StaffEditorial

There’s no denying that in the past decade true crime fanaticism has reached an all time high. TikTok series that tell true crime stories while doing mundane activities or podcasts dedicated to the favorite crimes of everyday people are a product of this normalized obsession and stoke the true crime adoration even further. While many of these forms of media are enjoyed by millions, does that mean that they are ethical?

The answer is no.

The normalization of true crime fixation has become a real issue.

Many fans of true crime argue that the media they consume helps them to stay protected and aware of potential dangers in the world, but you can better protect yourself by taking self- defense classes, carrying pepper spray, or staying aware of your surroundings, rather than watching incredibly detailed shows about the real trauma and suffering of another person.

A prime example of this is the Netflix series “Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”

“Dahmer” is a scripted show following the killing spree of infamous serial killer and cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer played by Evan Peters. In this program, the killings and cannibalization of Dahmer’s victims are acted out in gruesome detail. 

Following the release of the show, earrings, cups, shirts and posters with the face of Peters’ portrayal of Dahmer were being sold online, and romanticized video compilations of real courtroom footage from the Dahmer trial were popping up everywhere. The amount of merchandise and praise for the show drowned out the news that many families of Dahmer’s victims never gave the production team permission to act out the death of their loved one. 

The success of this show is not an isolated event though.

Hundreds of murderers have been immortalized in shows and movies by cashgrabbing Hollywood production teams.

The murder, torture, and dehumanization of real people has been monetized.

The worst moments of a person’s life are turned into entertainment.

So what now?

If you are someone who considers themselves to be a fan of true crime, re-evaluate your reasons for liking the genre and fully consider how the media you are about to consume would affect families who experienced these stories firsthand. Though these stories may feel distant or detached, never forget that the pain and grief of those affected are as real as the words on this page.

Staff editorial written by Rowan Hamm.