True Crime & the Glorification of Male Violence
The Obsession with True Crime: A Cultural Phenomenon
True crime has exploded in popularity in recent years. From Netflix documentaries to top-charting podcasts, society’s fascination with crime stories is stronger than ever. While true crime has the potential to raise awareness about systemic failures in law enforcement and the justice system, there is a troubling trend that cannot be ignored: the glorification of male violence.
Many of the most popular true crime stories revolve around men who commit heinous acts of violence—particularly against women. Yet, instead of solely focusing on the victims and the impact of their crimes, these men are often turned into pop culture icons, analyzed like complex antiheroes rather than the violent criminals they are. This trend raises important questions about the ethics of true crime storytelling and the way we discuss gendered violence in the media.
The Romanticization of Killers
One of the most troubling aspects of the true-crime boom is how it has contributed to the romanticization of violent men. Documentaries and dramatized series often portray serial killers and violent offenders as intelligent, charismatic, or even misunderstood. Instead of solely condemning their crimes, some narratives dig into their childhood trauma or personal struggles in a way that encourages audiences to empathize with them.
Case Study: Ted Bundy
Few criminals exemplify this issue more than Ted Bundy. Despite brutally murdering at least 30 women, Bundy is often remembered for his "charm" and "good looks." His case has been repeatedly sensationalized in the media, with Zac Efron even portraying him in the 2019 film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. The film’s marketing leaned into Bundy’s charisma, leading to concerns that it was romanticizing a man who brutally targeted and killed young women.
Bundy isn’t the only example. The internet is filled with fan pages dedicated to killers like Jeffrey Dahmer, Richard Ramirez, and even school shooters. TikTok, Tumblr, and other platforms have seen waves of young people writing love letters to these men, creating artwork of them, and defending their actions as if they were misunderstood figures rather than ruthless murderers.
The Disregard for Female Victims
While male killers often become the subject of in-depth analysis and even admiration, their female victims are often overlooked. They become mere footnotes in the larger story of a criminal's life. When victims are discussed, there is a tendency to blame them or scrutinize their actions. Questions like "Why was she out late?" or "Why did she trust him?" reflect a deeply ingrained victim-blaming culture.
Case Study: The Murder of Grace Millane
Grace Millane, a British backpacker, was murdered in New Zealand in 2018. Media coverage of her case quickly turned from outrage over the crime to discussions of her behaviour. Headlines speculated about her choices, her dating history, and whether she had engaged in consensual activities before her murder. This kind of reporting distracts from the real issue: the man who killed her and the broader epidemic of male violence against women.
True Crime Fans: Are We Part of the Problem?
As consumers of true crime, we need to ask ourselves: Are we contributing to the glorification of male violence? True crime can be informative, but it can also sensationalize tragedy for entertainment. Some documentaries and podcasts focus heavily on gory details and psychological profiles of killers while giving little attention to their victims.
Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have made it easier than ever to share true crime content, but they have also led to irresponsible storytelling. Some creators treat real-life cases like fictional mysteries, complete with cliffhangers and dramatic music, ignoring the fact that these are real people’s lives and tragedies.
How Can We Consume True Crime Responsibly?
Shift the focus to victims. Support true crime stories that centre on the victims' lives rather than glorifying their killers.
Be critical of media portrayals. If a documentary or series presents a killer as sympathetic, question why and how this might influence public perception.
Avoid sensationalized content. True crime should be about awareness and justice, not entertainment at the expense of real people’s suffering.
Support victim advocacy groups. Instead of just consuming true crime, contribute to organizations that help survivors of violence.
Final Thoughts: Time to Change the Narrative
True crime has the power to expose injustices, shed light on failures in the justice system, and help solve cold cases. But if we aren’t careful, it can also contribute to a culture that glorifies violent men and overlooks their victims. It’s time to change the way we tell these stories—by focusing on the victims, challenging romanticized portrayals of criminals, and recognizing the gendered nature of violence.
The next time you watch a true crime documentary, ask yourself: Is this educating and advocating for justice, or is it just another story that makes a violent man famous?
