The Dangerous Normalization of Criminal Sympathy: The Kaitlan Collins Controversy and a Disturbing Cultural Shift
The seek to justify, excuse, or even romanticize violent criminals.
In a stunning and disturbing development, CNN's chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins appeared to endorse a defense fund for an alleged terrorist and murderer, Luigi Mangione, only to quietly delete her social media post after receiving backlash. The situation raises troubling questions about the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice. This incident is not isolated; rather, it is emblematic of a growing phenomenon in which certain media and cultural figures seek to justify, excuse, or even romanticize violent criminals.
The Kaitlan Collins Controversy
On the social media platform X, Collins posted a link to a newly launched website created by Mangione's defense team. The site, purportedly a crowdfunding initiative, sought financial support for Mangione, who stands accused of first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, among other state and federal charges. The victim, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was a married father of two who was gunned down in cold blood in Manhattan on December 4, 2024.
Collins' apparent signal boost for the defense fund immediately sparked public outrage, with many questionings why a mainstream journalist would give any platform to a man accused of an act of domestic terrorism. The backlash was swift, leading to the deletion of her post, but the damage was done. The very fact that such a post was made, however brief its lifespan, reveals a deeper issue, one in which certain journalists and public figures exhibit a bizarre, misplaced sympathy for violent criminals rather than for their victims.
A Growing Trend of Criminal Sympathy
The Kaitlan Collins controversy is not an isolated event; it fits into a broader pattern of media and cultural elites subtly or overtly expressing support for individuals accused of heinous crimes. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in cases where the perpetrators fit into certain ideological or political narratives that some factions of society are unwilling to confront. Here are a few:
1. The Waukesha Christmas Parade Massacre
One need only look back to the coverage of Darrell Brooks, who in 2021 drove his SUV into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killing six people and injuring dozens more. Despite clear evidence of intent, some media outlets downplayed his motivations, opting instead to paint him as a troubled man with a difficult past. There were even discussions about systemic failures that “failed” Brooks, as opposed to focusing on justice for his victims.
2. The Nashville Covenant School Shooting
Similarly, after the 2023 mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, in which six people were murdered, mainstream media coverage appeared to show an unusual degree of restraint when discussing the shooter, Audrey Hale. Unlike previous mass shootings where the gunman's background was scrutinized and condemned, certain narratives instead shifted toward the shooter’s identity struggles, subtly shifting focus away from the victims.
3. The Case of Jordan Neely
In 2023, New York subway passenger Daniel Penny subdued Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a history of violent behavior, after Neely began acting erratically and threatening passengers. Neely died in the altercation, and rather than acknowledging the dangers of unchecked violent crime, media narratives largely painted him as a tragic figure failed by society, while demonizing Penny as a vigilante. Neely’s extensive criminal history, including multiple assaults, was downplayed, while protests erupted across New York to demand “justice” for Neely.
These cases reflect a disturbing trend in which certain crimes are framed in ways that evoke sympathy for the perpetrator rather than the victims, contributing to a culture where criminality is excused or rationalized.
The Cultural and Ideological Roots of Criminal Sympathy
Why does this phenomenon exist? The normalization of criminal sympathy is rooted in several ideological and cultural shifts in modern society.
1. The Rise of Victimhood Culture
One of the primary reasons for this shift is the rise of victimhood culture, where individuals are increasingly judged based on perceived oppression rather than actions. In this framework, those who belong to groups considered marginalized are often excused from full accountability. This ideology has seeped into media narratives, influencing how crimes are covered.
2. Anti-Capitalist and Anti-Corporate Sentiments
In the case of Mangione, some of the sympathy may stem from broader anti-corporate sentiment. As the alleged murderer of a high-profile healthcare executive, Mangione's actions might be framed by some as a misguided but understandable reaction to perceived corporate greed. This kind of rationale dangerously blurs the line between legitimate critique of corporate structures and outright justification of violent acts.
3. Distrust in Law Enforcement and the Justice System
In recent years, skepticism toward law enforcement has reached new heights, with activists and media figures frequently casting doubt on official narratives. While holding institutions accountable is important, a knee-jerk reaction to distrust police investigations often results in misplaced support for individuals who do not deserve it. This attitude fosters an environment where violent criminals are prematurely absolved in the court of public opinion.
