Creatives of Beeston 36 The Ethics of True Crime 38 -39

If you are a student looking for ways to be creative in the local community, have no fear! There are plenty of activities to do in Beeston and the surrounding areas, including visiting these shops: Pot n Kettle

This is a pottery shop and painting parlour where you can choose a ceramic piece to paint any design you wish! Even though walk-ins are available, there are bookings for groups (see on their website). The opening hours are 11am - 3pm Monday to Sunday (there’s a 10% student discount on a Sunday) and 11am - 4pm on Saturdays. Overall, this place is great for group socials and any non-drinking social for any members of societies who enjoy art. Bring your friends!

Artworks

This is an art shop that provides nearly everything that a student artist would need, including high-quality supplies from brands like Faber Castell. They also sell sustainable cleaning products, sweet treats and soap. There is a 10% student discount along with opportunities for local art classes and workshops on the wall outside of the shop. The opening hours are 9.30am - 5pm most days, 9.30am - 4.30pm Fridays and Saturdays, and the shop is closed on Sundays. Art supplies are also sold around WHSmith and Ryman stationery if you want to stay on the main street of Beeston - but if you don’t mind being a bit further out of the way, this shop will be perfect for you.

THE ETHICS OF TRUE CRIME

Whether it is after a long day at work, a day full of lectures or even when you have a free minute to spare, we often want to indulge in the world of entertainment to distract and entertain us from our stressful lives. However, when we choose to watch a TV series or film that is based on a real story/crime, are we being distracted from our realities and watching criminals be brought to justice? Or are we being entertained by the glorification of criminals who have taken away several lives and caused endless suffering for the victim’s families?

With true crime currently at an all-time high, the genre is dominating major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu and has many of us hooked on the edge of our seats quite literally. While most podcasts, books and TV series focusing and reporting on infamous or serious cases garner a large following, more often than not, the most popular ones involve murderers or serial killers.

But why is this?

Why is this dark and disturbing genre so popular and able to keep us entertained?

Although, I cannot speak on behalf of everyone, I believe that true crime programmes not only have problem-solving elements to many of its cases - allowing us as viewers to get involved and ‘unlock our natural desire to solve puzzles and mysteries’ as Jennifer Schmidt-Petersen, Programme and Student Lead for Policing Programmes at the University of Law, suggested - but it also educates and gives us insight into the world of crime. Ultimately, they inform us and create intrigue while also allowing us to speculate about the reasoning behind such evil crimes.

Even though true crime content attracts viewers because of the informal and educational benefits it offers, it is difficult to dismiss concerns and arguments that the genre glorifies criminals. As we know true crime cases are stories that are Illustration by Kritika Routh

based on real life events that have happened to real people. Some critics argue that ‘it’s unethical to use true accounts of crime for entertainment. Mainly because it can exploit victims and families while creators make money from violent stories.’ Furthermore, these films, series and dramatisations give attention and, sometimes, a platform to these serial killers and murderers that they do not deserve.

The film True Story, featuring Jonah Hill and James Franco, is based on the real-life memoir of Michael Finkel, a New York Times journalist whose identity was stolen by a man who killed his entire family. Finkel shared in an interview with Vulture that James Franco would not meet the killer he was portraying in the film on the basis of him being “despicable” and that the killer did not need any more publicity. Yet, Franco seemed perfectly happy to star as one of two A-lister celebrities in an award-nominated production about the despicable case; to which his star-status would attract even more attention to the murderer.

More recently, Netflix has received backlash for their new series Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Following its release, viewers have criticised the programme for “humanising” the serial killer and being “insensitive” to the victims and their families. Eric Perry, the cousin of 19-year-old victim Errol Lindsey, argued on Twitter that not only was it “re-traumatising” their family but that they were ‘not “notified” [about the show’s creation] by the creative teams behind True-Crime recreations.’

Moreover, some viewers have called out fans for romanticising the lead actor Evan Peters (playing Dahmer) after finding his portrayal of the infamous serial killer attractive. This response in itself poses a serious issue regarding the separation of the character from the actor. Not only does it glamorise and romanticise a psychopath, it is also very distasteful to the victims.

However, this is not the first time that the romanticisation of a serial killer has happened. Zac Efron’s portrayal of Ted Bundy in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile was also heavily romanticised by viewers.. Within these instances, it leads us to question the ethics of such popular streaming services; and whether some of these programmes have been produced for monetary purposes - under the guise of it being authentic, truth-telling ‘true crime’ - or whether it is to depict the mind of a monster.

However, true crime programmes can enlighten and inform us.

They allow us to be informed about the cruel people on earth and give us insight into their wicked minds.

They have also brought justice to countless victims and families. John Walsh’s son was murdered by a serial killer in 1981 and as a result of this, he launched and hosted the show America’s Most Wanted, where he dedicated his life to seeking justice for his son and other victims. During its run, Walsh and his team assisted law enforcement by apprehending over 1200 fugitives; thus highlighting how true crime programmes can be impactful.

These shows keep us engaged until we decide to stop watching (especially if it’s overly violent, gruesome or disturbing). They can also create a barrier that protects us as viewers. The University of Law highlighted that ‘these programmes allow us to examine the darker sides of humanity from a safe distance, and they bring in another crucial element – our natural desire for justice.’

The topic of whether true crime glorifies criminals is rather subjective, however, I think I can say that overall, as viewers, we become emotionally invested hoping that there will be a resolution or some form of justice for these victims who have sadly been silenced against their will. By having these films and programmes, it can allow for victims’ stories to be heard and bring justice to not only themselves but also to their families.

Review: HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

House of the Dragon, the first prequel released after the immense success of Game of Thrones, is a spectacular adaptation of George RR Martin’s book, Fire and Blood. Whilst Game of Thrones flitted between multiple locations and storylines, House of the Dragon focuses on the internal fight for the throne amongst family members and childhood best friends.

Throughout the 10 episodes, multiple actors are swapped in and out to show the ageing of the characters, most notably that of the female leads Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen. It was undeniably difficult to let go of my obsession with Milly Alcock’s Rhaenyra, her relationship with her uncle-turned-lover Daemon, and her beautiful friendship with Emily Carey’s Alicent. Thus, it was sometimes difficult to truly appreciate the tragedies and grief that older Rhaenyra is forced to endure, due to the connection formed with her younger incarnation.

At times, the pacing of the show felt rushed, with numerous important scenes cut that would have helped to further develop characters and their relationships. For example, a scene where Daemon comforts his daughters after the fiery death of their mother is deleted. Appearing as some sort of agenda by the writers to paint him as a more villainous character, despite his evident love for his family, including his brother and niece/wife, put on display.

That being said, the show excels in making political strife and tension genuinely interesting. With the added help of gorgeous dragons and beautifully written familial relations like that of King Viserys and Daemon, it’s difficult not to feel incredibly invested. Although there is a normalising of incest, which is incredibly easy to look past, the romance between family members is incredibly delicate in this show.

Rhaenyra and Daemon’s relationship is one that was initially filled with mutual trust and lust. But, once the power of the throne looms over them after the death of King Viserys, it’s clear that major conflicts are incoming that will potentially harm their relationship in a dangerous way.

The show remains equally as brutal as Game of Thrones in a thoroughly enjoyable way! But, would I watch this series with my parents? The multiple graphic brothel scenes coupled with the lovely incestuous sex scenes would scar my mum, therefore definitely not!