who may feel that their loved ones are forgotten in the media's haste to cover the next exciting case may find the attention paid to these perpetrators to be infuriating.

Furthermore, it's critical to note that the fascination with serial killers frequently results from a need to comprehend why they carried out their crimes. Unfortunately, the majority of the time, there is no unambiguous response to this query. For instance, there is no obvious reason or justification for Jeffrey Dahmer's atrocities, which included the murder and dismemberment of seventeen men and boys. Although he had a history of mental illness and was well-known to be an introvert, these factors do not fully account for his conduct. By fixating on his offences, we could unintentionally promote negative stigmatising stereotypes about mental illness.

To sum up, while real crime programmes can be educational, they must be cautious not to glorify killers and make them become objects of curiosity. True crime shows run the risk of exalting these individuals' deeds and downplaying the effect they had on the victims and their families by portraying them as complicated and fascinating figures. These programmes ought to instead highlight the victims and their experiences in order to bring attention to the human cost of these crimes. By doing this, we can try to create a culture that is more sympathetic and compassionate, where the emphasis is on justice and recovery rather than on our fascination with the murderers.