Americans’ obsessive indulgence in true crime media desensitizes the tragedy of real world events

Shubha Gautam • November 9, 2021

The presumed starting point of America’s allure to true crime dates back to the Puritan execution sermons detailing the appalling acts of executed persons of the 17th and 18th centuries, the time of Jack the Ripper and the publishing of “The Studies of Murder” by Edmund Pearson in 1924. The publication of the non-fiction book “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote in 1966, detailing the impact and event of the 1959 murder of a family from a small community in rural Kansas, officially established true crime fascination in the U.S. In 1974, Charles Bugliosi, the prosecutor for the Manson murders case, set the precedent for books on criminal trials with “Helter Skelter.”

Sexualized media representation damages young girls’ development, health

Allison Kim • November 16, 2020

An overwhelming percentage of media that minors see presents sexualized characters, especially girls, even in content specifically targeted toward children. Visual media sends ideas to girls from a young age, and as they get older, this constant exposure to the objectification of female bodies can cause girls to internalize the sexualizing messages in the cultural environment they exist in, impacting them during identity formation.

Alt-right media targets children, creates family division

Parker Boone • November 9, 2020

When I was fourteen years old, I was encouraged by my family, friends and school to be as politically active as I could. I remember when Scott Wittenborn and Lacey Hahn, my freshman civics teachers, asked...

Day 47

Bailey Stover • May 3, 2020

During her 47th day of social distancing, senior Bailey Stover cleaned her room, watched Netflix and spent time contemplating the meaning of life and love.

Troubles of a social media centered life

Jordyn Thompson • October 4, 2018

Young adults, especially those still figuring out their identity, can become too obsessed with comparing themselves to others on social media.

Rising representation still lacking

Rachael Erickson • May 20, 2018

[dropcap style="default" size="5"]B[/dropcap]ased on a Marvel comic book series, Black Panther exploded into American theaters. This superhero flick features a cast and crew of almost all people of color,...

Too much too soon? Social media affects beauty trends

Ann Fitzmaurice • February 25, 2018

Social media is a big reason for why people of younger generations are incorporating makeup into their daily lives.

Senior Billie Huang’s first use of the name Billie: RBHS Firsts

Kai Ford • February 12, 2018

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Media stereotypes, advances LGBT community in one paradoxical act

Katie Whaley • May 28, 2017

Media, the double-edged sword. Movies and books both create visibility for LGBT community members, but it can also perpetuate old tropes.

Forget alcohol; blame society

Grace Dorsey • December 8, 2016

These days, people are simply taking too much responsibility for themselves, learn how to use society as the perfect scapegoat.

Let kids be kids

Kennedy Grieman • May 3, 2016

[heading]Graphic, explicit commercials offer inappropriate viewing for preteens[/heading] Imagine sitting down with your little sister to watch her favorite show and a scary commercial  about the latest...

Lack of media objectivity causes divide

Cam Fuller • March 19, 2016

Biased news sources fan the flames of controversy.