I will preface this by saying that I enjoy watching crime shows. Lately, however, I’ve been questioning myself for finding them entertaining. While I am curious to find out how a murder case was solved and the outcome for the criminal, I find the entertainment value of these shows disturbing.

Violent crimes are a rather painful and life altering reality for many. I would understand if these shows were educational or raised some kind of awareness, but the way I see it is that they may give disturbed people ideas they would not otherwise have if it weren’t for these shows. There are, in fact, real cases of this occurring. The competency of detectives and other members of law enforcement has been questioned by grieving loved ones when their cases have not been promptly resolved much like the shows on TV. The reality of how murder investigations are conducted isn’t accurately portrayed.

Regardless of names and other identifiable information being altered, I feel I am wrong for finding entertainment in the pain and suffering of others. I am trying to challenge my view.