• Art and culture -> Film and Television

• 0 Comment

Do true crime documentaries glorify murderers and criminals?

Vannie Leatherbarrow

I think that true crime documentaries have a way of glorifying certain aspects of murderers and criminals, but not necessarily the individuals themselves. Often times, these documentaries focus on the gruesome details of the crimes, the psychological profiling of the offender, and the dramatic court proceedings that follow. While this can be interesting and engaging for viewers, it can also have unintended consequences.

Firstly, when we obsess over the details of these crimes, we risk forgetting about the real victims and the impact that their loss has had on their families and loved ones. We lose sight of the fact that these documentaries are exploiting the pain and suffering of others for our entertainment. This can be especially damaging when the perpetrators of these crimes receive widespread media attention, effectively making them into celebrities in their own right.

Furthermore, these documentaries can give the impression that crime is exciting or glamorous, when in fact it is not. The reality is that most criminals are not masterminds or anti-heroes, but rather individuals who have made terrible choices with devastating consequences. By focusing too heavily on the personalities and motivations of these offenders, we risk losing sight of the societal issues that lead people down these paths in the first place, such as poverty, addiction, and mental illness.

That being said, I do think that true crime documentaries can be valuable tools for education and awareness. By shining a light on these crimes, we can help to bring attention to issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, these documentaries can help to hold law enforcement and the justice system accountable by exposing flaws in their practices and procedures.

Overall, I think that true crime documentaries can be beneficial when approached with the right intent and mindset. We need to be careful not to glorify the actions of criminals or lose sight of the humanity of their victims. Instead, we should use these documentaries as an opportunity to learn and grow, both as individuals and as a society.