In "You" and similar media, audiences are prompted to empathize with serial killers, blurring moral lines. While fostering understanding, it raises concerns about desensitization and the normalization of deviant behavior.
In "You," the novel by Caroline Kepnes, the protagonist, Joe Goldberg, is a charismatic yet disturbed bookstore manager who becomes infatuated with and stalks his love interests. The narrative style invites readers into Joe's mind, creating a sense of intimacy and empathy with his character. Similarly, in films like "American Psycho" and novels like "Silence of the Lambs," the audience is compelled to engage with the psychopathic protagonists, Patrick Bateman and Hannibal Lecter, respectively.
These stories challenge traditional moral boundaries by encouraging audiences to empathize with characters who commit heinous acts. By humanizing serial killers, these narratives prompt reflection on the blurred lines between good and evil, challenging preconceived notions of morality. However, the real-world effect of such identification is complex. On one hand, it fosters a deeper understanding of the human psyche and societal factors influencing criminal behavior. On the other hand, there's a risk of desensitization to violence and the normalization of deviant behavior. The fine line between fascination and condemnation in these narratives raises ethical questions about the impact of storytelling on our perceptions of crime and morality.