"Dexter: Resurrection" is here, promising to dissect our morbid fascination with serial killers. Fine. But whose fascination are we talking about? And whose stories get told? Dexter Morgan returns as well as showrunner Clyde Phillips! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives us a unique chance to explore the psychology of serial killers and the narratives we create around them. Here’s the thing — at least right now, that story is extremely Western, white, and frankly boring.
Whose Stories Are We Ignoring?
As exemplified by the true crime genre, immensely popular but ultimately paralyzed by a complete lack of diversity. So how many true crime documentaries have you watched centered on African serial killers. But how many fictional portrayals take the time to look beyond the borders of serial murder’s homeland of North America and Europe. The answer is likely: not enough.
This isn't just about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding that crime, and the reasons for it, are rooted in cultural context. African countries are different socially and economically, given the legacy of colonialism and the effects of conflict. These realities produce a crime environment that is almost unrecognizable compared to those better-known environments of American suburbs. To deny or gloss over these realities is to continue down a dangerous, false path that only deepens existing inequities that are all too real.
| Region | Representation in True Crime Media | Estimated % of Global Population |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Extremely High | ~5% |
| Europe | High | ~10% |
| Africa | Shockingly Low | ~18% |
| Asia | Moderate | ~60% |
Think about it: we're constantly bombarded with narratives of American serial killers. We know them by name, how they did it, what they claimed were their reasons. What of the invisible victims, those that fall under the cracks of crimes that don’t make international headlines. What about the unheard narratives of hope and activism in African communities attempting to make sense of a new wave of violence?
On paper, “Resurrection” is meant to be a metaphorical mirror reflecting back to us our unhealthy obsession with serial killers. What if that shiny mirror only shows a small dark spot? Only then the show can fulfill its promise to shatter stereotypes about Africa. It reclaims the patronizing narratives of desperation, crime, and perpetual war. It can do this by:
Can Dexter Challenge Stereotypes?
Now, picture Dexter’s dark passenger steering him to solve a string of ritualistic murders in Nigeria. As he follows the trail of the killer, he needs to deal with and understand the deep cultural beliefs that are behind this violence. That's a story worth telling.
- Featuring African Characters: Not just as victims, but as investigators, psychologists, and even… yes, killers. But with depth, complexity, and agency.
- Exploring African Cultural Beliefs: How do different African cultures view crime, justice, and the supernatural? Incorporating these beliefs can add a layer of richness and nuance to the narrative.
- Addressing Specific Challenges: Highlighting the unique challenges faced by African communities in combating crime, such as limited resources, political instability, and the legacy of colonialism.
"This is not merely a matter of optics and representation, this is justice." "Dexter: Resurrection" has the potential to spark a global conversation about crime, justice, and the power of storytelling. It can't do it alone.
Time to Act: A Call To African Storytellers
We’ve got to get behind African filmmakers, writers, journalists who are telling these stories themselves, in their own voices. Help us tell a different story and combat the prevailing narratives! It is time to demand better and more equitable representations of crime and justice across the globe.
"Dexter: Resurrection" is a chance to do better. Let's not waste it. Let’s call for more captivating narratives. We need those narratives to be diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the real world. Crime, which is pretty complex and fascinating in its own right, is really about the public response to crime. Yet not one story can ever fully do it justice. It’s high time we began hearing from these silenced constituencies.
So, what can you do?
- Seek out African Films and TV Shows: Explore platforms like Showmax, IrokoTV, and Netflix's African content.
- Support African Authors: Read books by African crime writers and journalists.
- Donate to Organizations: Support organizations working to combat crime and promote justice in African communities.
"Dexter: Resurrection" is a chance to do better. Let's not waste it. Let's demand stories that are not only thrilling but also diverse, inclusive, and representative of the world we live in. Because the truth is, the world of crime is far more complex and fascinating than any single narrative can capture. And it's time we started listening to the forgotten voices.
Don't just watch. Engage. Demand better. The world deserves it.
