Should Either the Viewer or Producer of a True Crime Documentary Feel Guilty for the Entertainment or Profit They Receive from It?

In the age of true crime documentaries, an ethical question often arises regarding whether the people involved—viewers and producers—should experience feelings of guilt due to the entertainment or profit received from these productions. This discussion delves into the nuances surrounding true crime media and the moral considerations associated with consuming and producing such content.

Ethical Concerns and Permission

The production of true crime documentaries often involves acquiring permission from the parties involved to air the content. This ethical issue is akin to the responsibilities of the press, who must gain permission from all victims before publishing stories related to the crime. Similarly, true crime documentary producers must ensure the rights and well-being of those whose stories are being shared.

A significant concern is the profit made by individuals or companies from the narratives of tragedies and crimes. The courts generally disallow criminals from profiting from their actions, and it is understandable to have reservations about enjoying such content. However, the necessity of sharing these stories with the public is argued to be essential for illuminating the darker aspects of human nature, thereby allowing individuals to navigate life with a clearer understanding of the world around them.

Feelings of Guilt and Human Nature

Feelings of guilt are not a choice for most people. Entertainment from true crime documentaries does not necessarily evoke genuine fear; instead, it generates an adrenaline rush, heightening arousal and providing a form of thrill. This is not unlike the enjoyment derived from horror movies, where viewers find themselves engrossed in a state of heightened arousal without any real danger.

The enjoyment of true crime content can be seen as a natural human response to suspense and drama, rather than an unethical behavior. The desire for such entertainment aligns with the inherent curiosity and fascination humans have with understanding and processing complex, often disturbing, situations. Dismissing such content as unethical ignores the complex interplay between entertainment, education, and psychological fulfillment.

Public Information and Free Will

True crime documentaries, like any form of media, serve as a means of providing public information. Whether you are the producer or the viewer, the responsibility lies in making informed decisions. Producers who have made a choice about the content they disseminate and viewers who have the freedom to either engage or disengage with the material both bear the responsibility for their own choices.

No one is coerced to consume any form of media. If a viewer feels uncomfortable with the content, they can simply choose to stop watching. The option to turn off and walk away is a foundational principle of media consumption. The discomfort some might feel regarding the morbid nature of such content is the natural consequence of engaging with real-world tragedies and crimes.

Despite this, there is a market for true crime content, and it is widely available. This widespread availability speaks to the universal human interest in such narratives and the reasons behind their widespread appeal. People are intrigued by stories of violence, betrayal, and justice, driven by a mix of curiosity and the human mind's attraction to the sensational.

Facts as Facts

At the heart of true crime documentaries is the presentation of facts. The narratives, however flawed or sensationalized, should adhere to truth as much as possible. The creation of such content often serves to educate and inform the public about significant events, criminal activities, and the aftermath of tragedies. It is important to recognize that the facts remain true, regardless of the emotional impact they may have on individuals consuming the content.

A similar analogy can be drawn from religious texts. For example, the story of Noah and the Great Flood, as described in the Bible, is a representation of a historical narrative. While the interpretation and context can be debated, the actual events, as recorded, are fixed in their occurrence. Similarly, the content of true crime documentaries, despite potential biases and dramatizations, still centers on verified facts.

Ultimately, the portrayal of these stories is a form of public information, serving to inform and educate, even if it also evokes strong emotions. The responsibility lies with both the creators and the consumers to balance the emotional nature of the content with its factual basis.

Conclusion

The consumption and production of true crime documentaries are complex phenomena that raise ethical questions about guilt, entertainment, and profit. While there are valid concerns about the emotional and psychological impact of such content, it also serves important educational and societal roles. Understanding the balance between entertainment, education, and ethics is crucial for navigating this form of media responsibly.