Ted Bundy: The Causes Of Serial Killers

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Infamous “We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere. And there will be more of your children dead tomorrow.” These were the terrifying words of one of America’s most infamous serial killers, Ted Bundy, after he confessed to coldly slaughtering thirty women. Every year Hollywood writers go after serial killers like Bundy for their gruesome stories; in turn, these writers have created a stereotype. They cover their faces with masks and stalk their prey in the cover of night’s darkness; they are unknown outsiders, and sometimes even invincible. These faceless murderers horrify masses of people around America. But who are the real killers, the individuals walking around freely in the sunlight without a disguise? Are serial killers a result of Mother Nature or a casualty of upbringing? Many psychologists and criminal analysts have delved into answering this question; unfortunately, there is not clear answer on the exact origin. Many specialists have various theories that involve biological, psychological, or environmental factors that could contribute to the creation of a murderer. Though there are many ideas on the cause, one thing is clear: most individuals do not lose their grasp on reality without warning and become a brutal serial killer over night (Simons 351). These individuals are complex and mysterious to many; they are not simply born into the world looking to kill. Serial killers are made, not born. Berit Brogaard takes a whole new approach on the origin of this mysterious group; rather than relying on social factors and psychological experiences to explain their behaviors, he believes the foundation of these individuals lie in the brain. The Minnesota Twin study leaves open the possibility t... ... middle of paper ... ...’re just playing a part. These individuals watch those around them and mimic social norms to seem average; they smoothly blend into society. A majority of these individuals are linked through commonalities of their childhood as well as their personality traits and behaviors. Though early abuse can cause feelings of aggression and delinquency, childhood experiences alone cannot be to blame; many people are abused early on as children, and never become psychopaths. Similarly, biological issues, such as brain abnormalities, as well as certain personality disorders would not individually create a murderer. Rather, a distinctive combination of psychological issues, biological impairments in the brain, as well as personality disorders help mild a brutal serial killer. Killers cannot be simply born into this world, but under the right circumstances, they will be created.

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