The idea of the "criminal mastermind" is a myth from "summary" of The Mythology of Crime and Criminal Justice by Victor E. Kappeler,Gary W. Potter
The concept of the "criminal mastermind" is a popular one in our society, often portrayed in movies and television shows as a highly intelligent and cunning individual who is able to outsmart law enforcement at every turn. This image of the criminal mastermind has become ingrained in our cultural mythology, perpetuated by the media and popular culture. However, the reality is that the idea of the criminal mastermind is largely a myth. In reality, most criminals are not geniuses with exceptional intelligence and meticulous planning skills. Instead, many criminals are impulsive, opportunistic, and driven by a variety of factors such as poverty, addiction, or mental illness. While there are certainly some criminals who exhibit a higher level of intelligence and planning skills, they are the exception rather than the rule. In fact, research has shown that many criminals have below-average intelligence and limited planning abilities. This is not to say that all criminals are unintelligent, but rather that the image of the criminal mastermind is not representative of the majority of offenders. Furthermore, the idea of the criminal mastermind can be harmful in that it perpetuates the myth that crime is committed by a select few individuals who are inherently evil or deviant. This myth can lead to misconceptions about the nature of crime and criminal behavior, and can prevent us from addressing the root causes of criminal behavior such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to resources. In reality, crime is a complex and multifaceted issue that is influenced by a wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors. By focusing on the myth of the criminal mastermind, we overlook the larger systemic issues that contribute to crime and criminal behavior. It is important to move beyond this myth and take a more nuanced and holistic approach to understanding and addressing crime in our society.
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