SOCI 3410 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Dennis Rader, Zodiac Killer, Hybristophilia
28 May 2018
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SOCI3410 Week 1 Reading Notes
CHAPTER 1: AMERICA’S FASCINATION WITH MULTIPLE MURDER
The Gein Legacy
• His legendary place in the annals of crime has inspired a number of films, such as The
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) & Psycho (1960)
Multiple Murder in Popular Culture
• Magazines have ‘celebrated’ murderers by featuring them on covers
• TV has helped to turn criminals into celebrities
• Multiple murder has been characterized as a chiefly media event that allows ppl to obtain
close knowledge of the essential characteristics of serial killing + the propensities
peculiar to specific offenders
• Media has catered to public hunger for gripping topics by financially exploiting gruesome
& horrific events
• Having glamourous stars cast in the roles of vicious killers infuses these killers w
glamour & humanity
The Selling of Multiple Murder
• Glorification of multiple killers has created a market
• Some individuals are so fascinated w serial & mass murderers that they will purchase any
item associated even remotely w a killer’s hideous crimes
• Even the federal gov’t has gotten involved in the business of selling items related to
killers
• As serial killers rarely have the financial means to contribute as restitution to their
victims, gov’ts establish & fund victim compensation programs
Craving Attention
• Statements of multiple murderers are treated as words of wisdom
• The media often solicit their opinions about how victims might protect themselves from
murder, what motivates other serial killers + the role of porn in the development of a
sexual sadist
• The relationship btwn the media & serial killers has been described as symbiotic
o Media seeks the attention of their captivated audience by exploiting their interest
in scintillating themes, while murderers look to the media to help them construct
their serial killer identities
• Serial killers often shamelessly seek publicity, seemingly proud of their murderous
accomplishments
• Becoming a pop culture celeb is an important part of the motivation that inspires serial
killers to continue committing murder
o Once they’re identified as such, their frequency of murder increases
• Many diff. ways in which multiple murderers can thrive on their undeserved celebrity
• Narcissism & desire for attention not just limited to serial killers, but also to mass killers
Killer Communication
• Most serial killers elect strategically to remain silent regarding their identity & activities
