Sociology of Crime

Link to article here.

The article tells that music producer Phil Spector has been convicted of killing a Hollywood actress and could spend the rest of his life in prison. After a deadlocked trial in 2007, this second jury found Spector guilty of second-degree murder. The facts of the case are laid out – that the actress was shot in the mouth by Spector’s gun – interspersed with soundbytes on Spector’s legend in the music industry. Some people were angered by Spector’s potentially short sentence (18 years – for some 69 years old!), claiming that at least justice had been served. The prosecutor indicated that Spector had a problem with rage and violence, while the defense claimed that these statements were indicative of Spector twenty years past, NOT current-day Spector. The article also explains that Spector may have suffered from bipolar personality disorder, though they do not indicate that this might be one reason for the (unexpected) murder of the actress. Yet again, this is another article that trivializes issues of mental health in order to paint a more black-and-white picture of justice. Further, this article gives the reader the upperhand over celebrities, as if to say, “Yeah, you guys aren’t rich or famous. But YOU dont kill random women, do you?” Our fascination with celebrity grows feverish with our obsession to see them fall. Though not supremely famous, Spector’s story reflects the love-hate relationship we, as a society, have with society, as well as the fickle and blind-sided viewing of crimes committed by people with mental health issues.