Jeffrey Dahmer Netflix Series Stirs Up Conversation Around Serial Killer Glorification and Victim Empathy

 

In this day and age, almost everyone is a fan of true crime. Everyone loves to know the

gruesome horror stories that happen in real life. This is exactly why this genre is popular on

Netflix and why Netflix continues to push out more true crime shows to boost their ratings.

However, just because everyone loves to watch these types of shows does not mean doing so

is the right idea. While this is the fastest-growing genre among the younger generation, it does

surface some ethical concerns about whether or not pushing out these shows is the best idea.

Ethical Concerns

These true crime Netflix shows have been portraying the killer in a glorified way. They are

romanticizing his story instead of raising awareness of the atrocities he has been committing his

entire life. Evan Peters played Jeffrey Dahmer, and his looks have swooned fans in the show.

Netflix Releases a Statement

On the other side, Netflix is claiming that their reasoning behind pushing forward so many true

crime shows is that they want to give the victims a voice. Netflix is under the impression that the

victims of Jeffrey Dahmer will finally be heard and remembered through this crime show.

POV of the Victims

However, the actual surviving victims and family members of the victims have not given Netflix

the reaction they wanted. They are now coming out to reveal that Netflix never contacted them

as to whether or not they are okay with being portrayed on the true crime documentary.

This brings into question whether these shows should really be allowed to run without the

consent of the victims. If Netflix would be making a documentary that includes the real-life

details of someone who is still living, it only makes sense for them to ask permission for it.

Stir the Conversation

This situation sparked a conversation online on the need for channels to produce true crime

content that continues to fetishize and romanticize the killers. These glorified portrayals may

lead to some serious consequences if someone decides to follow in their footsteps, expecting to

be romanticized as well. Netflix is aware of these consequences and has told viewers to stop

stanning the killers, yet they are not planning on stopping these releases any time soon.

Contributed By Alyaziah Hayat

Alyaziah Hayat is a 21-year-old journalist covering news and events on history, finance, crime,

and pop culture. She has an eye for detail and is always looking for the next big story. Looking

to work with her? Reach out at www.linkedin.com/in/alyaziah-hayat/!