The text critiques the portrayal of killers in media as "savage" or "animalistic," arguing that such representations are misleading and serve more to comfort humans than to reflect reality. It questions the persistence of the stereotype of the animalistic killer, suggesting that this stereotype allows people to distance themselves from the darker aspects of their own nature. By framing killers as less than human, it elevates humanity, placing them at the top of an evolutionary hierarchy.
The author asserts that true animal behavior does not include killing for thrill; this is uniquely human. The comparison to mythological creatures like werewolves serves to highlight this distinction. Instead of being driven by a primal instinct, those who kill for sport are portraying an exaggerated version of their own humanity, making the act more about human flaws than animalistic tendencies. In essence, the text suggests that empathy and understanding are crucial for addressing the complexities of human behavior.