Almost everyday in the news, stories of horrific tragedies headline media outlets around the world. This method of using shocking news stories to attract the attention of readers has been around for decades, and can be highlighted by one serial killer America will never forget: Ted Bundy. Scholars and crime experts have a fascination with uncovering the motives of serial killer Ted Bundy, theorizing about what from his background led him to kill so many women. However, many have glossed over the media's romanticization of Bundy and his crimes, which both detracts from the seriousness of his actions and is insensitive towards the victim's families. Today, this issue is still relevant as everything from news stories to movies manipulate the portrayal of serial killers in a harmful manner in order to boost their own profit margins.
In today's world, Bundy's childhood has been thoroughly examined to find any hint of a motive. For one, Bundy did not have a healthy relationship with his grandfather, Sam Cowel. It is likely that Bundy was both physically and verbally abused, as many neighbors and family friends spoke to Cowel's temper. Furthermore, there were rumors going
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Media outlets consistently take advantage of the public's fascination with serial killers in a destructive way, ultimately distorting the viewer's sense of empathy and overlooking the feelings of the victim's families. As humanity learns to balance the legacy of serial killers like Ted Bundy and the natural fascination with crime, it is crucial to remember the true essence of these crimes. The victim's voices, as well as their families should be both acknowledged and prioritized. As these goals are accomplished, the public can move towards a more compassionate and empathetic understanding of the legitimate impact of violence on our