DOES BEING ATTRACTIVE HELP YOU AS A CRIMINAL?

Introduction

The relationship between physical attractiveness and crime has long been a topic of interest in the fields of criminology, psychology, and sociology. While it may seem counterintuitive, research has shown that physical attractiveness can play a significant role in the commission and prosecution of crimes. In this article, we will explore the impact of physical attractiveness on crime, examining both the scientific research and notorious cases that illustrate this phenomenon.

In a previous post entitled DOES BEING ATTRACTIVE HELP YOU IN COURT, it was discussed (and further discovered) that we must accept living in a world where the beautiful people can literally get away with murder and that the ugly are banished to more severe forms of punishment in this lifetime. Sucks, right? Well… only if you are ugly.

That said, all conclusive evidence suggests it helps to be good-looking and definitely does not hurt your legal chances. So just to piggyback on all this groundbreaking information, we now explore How Exactly Being Attractive helps you as a Criminal.

Does being attractive help you as a criminal?

Yes, it in fact does, and science seems to back it all up. Numerous experiments and interviews conducted with mock jurors and law enforcement officials found that more attractive defendants were less likely to be convicted through the criminal justice system. Furthermore, if and when found guilty, they also tended to receive less severe forms of punishment.

Science has shown that being attractive and individuals with good looks carry the perception of having higher levels of intelligence, being more honest, and increased levels of success

Although physically attractive individuals are no better than lesser attractive people per se, the stereotype regarding attraction is very much alive and well, and one that sticks throughout life.

How does being attractive help you as a criminal?

Study after study suggest that people make major decisions based on how attractive other people look. Aside from the previously mentioned, we automatically assume positive moral traits are tied to good looks, with the preconceived notion that an attractive individual appears to be more trustworthy, socially skilled, and likeable as opposed to their lesser attractive counterparts.

It is due to possessing these positive character traits and qualities (mind you, not achieved genuinely, but by way of good looks), that one could very much find themselves being able to escape certain legal ramifications, or at the very least, experience a less severe form of punishment from their actions.

The surreal reality of this is true. Good looks will all but guarantee someone a better chance of negotiating a more favorable outcome in everyday life situations, with the ability to capture and persuade their audience at a much higher rate.

For the rather ambitious individual, it would be extremely hard not to capitalize on all these available opportunities, felon or not.

What is the Attraction Leniency Effect?

The attraction leniency effect (ALE) suggests that physically attractive individuals are less likely to be perceived as guilty compared to a less attractive person on the basis of someone making a decision in respect to legal consequences.

This leniency and bias were commonly observed in numerous mock court trials and experiments with jurors needing significantly less evidence to reach a more favorable verdict when the face of a defendant appeared to be more pleasant to the eyes and theoretically construed as more trustworthy.

The reason for the biasing effect of facial trustworthiness on judicial decisions might be due to the activation of criminal stereotypes. Trustworthiness and criminal appearance were closely related.

Untrustworthy faces were generally perceived as more criminal in appearance than trustworthy faces; a more attractive face is commonly perceived as trustworthy, so subsequently that person is considered less of a threat due to having less of a criminal appearance.

What is the Halo Effect?

The Halo Effect is the theory that when someone is attractive, we often seem influenced to regard them in a certain way and assign them of having other positive traits (kindness, generosity, friendliness). This is known as the halo effect.

In courts, psychological research has shown the halo effect to often influence verdicts made by many juries.

For example, you might see a physically beautiful person and assume they are generous, smart, and caring, and would make an ideal mate and romantic partner, however, the inherent flaw with “The Halo Effect” is that it leads to poor, irrational decision-making resulting in dire consequences due to someone being overly reliant on first impressions.

As it stands, a jury may not exactly qualify as a rational decision-maker, and with certain pre-conceived notions that are hard to ignore (attraction), the obvious potential of biasness in legal decision making is certainly a possibility whether we want to admit it or not.

Notorious Cases: Jeremy Meeks and Beyond

One of the most notable examples of the impact of physical attractiveness on crime is the case of Jeremy Meeks, also known as the “Hot Felon.” Meeks, a former convict, gained international attention after his mugshot was posted online by the Stockton Police Department.

His chiseled features and piercing eyes made him an overnight sensation, with many people expressing surprise that someone so attractive could be a convicted felon. Meeks’ case highlights the power of physical attractiveness in shaping public perception and influencing the criminal justice system.

Other notorious cases, such as those of serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy, also illustrate the impact of physical attractiveness on crime. Both Dahmer and Bundy were known for their good looks, which they used to lure victims into their traps.

Their attractiveness also contributed to their notoriety, with many people fascinated by the contrast between their physical appearance and their heinous crimes.

The Science Behind Attractiveness and Crime

So, what is it about physical attractiveness that makes it a contributing factor to crime? Research suggests that attractiveness can influence an individual’s self-esteem, confidence, and social status, all of which can contribute to their likelihood of committing a crime.

Additionally, attractive individuals may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or promiscuity, which can increase their likelihood of encountering the criminal justice system.

Contributing Factors to Attractiveness and Crime

While physical attractiveness is certainly a contributing factor to crime, it is not the only one. Other factors, such as socioeconomic status, education level, and mental health, can also play a significant role.

For example, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may be more likely to engage in criminal activity due to limited opportunities and resources. Similarly, individuals with mental health issues may be more likely to commit crimes due to impaired judgment or impulse control.

In the case of Jeremy Meeks, his attractiveness was likely influenced by his relationship with Chloe Green, a wealthy heiress who was 26 years his junior. Meeks’ involvement with Green, who was also a model, may have contributed to his own modeling career and increased his visibility in the public eye.

Conclusion

the relationship between physical attractiveness and crime is complex and multifaceted. While attractiveness can certainly play a role in shaping public perception and influencing the criminal justice system, it is just one of many contributing factors to crime.

By examining both the scientific research and notorious cases, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of physical attractiveness on crime and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.