The story of Luigi Mangione, who has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has captivated the public eye through the proliferation of photos and social media attention. Mangione’s youthful, attractive appearance has led to him being dubbed as the “hot assassin,” and comparisons have been drawn to romanticized outlaws like Che Guevara and Jesse James. This phenomenon, known as the halo effect, combines attractiveness with a sense of rebellion against an unfair system, creating an archetype that is beloved by Hollywood and the general public.
The romanticization of criminals, particularly white men, has a long history. Social media has exacerbated this trend, allowing for instant judgment and even declarations of desire based solely on physical appearance. The case of Jeremy Meeks, known as “the hot felon,” who became a model after his mug shot went viral, is another example of this phenomenon.
Celebrities and online commentators have already begun giving Mangione the celebrity treatment, calling for TV shows and movies to be made about his story. However, amidst all the focus on his attractiveness, the violence of the crime and its impact on the victim is often overlooked. The real horror of the situation becomes secondary to the glamorous image that is presented to the public.
The story of Luigi Mangione highlights the dangerous impact of glorifying criminals based on their looks, and the need to remember the human cost of their actions. The narrative of the “hot assassin” serves as a reminder of how easily real-life tragedies can be overshadowed by the allure of celebrity culture.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com