Crime prevention begins with analysis, of which there are many different kinds. I myself do not see any "romanticization" in looking at autopsies and such, nor in hearing how innocent people were murdered. But without some details, we are unable to form the important pictures that have led to massive reductions (or increases) in crime rates all over the world. In the US, the 1920's and the 1970's were our two most violent decades, and when one looks at the patterns and even just the typology of crimes that resulted in convictions in those eras, much can be understood.
If you're not noticing that there are kinds of crimes that are being committed by armed young males in Western societies, that's fine. It's okay not to be interested in why. But I'm curious why you follow true crime in general, then? If it's just to be horrified and remember horror, that is then your personal reason.
I've done years of work with criminal and other locked populations. Understanding these populations has led, for example, to better designs of jails and prisons, but also to better training and understanding of the people who have to work with them. To me, this work and understanding is crucial.
It's also important to at least ponder how people like K & B differ from their age peers, their geographical peers, and the rest of us. Sometimes we don't get a lot out of that pondering, but occasionally, something new is known or understood. There are some absolutely challenging dead ends in this kind of work and things we'll never understand or be able to predict. At the same time, without this kind of work, we wouldn't understand suicide or homicide at all.
I understand the need to analyse these characters, is it nature/nurture, peer pressure, personality disorders etc. but unfortunately, that's as far as it goes, their parents/caregivers, families, friends are seen as victims, off limits, their relationships are not open to scrutiny, we can't delve into their upbringing and who's door should the blame be laid, if indeed, there is one. It's hinted at but not what you're describing by a long shot.
What was meant by 'romanticising' is exactly what it means, the reason K & B committed these crimes, for the notoriety and glorification for their 'cause', they have contempt and hatred for society yet crave its attention, helped significantly by those who identify with them, feel these guys were pushed into taking a stand, that they weren't really to blame. One of the reasons the RCMP decided not to release the video footage.
The horror is a reminder of who and what they are, but interestingly enough, that's the appeal and why young males arm themselves to the teeth and kill!
The amount of attention they receive is determined by how young and attractive they are, it isn't the case with a man/woman who are neither, which is rather revealing, don't you think? We have put these guys in the limelight and there's more itching to have their chance. I'm sure there were red flags earlier, denial and enabling too.
I'm interested in the why, I joined this site to follow a particular trial for the what, why and how, but I know the limitations. It's disheartening when these threads turn into 'those poor and misunderstood '
insert killer's name here', a pity fest for the perps, Chris Watts is a prime example. How is that ground breaking? I've scrolled and rolled, particularly in these threads, I will continue and move on. Have a good day.
