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Are you an ethical true crime fan? 4 questions to ask

737,042 views | Lindsey A. Sherrill • TEDxWilsonPark

From the Salem witch trials to Jack the Ripper, humanity's historic fascination for true crime content can be traced back to the Middle Ages. But is it ethical to consume these real-life dramas in the way we do? Researcher Lindsey A. Sherrill shares four questions to ask yourself to be a mindful fan of this provocative cultural obsession -- so you can direct your attention away from the exploitative "ugly side" of true crime and to those that are doing useful work in the genre.

From the Salem witch trials to Jack the Ripper, humanity's historic fascination for true crime content can be traced back to the Middle Ages. But is it ethical to consume these real-life dramas in the way we do? Researcher Lindsey A. Sherrill shares four questions to ask yourself to be a mindful fan of this provocative cultural obsession -- so you can direct your attention away from the exploitative "ugly side" of true crime and to those that are doing useful work in the genre.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxWilsonPark, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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Learn how the Innocence Project has advocated for the wrongly convicted since 1992.

About the speaker

Lindsey A. Sherrill

Lindsey A. Sherrill

Researcher, author

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Lindsey A. Sherrill's research delves into the ethics of true crime media.

Elizabeth Yardley | Victims & Offenders, 2017 | Article

"'TO ME ITS SIC REAL LIFE': Secondary Victims of Homicide in Newer Media"

This scholarship addresses the real impact that true crime media can have on secondary victims, like friends and family members of primary victims.

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Crime Writers On… podcast

Four crimes writers — from broadcast news, public radio, crime fiction, true crime publishing and podcasting — review new true crime media weekly, all while discussing journalism ethics and ethical storytelling with expertise and humor.

Rabia Chaudry | St. Martin's Griffin, 2010 | Book

Adnan's Story: The Search for Truth and Justice after Serial

The story of how one lawyer's advocacy for a family friend led to the Serial podcast and all that came after, in her own words.

Doug McAdam | The University Of Chicago Press, 1999 | Book

Political Process and the Development of Black Insurgency, 1930-1970

An exploration of the theory and action behind social movement development, grassroots advocacy and communicating to create real world change.

| Listen

Bone Valley podcast

Truly one of the best true crime podcasts of the last decade. Two reporters — one seasoned, one green — offer a master class in ethical journalism, all while uncovering clues to a decades-old murder (and solving another along the way!).

Learn more

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxWilsonPark, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Learn how the Innocence Project has advocated for the wrongly convicted since 1992.