CSI Made Me Do It!

Learning how to kill from TV

from JoeUser Forums
We are having a discussion at work that I think is JU-worthy:

Is the current spate of real-crime dramas like the many cities of CSI and the many departments of Law & Order teaching people to commit murder, rape, and mayhem? Are Hollywood writers showing how to commit and get away with murder? Or is it just entertainment?

First off, I think that Hollywood believes that we aren't exposed to enough crime and depravity in our lifetimes, so they feel there's a market for more.

I believe that it's inevitable that these shows will be used for putting murderous thoughts into action. Joe Killah says to himself, 'How can I off my pregnant/cheating girlfriend and not get caught? I saw something last week on Law & Order: SVU! Let me try that...' These shows teach everything, including how to fake a suicide by making sure the gun is being held in the victim's shooting hand... or don't use a machete because the tell-tale marks it leaves between the L4 and L5 vertebrae are too incriminating.

Can L&O or CSI: Wherever be held as Accessories Before the Fact? What are your thoughts?
14,720 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm pretty darn serious with this article, too. I'm sure there are some budding Jeffrey Dahmer types out there who are taking notes.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
There is no such thing as the perfect crime or criminal. I have always liked cop shows/mystery suspense novels. I could kid myself that I am learning what not to do but there are always unaccountable things that you don't consider. Actually I think shows like CSI may deter the premeditated murders when they see all the technology that is in use today that can nail them. I think it would be more inspiring to them if the killers got away with it which sometimes they do on Law & Order but generally they get caught on CSI. I suppose if someone is already delusional they could think they have learned from a TV show how to commit a crime but it's not reality. It's like the difference between watching a courtroom drama and watching a real trial. Real trials generally don't have the dropped bombshell and tearful confession like the TV and movies do.

I would say the biggest thing I have learned from watching NYPD Blue and the Closer is that you are an idiot if you talk to the police without a lawyer.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
I dont see it as an absense of crime that makes those shows popular.  I see it as a way to shut out the real world - where all too often killers go free or are never caught - with a make believe world that gets the bad guy (but they do get off sometimes).  It is not egging us to kill - it is playing on our desire for vengence and justice.