Serial killers are neither born nor are they created; rather they are the product of both elements when put to extremes. A predisposed mental disorder is sure to cause one to have some troubles in life, but does not automatically make one a future serial murderer. Along with that claim, a troubled childhood is also not grounds for future damnation. But when combined in extremes, one begins to become at risk for a very complicated- and sometimes deadly -future. Originating from former FBI officer Robert Ressler in the 1970’s, the term ‘serial killer’ has become a renowned and feared word in not only American culture, but also world-wide. To begin to understand serial killers, we must first understand the differences between them and mass murderers.
…show more content…
Perhaps one of the most twisted childhoods, Bundy was born in 1946 in a home for unwed mothers. His mother, Eleanor Louise Cowell, with the help of her parents concocted a convoluted lie in which her parents adopted him and he was told that his mother was his sister. There are several reports on whom his father was, some even suggesting that it was his grandfather, Samuel Cowell but having no evidence to support or contest the claim. Although he may or may not have been the father of his daughter’s child, he was certainly no saint. Being an abusive husband and father, his family lived in obedient fear, his wife even undergoing electro-shock therapy for depression. It is also said that he exhibited signs of …show more content…
With hundreds of tests and studies done on their upbringing and mental stability, they have sparked an interest in death that has never been seen before. Yet, they still don’t give a clear answer to the question of nature versus nurture; rather, they are hybrids. Based on this research, one cannot say whether serial killers are born or raised, or whether events in their lives cause them to become overtly violent. Fortunately, serial killers are on the decline. With new technology constantly coming out, it has made catching murderers and kidnappers much easier- sometimes before they even commit the crime. But society is far from done with serial killers. Everywhere in popular culture you can find a movie or television show focused on that of a serial killer. Whether it be a biopic on one of the before mentioned killers, or a fictionalized character such as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, serial killers are permeated in American culture. Serial killers are something everyone is fascinated about, because it is one of the few things that humans can still not fully comprehend or
Perhaps one of the most twisted childhoods, Bundy was born in 1946 in a home for unwed mothers. His mother, Eleanor Louise Cowell, with the help of her parents concocted a convoluted lie in which her parents adopted him and he was told that his mother was his sister. There are several reports on whom his father was, some even suggesting that it was his grandfather, Samuel Cowell but having no evidence to support or contest the claim. Although he may or may not have been the father of his daughter’s child, he was certainly no saint. Being an abusive husband and father, his family lived in obedient fear, his wife even undergoing electro-shock therapy for depression. It is also said that he exhibited signs of …show more content…
With hundreds of tests and studies done on their upbringing and mental stability, they have sparked an interest in death that has never been seen before. Yet, they still don’t give a clear answer to the question of nature versus nurture; rather, they are hybrids. Based on this research, one cannot say whether serial killers are born or raised, or whether events in their lives cause them to become overtly violent. Fortunately, serial killers are on the decline. With new technology constantly coming out, it has made catching murderers and kidnappers much easier- sometimes before they even commit the crime. But society is far from done with serial killers. Everywhere in popular culture you can find a movie or television show focused on that of a serial killer. Whether it be a biopic on one of the before mentioned killers, or a fictionalized character such as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, serial killers are permeated in American culture. Serial killers are something everyone is fascinated about, because it is one of the few things that humans can still not fully comprehend or