Psychopaths
Psychopaths are not necessarily physically violent, but exhibit behavior that appears monstrous and lacks moral principles. Their violation of the rules of society for self gratification through their monstrous actions, makes them "social predators" (Wright 149). Yet, psychopaths have the ability to be successful citizens in society if they are able to consistently put up a normal front. But it is exactly this performance of normality that makes the monstrous other so terrifyingly invisible and close to us. Psychopaths are able to hide their monstrosity and this lack of visible markers "undermines any attempt to identify him as categorically 'other', completely different to 'us', normal people" (Wright 155). Thus, it is not until after the person's monstrous acts, that one can label a psychopath.
Two examples of psychopaths in literature are Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Josie in The Skriker.
In One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Randle McMurphy declares himself insane and admits himself to a mental hospital to avoid his prison sentence for insubordination in the army. Although Randle is not clinically insane like the other patients, he could be thought of as a psychopath as he undergoes emotional outbreaks and consistently choses to disregard Nurse Ratched's and the mental institution's rules as a fun game for himself. Randle purposely causes chaos and seems to lack any remorse or empathy for the trouble he causes. Therefore, in the view of Nurse Ratched and "normal" society, Randle is a psychopath.
In The Skriker, Josie can be classified as a psychopath as she is admitted to a mental hospital after murdering her baby and baking her into a pie. Josie struggles with mental health issues and is pushed into psychopathy through the presence of the Skriker.
The Skriker is a ancient fairy that can shapeshift and take different human forms. The Skriker uses magic and human appearance to tap into the characters internal monstrosity. Like Josie, Josie's sister Lily falls under the Skriker’s power and control. They both end up being haunted by this creature, who brings out their internal monstrosity. The Skriker appears to be utterly human, but represents the invisible monstrosity that lies within. This invisible monster is able to induce monstrous behavior out of people, driving them away from normal society and making them psychopaths.
Psychopaths in Social Media
Society has a growing fascination with psychopath and serial killers (visit serial killers page), which is shown in the widely popular crime TV shows. NCIS, Criminal Minds, and Law & Order are a few examples of popular crime shows that explore investigations of various crimes and murders. These shows come up with "some of the most gruesome and unthinkable cases" and crimes to give the audience the shock factor they desire (Anderson 2020). Warning: following clips may have some graphic content and violence.More killer and psychopath clips from 'Criminal Minds' can be found here.
But what does this attraction to the consumption of monstrous crimes tell us about ourselves and society? We are simultaneously appalled and fascinated by behaviors so evil but fundamentally human. Monstrosity is integral to the human condition. It inhabits us as much as we inhabit it, which is seen through this social media obsession. Thus, monstrosity becomes "a mode of existence" that survives no matter what (Lestel 265).