There is an innate desire in humans to solve puzzles, or to decipher great mysteries. For many San Luis Obispo High students true crime fills that gap of needing to be in the know, to be a fly on the wall.
In the past few months there has been a influx of true crime shows pouring out of streaming services, such as “The Vow”, “American Murder”, and “Unsolved Mysteries”. Why do we have such a hunger to peek into the dark patches of society? Expressions decided to ask SLOHS students about the obsession of true crime.
“In my opinion, I think that true crime shows can be very entertaining and interesting to learn about. I love trying to see things from another person’s point of view, especially in situations where their ideas may seem deranged or illogical. I think these true crime stories are so addicting because people like to see the life of someone either committing or solving these crimes”, said SLOHS senior Delaney Jones.
A perfect example of the extreme in true crime is the new HBO series “The Vow”, which follows the rise and fall of a cult located in Albany, New York. The show is filled with psychological thrills, chilling suspense, and horrifying encounters. Watching shows like these can make viewers sick to their stomach, but it can also fulfill that need to feel like you are part of the story. Arguably true crime unlocks that dark amusement in watching something shocking, like watching a horrible train wreck but you can’t look away. Most people are familiar with the global sensation that was “Tiger King”, a true crime documentary that was so outlandish that viewers were taken through a rollercoaster of emotions.
“We 100% are romanticizing true crime. These shows can be called “true crime” although they are not particularly realistic. We know that things like this don’t usually happen, we know that the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI is not going out on extreme murder cases every other week for example. We know that all the things we see these characters go through are not realistic because one normal person could not handle all the trauma these characters go through. But this is the entertainment industry and things are made to sell, to make money. If these shows actually were “true crime” they would be very boring and most likely be a lot of people doing paperwork. We need something more interesting and stimulating or else we will get bored and then the purpose of the media is lost”, said sophomore Lindsay Smith.
The way that these shows are presented appeal to the average viewer in a way that news articles or media segments can’t, it puts everything out on the table. Find a good true crime show and get binge watching today!
