The Best True Crime to Stream: Serial Killers, With Less Glorification
The Best True Crime to Stream Now The New York Times
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in True Crime Content
Introduction
Decades before true crime crept into popular culture, a humble paperback about America’s most notorious serial killers caught the attention of a 10-year-old. The fascination with these stories, however, has evolved over time. Instead of glorifying the killers, there is now a shift towards elevating the stories of those impacted and understanding the societal circumstances surrounding these crimes. This article explores four picks across television, documentary, and podcast genres that go beyond the usual glorification and delve into the human side of these stories.
Documentary Mini-Series
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“Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York”
No series has successfully contextualized a serial killing spree like this four-part Max series. It focuses on the murders of gay men in Manhattan piano bars during the early 1990s, amidst the AIDS crisis and rising hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. The series humanizes the victims and sheds light on the biases and bigotry faced by the New York Police Department and city’s politicians.
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“Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer”
This four-part Netflix series explores the search for Richard Ramirez, who terrorized California in the mid-1980s. Through survivor accounts and interviews with detectives, it highlights the mentality of the communities affected and exposes the shortcomings of law enforcement and political leaders during the investigation.
Podcast
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“This Is Actually Happening,” Episode 259: “What If You Survived a Serial Killer?”
This podcast presents first-person accounts of individuals whose lives have been altered by staggering events. In this episode, Jane Boroski, the only known survivor of the Connecticut River Valley killer, shares her story. The focus is on Boroski’s experience before, during, and after the attack, providing a deeper understanding of her resilience.
Television
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“Mindhunter”
This gripping Netflix drama, based on the memoir “Mindhunter: Inside the F.B.I.’s Elite Serial Crime Unit,” explores the creation of the F.B.I.’s Behavioral Science Unit. While the main characters are fictional, the show features real-life serial killers portrayed with eerie accuracy. It takes an academic approach, delving into the psychology behind these crimes rather than sensationalizing them.
By focusing on the stories of those impacted and examining the societal context, these true crime picks contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They promote justice, inclusivity, and understanding, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Additionally, by humanizing the victims and exploring the psychological aspects of these crimes, they contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
- Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities
Analysis
The article discusses various true crime films, shows, and podcasts that focus on notorious serial killers. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article highlights the shift in true crime storytelling from focusing on the personal struggles of serial killers to elevating the stories of those impacted and understanding the societal circumstances in which these crimes took place. This aligns with SDG 16, which aims to reduce violence and promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
- Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
- Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article mentions the importance of humanizing the victims of serial killers and addressing the biases and mistreatment they faced. This relates to SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality and eliminating violence against women and girls.
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the treatment of victims and the community as second-class citizens, highlighting inequalities in society. This aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote social, economic, and political inclusion.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nytimes.com
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