Published On Oct 17, 2022
When is Exploitation Ok?
Why are we as audiences so fascinated with true crime, serial killers, and mass tragedies? Using the Netflix limited series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and other similar media as a case study, this video essay delves into the ethics of consuming and even enjoying such content.
Through media analysis, 'When is Exploitation Ok?' explores where the line should be drawn between informative entertainment and exploitative voyeurism. It asks whether our collective obsession with these topics is a problem and whether the media industry has a responsibility to consider the impact on the victims and their families.
Overall, "When is Exploitation Ok?" provides a thought-provoking and timely discussion about the intersection of true crime, media, and ethics. It challenges viewers to examine their own consumption habits and consider the broader implications of our fascination with the darker aspects of humanity.
0:00 - Introduction
0:15 - Historical accuracy vs. fictionalizing suffering
0:30 - Exploiting real passengers' suffering in Titanic
0:46 - Acceptable vs. unacceptable exploitation
1:14 - Where is the line?
1:36 - Case study: "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"
2:12 - Popularizing murder: The Rise of True Crime Content
3:18 - The History of Exploitation Films and Hayes Laws
4:30 - Education vs Entertainment in True Crime
4:46 - The Threat Simulation Theory
5:30 - The Benefits of Watching True Crime and Disturbing Media
5:48 - Morbid Curiosity: Why People like Watching True Crime
6:33 - Types of True Crime Content
07:00 - Mindhunter's Portrayal of Serial Killers
07:20 - Mindhunter's Boring Plot Lines
07:41 - Success of "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"
08:05 - Immersion in "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" as a Narrative
08:23 - Criticism of “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"
09:36 - Humanizing Jeffrey Dahmer
11:50 - Rita Isbell: Portrayal of Serial Killer Victims in “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"
12:55 - Guilt from Watching True Crime: The importance of exploring the story of victims
14:05 - Societal fixation with mass tragedy
15:44 -The case of Gypsy Blanchard: The Act's reception and criticisms
16:46 - Patriot’s Day and Exploiting the Boston Marathon Bombing
17:04 - Exploitation and Don Bluth’s Anastasia
17:41 - When is exploitation okay?
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