4. Social Media Amplification
Social platforms have outrage-driven algorithms which reward extreme viewpoints, ensuring that sympathetic portrayals of criminals reach wide audiences. Hashtags, viral posts, and GoFundMe campaigns can quickly transform a criminal into a cause célèbre, especially when influential figures lend their platforms to such efforts.
The Consequences of Romanticizing Criminals
This trend is not just an ideological curiosity, it has real-world consequences that endanger public safety and erode trust in the justice system.
1. Undermining Victims and Their Families
When criminals receive public sympathy, it re-traumatizes the victims’ families, sending the message that their suffering is secondary to the perpetrator’s story. In the case of Brian Thompson, his widow and children now have to witness discussions that attempt to humanize the man accused of killing him in cold blood.
2. Encouraging Copycat Behavior
High-profile cases of media sympathy can embolden future criminals, reinforcing the idea that their actions will not be universally condemned. If an individual believes they will receive public support or justification for their crimes, they may feel more inclined to commit them.
3. Weakening the Rule of Law
If public perception increasingly shifts toward excusing or explaining away crimes, it weakens societal support for law enforcement and judicial proceedings. A functioning society relies on the principle that actions have consequences, when those consequences are muddled by ideological narratives, justice itself is at risk.
The Triad and Tetrad of Dark Traits
Throughout history, human nature has been defined by a spectrum of traits, ranging from benevolence and empathy to malevolence and manipulation. At the heart of the latter are the dark traits, psychological characteristics that predispose individuals to antisocial, exploitative, and often harmful behaviors. These traits manifest in various degrees, influencing personal relationships, professional dynamics, and even societal structures. This perspective examines the psychological makeup of individuals drawn to dark traits, the factors that foster these behaviors, and their broader implications.
Modern psychology has categorized dark traits into two primary frameworks: the Dark Triad and the Dark Tetrad.
The Dark Triad, as defined by Paulhus and Williams (2002), consists of:
Narcissism – Characterized by grandiosity, entitlement, dominance, and a lack of empathy.
Machiavellianism – Marked by manipulation, a cynical view of human nature, and strategic exploitation.
Psychopathy – Defined by impulsivity, lack of remorse, and an inclination toward antisocial behavior.
The Dark Tetrad expands on this by adding:
Sadism – The enjoyment of inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation on others.
These traits exist on a continuum, with some individuals displaying milder forms in socially acceptable ways (e.g., assertive leaders) and others exhibiting extreme and dangerous tendencies (e.g., criminal behavior or corporate exploitation).
The development of dark traits is influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions, neurobiological factors, and early-life experiences. Several key characteristics define the psychological makeup of individuals drawn to these traits:
1. Emotional Detachment and Lack of Empathy
Psychopathy and Machiavellianism, in particular, are associated with a reduced capacity for empathy. Studies using neuroimaging have shown that individuals high in these traits exhibit decreased activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, areas responsible for emotional regulation and moral reasoning.
2. High Impulsivity and Low Conscientiousness
Individuals with dark traits often struggle with impulse control. Psychopaths, for example, are prone to thrill-seeking and risky behavior, while narcissists exhibit impulsive decision-making when their ego is threatened. This impulsivity can lead to reckless financial decisions, infidelity, and even violent outbursts.
3. Manipulative and Deceptive Tendencies
Machiavellians are strategic in their manipulation, often using charm and deceit to control others. They excel in reading social situations, allowing them to exploit weaknesses and maximize personal gain. This ability is often seen in corporate and political settings, where power and influence are at stake.
4. Need for Dominance and Control
Narcissists and psychopaths crave dominance. Their need for control can manifest in coercive relationships, abusive leadership, or criminal enterprises. This dominance is often maintained through fear, intimidation, and strategic alliances.
5. Superficial Charm and Grandiosity
Many individuals with dark traits exhibit an outwardly charming and confident demeanor. This can make them highly successful in politics, business, and entertainment, as they are adept at crafting compelling narratives about themselves.
