“Dahmer,” “Night Stalker,” “The Act” and “Curry & Cyanide” are only some of the most recent popular true crime documentaries that are climbing to the top of trending charts. These documentaries captivate the watcher, often by showing the troubled backstory of the criminal and collecting interviews from their family members and other people involved in the case. As views soar, many watchers are unaware of the psychological toll these documentaries take, not only on viewers but also on the families of victims, whose trauma is reignited by these shows and movies.
Viewers are fascinated with criminal behavior and psychological thrillers, and streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max are stepping up to meet that demand as they consistently put out new true crime series. This genre’s appeal lies in its ability to mix suspense with reality. However, some viewers find it difficult to determine if a true crime documentary has been portrayed ethically.
While true crime documentaries offer an interesting storyline, they often disregard the toll that these stories can take on the victim’s families. Traumatic events are shown in vivid detail and are sometimes portrayed in a way that sparks sympathy for the criminal, which can feel invasive and re-traumatizing to those who have endured unimaginable loss.
The Jeffrey Dahmer documentary was an example of this. It was difficult for viewers to digest because the documentary sparked sympathy for Dahmer, even though his crimes were extreme and it was deeply painful for the families of his victims. Rita Isbell, the sister of Errol Lindsey, who was one of Dahmer’s victims, stated that she was disturbed by the recreation of her testimony in the series.
“It brought back all the emotions I was feeling back then. I was never contacted about the show. I feel like Netflix should’ve asked if we mind or how we feel about making it. They didn’t ask me anything. They just did it,” she said.
Many ethicalities need to be taken into consideration for true crime. Creators should be held accountable for the emotional burden on their contact and when recreating stories, it’s essential to consider the potential harm to victim’s families. Fans believe that it’s the creator’s responsibility to handle these stories with respect and care.
The ethicality behind these documentaries is a common spark for passionate debates on social media. Some praise the genre for its psychological depth, while others argue that the focus on entertainment overshadows the trauma. Viewers also share their theories and reactions, which can cause various debates. Certain viewers also expressed discomfort on social media, as they find that true crime glorifies the trauma of real people.
Ultimately, the true crime genre can be thoroughly enjoyed as long as creators and consumers understand the importance of balance. Maintaining sensitivity and awareness while watching these stories unfold is essential. Creators must adopt a responsible approach when producing content by ensuring that victims’ families are contacted, using disclaimers, and emphasizing respect for the victims’ lives.
Undoubtedly, true crime documentaries will continue to captivate viewers, but as their popularity grows, it’s essential to discuss their ethical implications and the expectations that creators must follow. True crime, when done right, is informative and thought-provoking, but it is essential to never lose sight of the lives that were truly affected by these stories.
