A Crime Myth can be described as an inaccurate belief or exaggerated depiction of Crime that is widely believed. Crime myths are usually created from a factor of things. According to Kappeler and Potter the stories must be reported in epidemic proportions, that incite fear and outrage in Americans, eventually leading to some type of institutional control or policy. Characterizations normally include targeting a “deviant population,” the idea of the “helpless” or “innocent” victim, the “Virtuous hero,” and a threat to existing norms or tradition (Kappeler & Potter).
The chosen piece of media is the television show American Horror Story: Asylum episode titled “Origins of Monstrosity.” The episode chosen is just one single episode in the story …show more content…
The portrayed myth usually consists of the killer being a loner or wanderer that drifts from place to place picking out victims (Kappeler & Potter). This Episode strays from the myth in several ways. Bloody Face lives in the same city where he finds and kills young women, bringing them back to his home. Rather than travelling across the country he stays in one place and carry’s out his crimes. Bloody Face is also a successful psychiatrist who hides his true identity. He interacts with people on a daily basis, appearing normal, therefore breaking away from the myth of being a …show more content…
The characterization of the “helpless victim” normally a white woman is substantiated by Bloody Face. All of the victims have the same characteristics; a white woman in her early 30s. The victims are portrayed as unknowingly preyed on, unable to fight back, oblivious to their abduction. In addition, serial killers “behaviors are often marked by…cannibalism and mutilation” (Kappeler & Potter). The myth perpetuates the idea of a “Jack the ripper” type of serial killer, though that is not always the case. Bloody Face enforces the myth, as he encompasses many savage like practices. After abducting victims, he would proceed to skin them alive, and remove parts, such as teeth and limbs. Sometimes even making a mask out of their face or skin, using previous medical and surgical knowledge. He followed a pattern in his ritualistic abductions to try and satisfy a deep maternal need. These horrendous depictions fall right in line with “Jack the Ripper” behaviors and characterizations. The idea of the “noble” and “heroic” hero is also sustained. While the reality is that serial killers are likely to be caught by a police officer after a “Slip up”, the episode shows two of the main characters going after bloody face on their own to take him down (Kappeler & Potter). The ending results in the killer being shot by one of his attempted victims, who takes justice into her own hands after a long and bloody war
The chosen piece of media is the television show American Horror Story: Asylum episode titled “Origins of Monstrosity.” The episode chosen is just one single episode in the story …show more content…
The portrayed myth usually consists of the killer being a loner or wanderer that drifts from place to place picking out victims (Kappeler & Potter). This Episode strays from the myth in several ways. Bloody Face lives in the same city where he finds and kills young women, bringing them back to his home. Rather than travelling across the country he stays in one place and carry’s out his crimes. Bloody Face is also a successful psychiatrist who hides his true identity. He interacts with people on a daily basis, appearing normal, therefore breaking away from the myth of being a …show more content…
The characterization of the “helpless victim” normally a white woman is substantiated by Bloody Face. All of the victims have the same characteristics; a white woman in her early 30s. The victims are portrayed as unknowingly preyed on, unable to fight back, oblivious to their abduction. In addition, serial killers “behaviors are often marked by…cannibalism and mutilation” (Kappeler & Potter). The myth perpetuates the idea of a “Jack the ripper” type of serial killer, though that is not always the case. Bloody Face enforces the myth, as he encompasses many savage like practices. After abducting victims, he would proceed to skin them alive, and remove parts, such as teeth and limbs. Sometimes even making a mask out of their face or skin, using previous medical and surgical knowledge. He followed a pattern in his ritualistic abductions to try and satisfy a deep maternal need. These horrendous depictions fall right in line with “Jack the Ripper” behaviors and characterizations. The idea of the “noble” and “heroic” hero is also sustained. While the reality is that serial killers are likely to be caught by a police officer after a “Slip up”, the episode shows two of the main characters going after bloody face on their own to take him down (Kappeler & Potter). The ending results in the killer being shot by one of his attempted victims, who takes justice into her own hands after a long and bloody war