The Representation and Cultural Impact of Jeffrey Dahmer

Jeffrey Dahmer is a fascinating figure to explore due to the nature of his crimes and his impact on the public perception of the serial killer, as well as the media link between the real-life killer and other fictional killers. The question as to whether Dahmer perfectly fits the stereotypical image of the serial killer or whether he helped to create that public perception is one that can be examined clearly and has significant signposts to its validity.

Jeffrey Dahmer — The Facts

Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer murdered and dismembered seventeen men and boys. His crimes also included rape, dismemberment, and necrophilia and he was known for keeping parts of his victims preserved. After his capture in 1991, he was dubbed the Milwaukee Cannibal as details of his extreme actions came to light. Using acid to dissolve the bodies of his victims, the stated goal of Dahmer was to create a zombie sex slave that would not abandon him. He used a variety of methods to achieve this goal, with his modus operandi being to drill a hole in his victim’s skull while they were still alive, and then to drip either boiling water or acid directly onto their brains. His victims were primarily black or Hispanic males and after his subsequent discovery, arrest, and confession, Dahmer admitted that he chose his…