Lizzie Borden Society Forum

I've got an article entitled "The Manson Myth" up at http://www.crimemagazine.com/04/manson,1212.htm

I'd be interested in knowing what people think of it. Did I successfully demolish the mythology around Charles Manson?

I enjoyed the article very much. It really makes you wonder if, had he had a different start to his life, he would have turned out differently.

It seems very possible that the whole scenario people have come to accept about Charles Manson was false....something created by a girl who was obviously a wacko....and perpetuated by the media and those who could make a profit off of their creation.

Obviously, a plain and ordinary Charles Manson who was part of a pack of doped up, dirty, thieving hippies who turned to killing did not have the same powerful impact as a charismatic leader of a "family" who followed his every command. Charismatic Charlie was much more profitable.

I really enjoyed the article too and I am always glad when someone tries to get rid of the Manson Family mystique. They really are just a bunch of deadly and dangerous losers. I think at least some of them enjoy the reputation the press created though. I remember an interview where Manson kind of growled and did kind of a sinister laugh at the reporter. I also remember a show (maybe Oprah) where Sharon Tate's sister was a guest and she was trying to convince some teenagers in the audience that Charles Manson wasn't some special person, just a common criminal. The kids were wearing T-shirts with Charles Manson on them. I think these people also contribute to the mythology surrounding the Manson "family". It was a very good article and well researched.

I thoroughly enjoyed the article. I believe you demolished the myth of Manson's charisma. I certainly do believe that people will do things in a group that they would not do individually. That doesn't mean that anyone in the group needs any remarkable charisma. Peer pressure is certainly a common enough phenomenon without that, alas.

Yet another Manson Family member parole request:

http://www.csmonitor.com/From-the-news- ... -19th-time