This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Amna Faheem. Find her on Instagram at @amnaf.aheem. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Beauty has always made our world go round. Pretty privilege has, unfortunately, created a caste system and lets people slide through with minimal judgment. Criminals can seemingly commit heinous crimes, and the sole focus is how attractive they are, with a lack of concern for the severity of their actions. The general public ignores what they have done and is instead drawn to their pretty faces. That is the pretty privilege meaning.
Pretty privilege is to be written off as nothing but a pretty face, with people being unable to fathom that they could do any wrong. To be pretty is to be excused from all accountability. To be pretty in our society is an exemption to consequences that would otherwise be delivered to other ‘normal-looking’ people. Pretty people do not receive the same punishments as others, especially when it comes to criminal charges and offenses.
The phenomenon of being attracted to criminals, such as serial killers, is a condition called Hybristophilia. Those who have it tend to form romantic connections with criminals and even fantasize about being in a relationship with them. Individuals usually have the urge to fix these criminals and romanticize them, thinking they will be the ones to rehabilitate them. Hybristophilia involves sexual desires toward those criminals and a deep parasocial relationship with them.
Men who Murder
The most famous case right now circulating the media is one of Luigi Mangione, the main suspect who allegedly shot the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, a few weeks ago. Since his apprehension, the 26-year-old has gained fame because of his proclaimed heroic actions and, of course, because of how beautiful he is. Even in news broadcasts reporting on the events of his trial, the newscasters mention how good-looking he is. Social media is disregarding his alleged murder charge and is making edits and videos detailing how much they desire and are bewitched by his charm. While many praise him for his vigilantism toward a corrupt medical industry, the majority of people have given him popularity based on his lovable demeanor and outward appearance.
Ted Bundy, who was once on the FBI’s Top Ten Fugitives list in 1978, was a serial killer who targeted women and kidnapped and murdered at least 30. Despite his confession to the many heinous acts he committed, he is- to this day- known for his charming demeanor and beauteous appearance, which is what drew in his victims to begin with. His conventional attraction has left him a legacy that overshadows his murderous existence- pretty privilege has been extremely beneficial in immortalizing him in the media as, not just a serial killer, but a beautiful one.
The Menendez brothers, another famous case that has made its way back into the spotlight, are primarily known for their attractive appearance despite the charges against them. Murdering one’s parent would ordinarily be a notable charge and trial. Yet, during their incarceration and even still, the brothers have remained among some of the most attractive criminals. Pretty privilege has helped them remain in the favor of the public eye. The two brothers, Lyle and Erik, have recently been up for probation and have been receiving significant support from the public. Society’s interest in the case is overwhelmingly based on the brothers’ charm with people taking to social media to express their interest in the two boys.
Richard Ramirez, also known as the Night Stalker among other alias’, was known for killing at least 13 people and kidnapping and burglarizing them before their subsequent deaths. He was also a sex offender and was charged with violent sex crimes towards his victims. After his arrest in 1985, he was said to have had at least 15 girlfriends during his time being incarcerated and received many love letters. Ironically, his fanbase is women despite his attacks being towards them. Ramirez had 19 charges against him, all violent and gruesome, but somehow makes the list of the most attractive serial killers, being lusted after by many young women still today.
Sexual Crimes by ‘Sexy’ Women
Men aren’t the only ones that develop a fanbase based on their attraction. Women also benefit from pretty privilege. Pamela Joan Rogers, a documented sex offender, was imprisoned for statutory rape against her student. The elementary school teacher had sexual encounters with one of her students, a 13-year-old boy, and was sentenced to prison. Even after her release, she continued to communicate and engage in sexual activities and conversation with the boy. Despite this awful interaction and the crime Rogers had committed, the general public has not held her to the same standard they would a man who had done the same thing. Why? Because Pamela Joan Rogers is a beautiful woman. Comments regarding the case are generally defending her, saying the student should consider himself lucky for being chosen by such a pretty woman.
Pretty privilege meaning is getting away with sexual crimes against minors because you are conventionally attractive.
Debra Jean Beasley Lafave, another school teacher, was charged with engaging in sexual activity with a teenager. Her legacy is about her beauty, focused on her long blond hair and piercing colored eyes. Conversations around her rarely involve her actions toward the minor. Even in news reports about her, she is described as a beautiful blonde, and her appearance is detailed first before describing how she is a convicted sex offender. Online, she is said to be known as a “beautiful monster, a seductive pervert, a lovely wrecker of lives,” making the central focus around her how she looks and romanticizing her.
Pretty privilege applies to every aspect of our society. Pretty people are respected more, they are approached more, and given more freedom and less accountability. Pretty privilege meaning is to do whatever you want and know the public will not clock you as severely as someone who isn’t as pretty. Criminals who have committed the worst of crimes, varying from sexual violence, murder, theft, and statutory rape, have been infatuated by members of the public based on how attractive they are. Teachers preying on their students are desired by the public. Students are told to be considered lucky for getting action from a woman so beautiful. How bad does the crime have to be for even the most beautiful of individuals to be held genuinely accountable?
Do you notice the imbalance of accountability towards criminals who are and are not seen as pretty by society? Let us know in the comments below!
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