WK6 STUDENT REPLIES

STUDENT REPLIES

DISCUSSION 1

STUDENT REPLY #1 Kristopher Norris

I think that the culture will affect the way profilers operate. Simply put, if ordinary people are affected or influenced by something, those studying the culture have an understanding therein. It would be remiss to ignore the influence pop culture has on the attitudes and actions of people. This is not to say that I blame violent movies or video games for the actions of violent offenders. Violent people will always find a way to be violent. However, our fascination with the macabre brings serial and mass murders into the light of hero worship. The idea of being fascinated with murder is nothing new. From Jack the Ripper and Lizzie Borden to H.H. Holmes and so many others, society has always loved to hate or rather hated to love a twisted story.

The love or hate society has for the macabre influence how we see those who commit the atrocities. Profilers will understand that and allow it to build their knowledge in creating through profiles. Holmes and Holmes (2009) discussed several criminal theories in chapter four, which included those of crime of learned behavior and cultural transmission theory. These social construct theories lead credence to the idea that profilers take our cultural and social standings into account.

Further warning against the hero status given to prolific killers is highlighted by Fox and Levin (2005), discussing that this pillar of praise could give impressionable individuals ideas on becoming infamous. Fox and Levin make an excellent point that profilers should consider when creating their profiles.

References

Fox, J. A.. & Levin, J. (2005). America’s fascination with multiple homicide. In Exterme killing: Understanding serial and mass murder (pp. 3-14). Sage Publications, Inc.

Holmes, R. M., & Holmes, S. T. (2009). Profiling violent crimes: An investigative tool (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

STUDENT REPLY # 2 Shelley Cloninger

I have always thought that the media and Hollywood glorified serial killers and the mass shootings that have occurred at schools and in public places. After reading this week’s Learning Resources, I would have to say that the “Celebrity Status” given to these people who have committed horrendous acts is a bit more out of control than I even realized. I am as guilty as the next person of watching movies and interviews out of curiosity that could be considered giving them attention that they do not deserve. I read in one of the resources that John Gacy made $100,000 off of the paintings he painted and that his clown art is considered collectible (Fox & Levin, 2005). I don’t guess I personally realized how much the actual killers in some situations demanded the attention and how they loved the attention from their crimes until taking this class. Leslie Allen Williams having a contest for an exclusive interview proves he saw his crimes as having value to the public (Fox & Levin, 2005). Which I guess was proven to be true. Donald Harvey had the opportunity to interview with Oprah and his way of answering questions about his crimes seemed like he was boastful and even funny to the point that the show decided not to even air the episode out of respect for the victims and their families. I knew it Hollywood writers made big bucks making the movies but never viewed it as glorifying the murderers until looking from a different perspective.

Reference

Fox J.A., & Levin, J. (2005). America’s fascination with multiple homicide. In Extreme killing: Understanding serial and mass murder (pp. 3-14).

STUDENT REPLY QUESTION #3 Shannon Seiler

You bring up an excellent point of desensitization that I was not considering in my post. I was one of those kids who loved the Saw movie series and could watch gory deaths without flinching. Even now, I read horror-thrillers and watch every scary movie release without thinking of how those crimes or deaths would occur in real life. An article from the American Psychological Association (2013) describes how children particularly can be desensitized at a young age to violent acts and behaviors which can impact how they perceive others. How do you think the expanse of technology will further affect this phenomenon? Children and adults allike are surrounded by technology constantly whether it be television, tablets, or phones. Violence in the news, constant series and references about "popular" serial or mass murderers can only continue the pattern of violence constant in our daily lives.

References

American Psychological Association. (2013). Violence in the media: Psychologist’s study potential harmful effects. APA.