8/27/2013
Kimberly Gutierrez
Kimberly Gutierrez
Kimberly Gutierrez
Criminology CJC-112-FJW02 Chapter 1 Written Assignment A
Kimberly Gutierrez
Criminology CJC-112-FJW02 Chapter 1 Written Assignment A
People seem to have an insatiable appetite for crimes and criminals. Just because we all have a fascination with crimes, does not mean we are going to go out and start committing them. It means that we are interested in the way the media portrays these crimes. With all the True crime shows that come on television, it is no wonder why we are all so fixated on the wrong acts being committed in our country. We as human beings feel some type of compassion for these victims, and their families. We often feel relieved that is was not us, or our family that was hurt. Often enough viewers like to help decide what the motive could have been, or why the crime was even committed. I know I enjoy trying to solve the crimes that have been aired on television. I feel like it gives some sort of closure whenever you know who did the crime, and why. We watch one crime documentary after another, because it is the greatest reality show on television, and we read tons of articles about crimes and criminals because it is an opportunity to witness their distorted lives. We are all curious as to why criminals do what they do. The fascination with all the crimes going on today, is due to the fact that we have social media, internet, and so many other ways of hearing about all the crimes being committed. The topic of a lot of conversations are based on the News, and what trial you have been following. It is like a fixation when you hear about something tragic happening to someone. You research, and look for anything you can find to answer whatever questions may be going through your head. We are fascinated with criminals, and it has showed when you look at all the different statistics. “According to social commentaries, people are simultaneously attracted to and repulsed by crime – especially personal violence.” (Schmalleger, 2014 p. 2) The media hyping up cases like the Casey Anthony trial for instance. We all heard about the poor little girl being missing, then we hear about her mother being charged with her daughters murder. I know I watched as much as I could on this trial. It sucks you in like a tidal wave. You do not want to miss a thing. You research the internet, and try to find out all the facts you can. It can get borderline obsessive. We all want to hear about the real cases, and to watch the trial proceedings. Not only do we want to see it, but we usually end up with our own opinion on what we think the verdict should be. Seeking humanity is justice for all of the parties involved. I guess closure is what everybody really wants, when crimes are committed. I mean why else would we believe in our judicial system if it were not for getting justice in the end for all these criminals. The reality crime shows, I personally think they try to make the viewer’s assume that all cases end up closed. I guess you could call it a happy ending? I also