Poll: Would You Buy Murderabilia?
Thursday, February 16, 2012 7:00AM
Joe, William and Todd joined "Anderson" to discuss their hobby of buying, selling and collecting personal items from murderers, or items from crime scenes. Despite the macabre nature of their hobby, the guests argue that it’s harmless fun.
Missy and Dee, two women who have been personally affected or victimized by murderous people, argue that the murderabilia industry is ethically wrong.
Take our poll and tell us what you think.
Filed Under: As Seen On The Show
Comments
I write about the subject of serial murder and teach the subject in university classes. I actually have some murderabilia including Gacy art, and I bring it in to class which sparks tremendous debate.
Some people do think its morally wrong. Personally, I do not, and people like Gacy are not only too dead to collect any more money on the sale, but arent getting any more famous. But, I respect others' opinions.
murderabilia shouldn't be banned, the Constitution forbids that. But it should be heavily taxed and regulated.
I was appalled at the treatment of the men selling muder memoribilia. What in the world do you think of all the "true crime" writers? They are personally benefitting from all the information gathered, photo's, public information from the county and state offices, all because it's public record. My father started reading true crime back in the 50's when he was in the Marines. As, a child I got interested in reading True Crime stories. I like to read them because I like to figure out what type of people do these type of terrible things, and you just might be living next door to one of them. Taking psychology classes as I have, makes it more prevelant for me to want to know why people do what they do. I don't get off on the killing, I like to read about what led up to the murder, why and what went through the persons minds. I feel personal empathy for anyone who has been through a horendous feat as this, but, the general public has a right to know what's out there. Our streets today are lined with alcoholics, addicts, psychopaths, and if you try and shelter your child, and they don't read about current happenings, then they are probably going to be the vulnerable person that something happens too.
The story about the man who did Cocaine and was playing the "poor me" sob story. Too bad too sad. You said you didn't get convicted of a felony. In my state it would have been a felony, not a misdeameanor, (which is a felony charge), and will remain on your record. Our daily newspaper prints a list of wanted felons in our county, (I'm in a city of 42,000), we have a county website with pics of all felons in jail at the current time, a state website with all incarcerated and released State Pen inmates. This is a necessary tool. I would say unless you can get an expungement from a judge, then you are GUILTY!
Here is my stance. First off I would like to say that I would personally never buy this type of memorabilia. That being said, I truely believe that there is the potential for a legitamate historical collector to buy historical items related to murders with the intent of preserving the historical significance of the item. Things such as the murder weapon. Clothing that was worn during the commission of the crime. Things of that nature. However I think its absolutely deplorable that anyone would glorify these individuals by buying items like fingernail clippings and bits of hair, hand tracings, etc. These items hold no historical significance and buying or owning a suvanier like this is absolutly disgusting. On the othe story. I believe most papers already publish daily arrest reports including names as these matters are a matter of public record. This paper is just putting names to faces. Plus I believe anyone who feels so inclined can go to the county records office and attain this information. Therefore all this paper is doing is makeing what is already available more accessable. Our country is base on the concept of freedom of information. I believe I have every right as an employer to know every arrest that has been made against a prespective employee even if the do not end in a conviction. I have a right to maintain the integrity of my business and to choose not to hired someone of questionable intergrity or intelligence. I have never been arrested because I make good choices. When you make bad choices you reap what you sow. Thanks for listening to my humble opinion.
No one should make money or sell for profit any item involved in a murder. The victims have gone through enough! I say, we pass a bill to sell all the murderers belongings and give it to the victim, no questions asked. I believe the parents of the murderer should also have to pay medical bills, etc. to cover the expenses of the victim because they were so oblivious to the needs of their child, and they unleashed him/her into society.
Murderabilia should be out lawed!!!!!!!!!!
When I was a young girl by aunt was murdered by being set on fire. To this day I can't look at a fire without thinking about what that must have been like for her. I don't think anyone should be able to sell items that relate to a murder. This is all out of respect for the family. I am a person who is very interested in crime and human behavior. I am so into human behavior and the motives and reasons why people do what they do. Instead of making money off crimes I went out and got a degree. This gave me more education and insight than any item would. However I do feel that the show only showed one side. If these items were from a celebrities death or murder, society would not only be accepting but media would be reporting it and in a way promoting. I feel as though there should be a way that the victims or family of the victim should be granted right like some sort of trademark or another form of legal rights. If people are going to do something that can be so hurtful to a family or individual they should at least donate a certain percentage to the family, family support organization, crime prevention organizations or any charity. If they want to be a part of crime so badly they should also take part in something a little more positive. To the people that claim the the items being sold are the same as the books, shows, and movies based on crimes you need to take a look at the purpose behind items sold compared to crime based media. I would say that a majority of the media it to become educated and motivated to do something. The such as the ones presented on the show can only have a few purposes. The only one I can see is that people want to feel as though they have a personal connection to the crime. What about the people that already have a personal connection, do they mean nothing? To the people that buy and sell such items I highly recommend some therapy.
It is sick sick they should be in jail they are perpetuating the crimes....this bunch of losers.What a bunch of losers sickos!
I don't understand why Anderson doesn't get this. He would love to get an interview with the President of Syria and you and your company would profit. This guy has killed 1000s. All good interviewers have profited from killers, in one way or another. Please explain why you don't get it.
Very one sided audience! I have always been interested in murderers since I was very young... Look at all the shows about murder.... All the true crime books... Have you seen deals from the dark side... That show portrays a man who collects memorabilia that used to toutre people/kill people...
What about all the movies they have for all these killers should they burn those too...
I watched this show yesterday.... I can sympathize with the victims; I am a mom and Im sure if I was in the same position as them, I would most definately feel the same; however, I at the same time, am somewhat fascinated & interested in the criminally insane and serial killers. Not on an "I want to be their friend" level; more like what makes them turn into these monsters. Would I buy something from an actual murder scene... probably not. But because of this show and learning about these websites, I have now started looking at them and am fascinated by all the items they have. One female killer in particular is from my area and was surprised to see her letters for sale. I work for the court system and I am never amazed at the idiot criminals that come thru our doors... however I am interested in their backgrounds & what makes them tick. I get these guys fascination w/this and even that its their hobby. However, I was surprised to see that the poll was more on the side of these guys than not.
How did you ever assemble such a one sided audience,bravo! that had to take some work. I read many books on true crime,i watch a lot of horror movies,I would say it is my passion. This anti-murderbelia bill is absurd,surely there is something more important our ridiculous govt. can take care of... Until today I had never heard of murderauction.com, so thanks Anderson...O darn...I guess that means you just made some dollars off that site in a round about way....since I saw it on the show you earn a living on.
...IT'S SO WRONG!! :( THAT'S WHY I ONLY WATCHED 10 MINUTES OF TODAY'S SHOW - SORRY! :(
As a Canadian I watched this with interest. I have often wondered if Americans aren't beginning to get sick of pornographers and scumbags wrapping themselves in freedom of speech. As I understand it, it had nothing to do with protecting lowlifes, but to protect peoples political speech. These knuckle dragging twits are light years away from politics. They are light years away from basic human decency.
this is downright immoral, how on earth can people support it? Thought Anderson showed great compassion and empathy for the victims and their families whereas those selling these items appear to have neither. So sad. Glad I don't live anywhere near these odious men.