Environmental and Social Influences That Foster Dark Traits
While genetic predisposition plays a role in dark traits, environmental factors significantly shape how these tendencies manifest. Several key influences contribute to the development and reinforcement of these traits:
1. Early Childhood Experiences
Neglect and Abuse: Children exposed to neglect, abuse, or inconsistent parenting often develop maladaptive coping mechanisms. Those with psychopathic tendencies may learn to suppress emotions entirely, while Machiavellians may adopt manipulation as a survival strategy.
Overindulgence: Conversely, an excessively indulgent upbringing, where a child is never disciplined or held accountable, can foster narcissistic traits, reinforcing entitlement and grandiosity.
2. Societal Reinforcement of Dark Traits
Corporate and Political Structures: Many high-functioning individuals with dark traits find success in corporate, political, or legal environments, where ambition, manipulation, and strategic deception are rewarded.
Media Glorification: Popular culture often glorifies antiheroes, mobsters, and ruthless business moguls, subtly reinforcing the idea that dark traits are key to success.
Social Media Culture: The rise of influencer culture and self-promotion platforms encourages narcissistic tendencies, rewarding individuals who exhibit grandiosity and attention-seeking behavior.
3. Peer Influence and Social Learning
Individuals with dark traits often seek out like-minded peers who reinforce their behaviors. Gang culture, corporate hierarchies, and political alliances often encourage ruthless, self-serving actions.
4. Economic and Political Instability
During times of economic crisis or political upheaval, individuals with dark traits often thrive. Their ability to manipulate, deceive, and take risks allows them to exploit uncertainty for personal gain.
The Broader Implications of Dark Traits in Society
The presence of individuals with dark traits in leadership, business, and interpersonal relationships has profound implications.
1. Workplace Toxicity and Corporate Fraud
Corporate environments often attract high-functioning narcissists and Machiavellians who manipulate their way into leadership roles. This can lead to toxic work cultures, employee exploitation, and large-scale corporate fraud (e.g., Enron, Theranos).
2. Political Corruption and Authoritarianism
History is replete with leaders who exhibited dark traits, manipulating public perception, silencing dissent, and consolidating power at the expense of democratic institutions.
3. Relationship Abuse and Family Dysfunction
Individuals with dark traits often engage in abusive relationships, using emotional, financial, or physical coercion to maintain control. This perpetuates cycles of trauma and dysfunction across generations.
4. Criminal Behavior and Societal Harm
At its most extreme, the presence of dark traits contributes to organized crime, serial offenses, and systemic exploitation of vulnerable populations.
Mitigating the Impact of Dark Traits
While individuals with pronounced dark traits are unlikely to change without intervention, society can take steps to mitigate their impact:
Early Intervention and Education: Teaching emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and empathy from a young age can help counteract the development of dark traits.
Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: In workplaces, politics, and social systems, fostering a culture of accountability can limit the damage caused by manipulative individuals. Social media companies should follow the X model that allows for freedom of speech and community notes that allow for free expression and calling out dark trait activities.
Therapeutic Interventions: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches may help individuals with moderate dark traits develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Conclusion: A Call for Ethical Journalism and Public Accountability
The Kaitlan Collins controversy is more than just an embarrassing moment for a journalist, it is a symptom of a larger societal illness. The tendency of some media figures and cultural elites to romanticize or excuse violent criminals is a dangerous precedent that must be addressed.
Public trust in the media has already reached historic lows, and instances like this only further alienate those who seek honest and balanced journalism. Ethical reporting should prioritize the victims, hold criminals accountable, and resist the temptation to insert ideological biases into crime coverage.
Dark traits are an intrinsic part of human nature, existing on a spectrum from benign self-interest to dangerous psychopathy. Understanding the psychological makeup of individuals drawn to these traits, along with the environmental factors that foster them, is essential in mitigating their impact. While some individuals may use dark traits strategically within socially acceptable limits, unchecked expressions can lead to widespread harm. As a society, fostering accountability, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership can help counteract the influence of dark traits, ensuring a more just and balanced world.
If society continues down this path, where sympathy for criminals outweighs justice for victims, then we risk not only emboldening violent individuals but also eroding the fundamental principles of justice and safety that underpin a civilized society.