I’ve been writing about psychopaths since 2013, and I’m getting renewed appreciation for the terror many of the more violent ones inflict on individuals and communities. Before interstates, my mom used to drive me from Boise, Idaho through Spokane, Washington to Seattle for cleft-palate surgeries. I got to know Spokane and over the years have become acquainted with several people there. A true-crime book about a Psychopath and his Mother. So I recently read "Son: A Psychopath and … [Read more...]
Answering the question, Is the Joker a Psychopath?
I noted in a recent piece that I'd deal with the question, is the Joker a psychopath? Of course, it matters a lot which portrayal of the Joker we're talking about. Sheltering in place has given many people time to watch various movies. Of the many featuring the Joker, most have probably see Heath Ledger's The Dark Knight and/or Joaquin Phoenix's Joker. To keep things manageable, let's choose Ledger's version in The Dark Knight, knowing there's nothing ever definitive about a fictional … [Read more...]
The Psychopath and The Hare.
The Psychopath and the Hare lip is my way to addressing what's become an interesting debate among moviegoers. Even comic book aficionados have gotten into the act. And so may you and I as so many of us are at home without sports, political rallies, and other live TV as a distraction. We've got time to watch movies like Joker. The debate is whether Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for Best Actor, portrays the Joker as a psychopath or not? The Psychopath and The Hare … [Read more...]
Murdered while in prayer, while in school: The bullying connection.
Schools and houses of worship are two of the most revered places in our society. They are also among the most vulnerable since—unlike many places of business, transportation centers and the like—they've generally lacked guards and security. That's changing for schools, and sadly now, for places of worship. Yes, there've been other shootings and bombings at sacred places (to show the range, Charleston, SC in 2015; Birmingham, AL in 1963). But there've rarely been calls for armed protection for … [Read more...]
Has The Golden State Killer been Caught? Details not heard before.
If you're like a lot of people, you're dying (no pun intended) to learn more about The Golden State Killer. I blogged last week just after Joseph Angelo was arrested as a prime suspect. I noted some of the basic info about The Golden State Killer that law enforcers released after his arrest. The Golden State Killer. Since that time, there have been many articles and TV newscasts adding more details about The Golden State Killer case. But, one of the most interesting sources of info of late is … [Read more...]
Scariest Horror Villains of all time? Halloween edition.
It's Halloween season, and so why not have some scary villain fun? It's appropriate here, too. My site is dedicated to heroes, villains, and fools... as well as to the more abstract notions of discrimination and preferential treatment in the justice system. Scariest horror villains of all time. Thrillist.com has put together a list of the 33 scariest horror villains of all time. Scott Weinberg at Thrillist has left politicians and Hollywood producers off the list. Wonder … [Read more...]
Will OJ get parole tomorrow? Where and how to watch his hearing.
I mentioned in a prior blog that the ALCATRAZ EAST crime museum just opened an exhibit around a new acquisition. The item is the White Ford Bronco that carried a frantic and suicidal O.J. Simpson during one of the most famous televised car chases ever. For this reason alone, millions will be tuned in tomorrow to O.J.'s parole hearing. But, as you know, there are many other reasons to tune in. I'm going to watch because, tho I'm a dispassionate criminologist regarding most topics, I have a … [Read more...]