In the book, it explains that the murderesses of this story were seen as beautiful by their society back then--so beautiful, in fact, that men would send them roses, chocolates, and steak dinners while the women were in prison. Back then, many women got let off the hook, and wouldn't end up being in jail for too long, because people believed that it was unnatural for women to do such things, and must have been caused by physical or mental abuse by their significant others. Some might have even been considered too pretty to be sent to jail.
Many of these women were just fine with being in jail, and took pride in the articles that were written about their recent crimes (especially since most journalists never failed to point out their loveliness). The girls of Murder City were quite illustrious.
Another part of this book that I find fascinating is the descriptions about The Chicago Tribune, and their competing newspapers. Apparently, reporters back then were extremely direct and determined to get the story first. One of the main things that made the newspapers in Chicago especially interesting was all the scandalous murders and interesting criminals that resided there. The reporters would bribe police to letting them into the interrogation room while they were interrogating a suspect, and would even throw in a few questions of their own for the suspect. Another common practice was for the reporters to join the criminals in their jail cell, and ask them questions as they played a card game, or something else along those lines. I love this imagery, and am fascinated in the fact that people really did this, because I'm pretty sure that that is not allowed anymore. It makes me even more interested in becoming a journalist. It just seems like it would be so exciting to talk to so many different kinds of people in all of these different environments. It's something I've always wanted to do, so reading about it makes me even more excited than I was before.
I can't wait to learn more about the tough industry of journalism and crime.
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ReplyDeleteD'Vaughn:
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late response. Please just shoot me an e-mail with the link to this blog each time you post. That way, I'll be sure to check in right away.
I'm really interested in 'joining you' on your journey of Chicago during this time period as I don't have much knowledge of it. It seems like a fascinating and dangerous snapshot in this country's history. I'm really intrigued by these women who used the many disadvantages of gender roles/stereotypes (emphasis on physical beauty, the delicate and weak nature of women etc) to work to their advantages to empower them in the committing of these horrible crimes. It's as sort of disturbing twist on feminism.
I also like how you are taking note of the state of journalism at that time-- journalists' sought to get the story straight and be objective however their methods for obtaining information and access was all but fair play... I wonder if anything has really changed in today's news reporting and other media outlets. There seems to be a blurry line between facts and storylines especially depending on who is doing the reporting.
I'm excited to hear more and very glad you are enjoying your exploration thus far!
Lauren