In recent years and months, infamous murder and scandal cases have sparked in popularity. Netflix and other streaming platforms have been releasing dramatized TV shows starring infamous criminal cases such as, Inventing Anna, the story of con artist Anna Delvey, Monsters, The Lyle and Erik Menendez story, and Dahmer, the story of infamous serial killer, Jeffery Dahmer. While these stories are entertaining and insightful, they have become somewhat romanticized by teenagers and young adults.
As these shows are trending, people become more educated about these cases, some being from over 30 years ago. However, teens and young adults are not just becoming educated about these cases, but also have started to romanticize the idea of these murders and scandals. Further blurring the line between entertainment and real-life criminal behavior.
`One of the most prominent examples is the resurgence of the Menendez case. Lyle and Erik were convicted in 1996 for the brutal murder of their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez. The brothers’ story once shocked a nation, and has transformed into a cultural phenomenon, especially among younger generations raised on streaming platforms and social media. But the new interest in the case has marked a broader and more serious way society reacts and consumes true crime stories and content. Once consumed by dark documentaries and “CourtTv” stories of the murder and crime are now retold in dramatized formats, turning convicted felons and murderers into unlikely anti-heros.
These stories that are now tv series and movies present crime not just as news but as entertainment. Blending drama, intrigue, shock-value and even sympathy. The idolization of true crime has had a strong influence on social media, where fan communities debate morality of the accused showing support and advocating for their release. On TikTok and Instagram, the Menendez brothers have secured a peculiar following. Eriks wife, Tammi, has even created an account on TikTok to advocate for her husband’s release. Users often express sympathy for their “abusive” upbringing stating that they are misunderstood, turning them into abused humans rather than killers.
But these trends often speak about the ethical implications of how crime is portrayed in the media. Some argue that the romanticism of murders and murderers alike diminish the seriousness of these tragedies. While some argue that these incidents are not tragedies at all. Believing that the convicted are the true victims. Romanticized versions of these stories that are often presented in an overly sympathetic light can take away from the suffering of the victims and their families.
While streaming platforms and podcasts continue to create content about the infamous murders, they also spark the important conversation of how we as a society choose to absorb and remember these stories.
