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Why We Obsessed Over the Murdaugh Murders
Wealth, murder, and abuse of privilege, the Murdaugh Murders had it all-a sensational true crime story with a moral that reeled us in.
- The Murdaugh case had the appeal of true crime amplified by wealth and privilege
- True crime can increase perceptions of efficacy by providing strategies for protection and survival
- Murdaugh easily cast into the unflattering Hollywood stereotype of the ‘rich’
- The guilty verdict elicited cheers, confirming the “just world hypothesis” that bad deeds get punished
Between true crime documentaries, TV shows, podcasts, and the sleuthing of “Internet Detectives,” people can’t seem to get enough True Crime. While several real-life murder mysteries have captured our attention, few stories have the deception, wanton disregard, and jaw-droppingly plotlines of the Alex Murdaugh case. The jury apparently agreed with a unanimous guilty verdict handed down in less than 15 minutes. This was no everyday murder mystery. The Murdaugh trial added wealth and privilege to the murder and scandal of true crime. It was the stuff of soap operas.
What Does True Crime Reflect About the Audience?
What does our passion for true crime say about us as an audience? There are several…
