Non-fiction article based upon the glamourisation of crime.
In my English Literature and Language A-level I had to create a non-fiction component which fit around my own chosen theme. I decided to do the topic of crime with my non-fiction article being based upon the glamourisation of crime in the media by society. I found this topic extremely interesting and thoroughly enjoyed researching for my article
Murderers and serial killers: contemporary celebrities or glamorized killers?
Picture your typical Hollywood movie: Prince Charming is under a spell, the damsel is in distress and the villain is awaiting their inevitable demise. What do these three parts have in common? Each contains a kind of trauma, law-breaking or heart-break. It is the public's enjoyment with crime and violence that has been studied high and low developing the theory of ‘wound culture’ that has fuelled these narratives. I believe that it is important in discovering if we, in today’s society, have become desensitised to these ideals.
Public execution, Jack The Ripper, fashion, superheroes, TV, and film. Although upon first glance these topics do not have much in common there underlies a serious issue containing the main question: are we glamourising murder? Unknowingly, we are sensationalising murder turning people from law-breaking, violent criminals to sensational celebrities. Mark Seltzer proposed the idea of ‘wound culture’ and aimed to expose the public’s fascination with violence as this term comments on societies attraction to shock and horror.
The idea of ‘wound culture’ has been present throughout history and can be dated back to the Tudors. Public execution was extremely popular during the reign of Henry VIII and it is believed that around 70,000 people died by this method. The idea of public execution, now, would be considered vile; an extreme violation of human rights. However, in the 15th and 16th century it was considered valuable entertainment. Surrounding the main “stage” were stalls aligned with execution merchandise, pies and even ale merchants. The only thing missing from the carnival atmosphere was a Ferris-Wheel.
Class, status and wealth determined your death; those with a higher wealth and status would die via beheading (it was quick and considered to be less degrading) whilst those with a low wealth and status died by hanging which was slow and painful. Those with a high social status could have their head placed on a spike on London Bridge for everyone to see; even Shakespeare joined in on the society’s obsession with ‘wound culture’ shoving Macdonwald’s head on a spike via Macbeth when he ‘unseamed him from the nave to the chaps.’
Why do we have this innate interest in death? What good has it done for us except glamourising brutal convicts?
‘Ghastly Murder In The East End! Dreadful Mutilation Of A Woman.’ That was a printed headline in London during 1888. The words on their own sound nightmarish enough; so how has this murderer become one of the most well-liked British criminals? With ghost tours, books, costumes and even museums in his memory ‘Jack The Ripper’ is quite possibly the most celebrated murderer in history. In case you are unaware of his crimes ‘Jack The Ripper’ was an unidentified serial killer who mercilessly killed five innocent women and then disembowelled them, leaving their bodies along the streets of London. The idea of wound culture is ever-present in this story as, even now, we are drawn to this killer; so much so that people today, innocent people, have lost their lives to people copycatting his crimes. So why have we allowed him to be labelled an ‘icon?’
The blurring of the lines between good and bad has always existed and can be related to our beloved superheroes. With the continuing popularity of superhero movies posed by both Marvel and DC; it is no surprise that half the top-grossing films in the world can be related back to the fantasy lands where superheroes exist. They provide a source of escape for all of the ages, however, the question can still be posed: are these superheroes truly “good” innocent people? We use adjectives such as: ‘magnificent,’ ‘incredible’ and ‘amazing’ to describe these fictitious characters but surely they are just as bad as the villains they defeat? Is taking a life really ever okay even if they are a “bad person” or are we just conditioned to think this, so we don’t feel bad when we look at the news to see a criminal being killed by a heroic civilian?
As a society we are fully submerged in these storylines, many films in our society contain death; from Nemo losing his mother, to seeking help from Hannibal. The sudden surge in popularity from Silence Of The Lambs, winning 63 awards (including 5 Oscars) and being nominated for a further 44 more, caused a dramatic increase in the market of murderous films portraying death in a sensationalised way. The theory of ‘wound culture’ is ever-present in cinema and we have been celebrating these killers and crimes for “fun.” Even in 2017 films are sensationalising serial killers giving them their own films; ‘My Friend Dahmer’ was based on the famous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer who committed rape, murder, and the dismemberment of 17 men and boys in 13 years. So what is there to celebrate?
It is not only movies that portray serial killers in a good light; TV is also a culprit of this act. The TV show Dexter (also a book) blurs the lines between good and bad. Although Dexter is a serial killer; he only ever kills “bad people.” He stalks his victims and declares he takes people out like ‘garbage’ and yet, the audience is manipulated to side with Dexter, finding they would rather see Dexter stay a free man. This leads to my next question: can serial killers be altruistic? Dexter declares he has a ‘dark passenger’ which forces him to inflict pain on others. Do we all have a dark passenger? Is that what draws us to glamourise murderers?
As a society, it is likely that we are fascinated by these horrific acts as they are constantly within pop culture. Whether that be through the cinema, television and even in books we peruse. Perhaps it is the idea of ‘wound culture’ that leads us to sensationalise such individuals; making them famous for committing heart-breaking crimes. The acts committed are truly abominable.
If the glamorisation of murder was taboo would we treat each other better? It is now time to celebrate the heroes of our society and not the villains; to move forward into the future.
[Unedited] photo of an animal bone I encountered in the woods whilst walkig my dogs.