The Face of Criminality

 What do we see when we try and picture a criminal in our mind? Understandably, many cannot help but think of mug shots, which are invariably tied to the criminals they portray. But what characterizes these glimpses into the criminal mind? One can only conjecture that every person’s story pressures their very visage in the shots so etched in our brains. There is a long history of mug shots, supported by a wide range of character portrayed in the subjects, which all culminate in creating a “mug shot culture.”
 A quick history of mug shots could not be complete without Alan Pinkerton. Credited with creating the concept in the days of the “Wild West,” Pinkerton would go on to collect the largest single collection of booking photographs of the time. Most of the pictures of this era came in the form of “Wanted” posters. As the times changed, so did the standards for mug shots. Nowadays, mug shots are taken mostly with digital cameras, and have some guidelines to follow since a change in policy in 1995. But more important than history and procedure, is a discussion on the character of those portrayed in mug shots.

 So what do criminals really feel when they are placed in front of the glaring eye of the police photographer? They sneer, they cry, they laugh hysterically, but what does it all mean? Some over-exaggerated mugs, or faces, were often used in earlier pictures to obscure an identity. More saddened shots can be seen as seeded in guilt, or possibly utter surprise. Those intoxicated are not without their own exuberant portrayal, and their pictures seep into every other category of faces. One of which is celebrities, brought down from their usual place of Godliness, wrecked for all to see. Women and children are also susceptible, and their photos are sometimes more frightening simply due to our perceptions of the world. And what could be more shocking than a picture of a man bloody and beaten posing for the police? While this is all interesting, it is surprising to learn that all these niches of mug shot photography make up a minority. For the most part, these pictures are almost a catalogue of normalcy. Most subjects are not looking to have their picture be sensational. And what is so amazing is that even so, every subject still takes on a life of their own when we look at them.

 After looking at rows and rows of mug shots, as well as reading endless analysis, it is clear that mug shots have created their own culture. They are sensationalized in every form, especially on the Internet. All of this has been spurred on by celebrity, and the search for some form of immortality. The public is invariably fascinated by these simple pictures, as they support and build our notion of what a criminal is, or the “criminal culture.”  

 So as history brings new meaning to these samples, it is imperative we see them as what they are. Whether they are incredible shows of character, or mysteriously blank slates, all mug shots remind us of the fallacies of humankind. They teach us that there are consequences. They teach us that life is not a free ride. But most importantly, they teach us that anyone, even one of us, could be susceptible to a life of crime.

Blog Questions:

Please do number 1 and your choice of numbers 2-4.

1. Regarding the presentation and research summary, is there anything that is unclear or should be elaborated on? Any thoughts you have would be much appreciated.
2. What do you think the connection is between a person’s mug shot and whether they are guilty or innocent? Is guilt shown in the pictures?
3. What do you think the cultural purpose is of mug shots? Why are many people so fascinated with them?
4. Write a short police report to go along with the mug shot picture above (in blog). Then tell what happened through the point of view of the accused in a creative piece.