How have serial killers impacted society?

My Goal

I originally wanted to look at why there has been such a spike in true crime in recent years, coming from a psychological standpoint. As I dove into my research, however, I realized there was so much more to talk about on this topic.

My overall goal was to encompass the differences between Eastern and Western culture, society, and mindset, while also looking at how those things played out and aided to the creation of serial killers. I also still encompassed my original idea, looking at how people are effected by serial killers and true crime as well.

Technology & Communication

The first of the 9 themes of Global Studies connected to this project is Technology and Communication. I chose this theme in relation to the media aspect of my podcast, looking at how entertainment culture uses outrageous crime for shock value and how that shapes people.

Human Rights

My second theme for the Global Issues Project is human rights. Human rights are rights people are entitled to simply for being human, something I believe relates to my overarching question through the aspects of what shapes a serial killer and what Western society needs to do in order to make a world with less serial killer rates. Through high levels of abuse, neglect, and addiction, Western society denies human rights such as love, kindness, and equitable treatment.

My Process

I knew I wanted to create a podcast for my overall product, but I didn't know where to start. I researched podcast-making and tried to implicate these practices as best I could. I started with notes, which I turned into a script that gave me structure but also allowed freedom to add or take away things as I flowed. I then used Soundtrap to mix the audio clips together and create my final product!

My Podcast

Sources

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Crockett, Zachary. “What Data on 3,000 Murderers and 10,000 Victims Tells Us about Serial Killers.” Vox, Vox, 2 Dec. 2016, https://www.vox.com/2016/12/2/13803158/serial-killers-victims-data.

“Facts and Statistics.” The United States Department of Justice, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/hate-crime-statistics.

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MICHAUD, STEPHEN G. “Page 295.” The Only Living Witness, AUTHORLINK PRESS, TX, 1999.

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Noel, Melissa. “When Is True Crime Content Inappropriate? Fans, a Legal Expert, and a Psychologist Weigh In.” Essence, Essence, 18 Oct. 2022, https://www.essence.com/news/true-crime-content-feature/.

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Romano, Aja. “What Do True Crime Series like Dahmer Owe the Victims?” Vox, Vox, 28 Sept. 2022, https://www.vox.com/culture/23375811/netflix-jeffrey-dahmer-monster-victims-controversy-backlash.

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“Spiritual Sites in Iceland: With the Norse Gods.” Spiritual Travels, 1 June 2022, https://www.spiritualtravels.info/spiritual-sites-around-the-world/europe/an-icelandic-pilgrimage/the-return-of-the-norse-gods-and-goddesses/#:~:text=About%2042%20percent%20of%20Icelanders%20describe%20their%20religious%20viewpoint%20as%20pagan.

“What Does It Take for Us to Value Our Women Leaders?” Cnn, https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/politics/2022/3/31/filipino-women-leaders-cover-story.html.

“Why Do We Love True Crime - and Is It Healthy for Us?” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 5 June 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/why-do-we-love-true-crime-it-healthy-us-ncna1269720.

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