America We Have a Problem

Why do we keep falling for the wrong man?

“But mama, I'm in love with a criminal,
And this type of love isn't rational, it's physical.
Mama, please don't cry, I will be alright,
All reason aside, I just can't deny, I love the guy.”
– Britney Spears, “Criminal” (Femme Fatale, 2011)

America, we have a problem. We need to talk to our mamas right now.

In 2014, Jeremy Meeks, arrested on weapons charges in Stockton, California, became an overnight sensation when his mug shot was posted on the police department’s Facebook page. Nicknamed “Hot Felon,” Meeks’ piercing blue eyes and chiseled jawline turned him into a viral phenomenon. After serving his sentence, he launched a successful modeling career, walking runways and transforming his life.

Fast forward to this week, and I shouldn’t be bewildered—but I am—by the whirlwind cult of personality surrounding Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old man arrested for the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive, Brian Thompson. Handsome pic in a hoodie, acting out against the horrid health insurance industry—we have the makings of an obsession.

From viral TikTok skits to Reddit threads bordering on sympathy—or even rooting for vigilantism—it’s a bizarre spectacle. But should we really be surprised?

America has always had a fascination with “pretty criminals.” From outlaws to con artists, we’ve romanticized those who break the law, especially when they seem to embody a David-versus-Goliath fight against the system. Whether it’s charm, good looks, or the “wronged little guy” narrative, we’ve often blurred the line between villain and antihero.

The Pretty (and Pretty Dangerous)

Some of the most infamous figures in American history show how often charm and good looks skew our perceptions of crime:

Bank Robbers

1. Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang

   • Romanticized as a Robin Hood figure, Jesse James became a folk hero despite his violent crimes.

2. Bonnie and Clyde

   • The Depression-era couple captured America’s imagination with their crime spree and star-crossed love story.

3. John Dillinger

   • “Public Enemy No. 1” during the 1930s, Dillinger’s charisma and daring escapes turned him into a legend.

4. Pretty Boy Floyd

   • Known for his charm, Floyd was viewed as a defender of the poor, allegedly destroying mortgage documents during robberies.

5. Willie Sutton

   • Famous for quipping, “Because that’s where the money is,” Sutton’s wit overshadowed his mid-20th-century bank heists.

Con Artists and Cult Leaders

1. Charles Ponzi

   • The man behind the infamous Ponzi Scheme defrauded thousands but retained a bizarre folk hero status.

2. Frank Abagnale Jr.

   • His teenage scams inspired the movie Catch Me If You Can. Unlike others, he reformed and worked for the FBI.

3. Al Capone

   • The Prohibition-era mob boss became a symbol of rebellion against authority despite his violent empire.

4. Billy the Kid

   • A Wild West outlaw whose legacy as an antihero continues to endure.

Serial Killers

1. Ted Bundy

   • Bundy’s charm and education captivated many, even as he committed unspeakable crimes against young women.

2. Charles Manson

   • While not a killer himself, Manson’s bizarre charisma fueled a cult that carried out gruesome murders.

3. The Zodiac Killer

   • Taunting police with cryptic letters, the Zodiac Killer’s unsolved crimes have sparked endless fascination.

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Let’s face it: Murder is wrong. Crime is wrong. We must hold onto standards that promote accountability, civil discourse, and disagreement without violence. But we all sort of forget this if the circumstances… go viral.

America, we’re falling for bad boys—and it never ends well.