Jack the Ripper's victims were prostitutes murdered while selling sex on the streets of Whitechapel - that's what historian Hallie Rubenhold thought when she started researching the crimes. She was wrong.
As she looked into the case, she discovered much of the familiar Ripper story is totally false. But by challenging that myth and trying to tell the true stories of the murdered women, Hallie attracted a storm of criticism.
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10/05/21 • 30 min
9 Listeners
Bad Women: The Blackout Ripper - S1 E1: The Ripper Myth
Transcript Summary
In this gripping episode titled "The Ripper Myth," the speaker challenges the traditional narrative surrounding Jack the Ripper, questioning the validity of the DNA evidence linking him to a Whitechapel barber. Criticizing the qualifications of Ripperologists and the mistreatment of the victims, the speaker delves into the casual misogyny and objectification within the Ripperology community. By emphasizing the importance of understanding the lives of the victims and the societal issues they faced, the speaker promises to present a unique perspective on the case. This thought-provoking podcast uncovers the individual lives and stories of the women brutally killed in poverty-stricken East London, shedding light on the overshadowed tales of the victims rather than the enigma of the killer. With a critical lens on the commercialization and glamorization of the murders, the episode explores the social implications of how the victims, particularly those involved in sex work, have been perceived and treated. This intriguing episode even touches upon ongoing DNA analysis using a shawl found near one of the victims, potentially uncovering the true identity of Jack the Ripper.
Transcript
Pushkin. It's the coldest of cold cases. A murder of the most brutal kind was committed in the neighborhood of Whitechapel in the early hours. But by whom and with what motive is at present a complete mystery. In the fall of eighteen eighty eight, woman after woman after woman was murdered in the dark backstreets of poverty stricken East London. This poor creature was taken into the yard and butchered. Are nearly finded away at what I saw. The ki
S1 E1: The Ripper Myth Top Questions Answered
Is the DNA evidence linking the Whitechapel barber to the Ripper case reliable?
The speaker questions the validity of the DNA evidence linking a Whitechapel barber to the Ripper case, suggesting doubts about its reliability.
What issues are there with the provenance and contamination of the shawl linked to Jack the Ripper?
The speaker discusses issues of provenance and contamination surrounding the shawl that supposedly contains DNA evidence related to Jack the Ripper.
How common is the mitochondrial DNA mutation reported as rare in the Ripper case?
Contrary to earlier beliefs, the mitochondrial DNA mutation reported as rare in the Ripper case is actually very common in the population.
Why does focusing on identifying Jack the Ripper detract from understanding the social context of the murders and the plight of women?
The speaker argues that focusing on identifying Jack the Ripper detracts from understanding the social context of the murders and the difficult circumstances faced by women at the time.
What criticism has the speaker faced for challenging Ripperology?
The speaker highlights the criticism and backlash she has faced for challenging Ripperology, questioning the established beliefs and theories surrounding Jack the Ripper.
Why are Ripperologists criticized for their obsession with the blood and gore of the case?
Ripperologists are criticized for their obsession with the blood and gore of the Jack the Ripper case, often neglecting the broader social and historical context surrounding the murders.
How does Ripperology often ignore the lives and stories of the victims?
The speaker suggests that Ripperology often ignores the lives and stories of the victims, focusing primarily on the identity and actions of the killer.
Do some Ripperologists rank the murder victims based on physical attractiveness?
Yes, some Ripperologists rank the murder victims based on physical attractiveness, a practice that has been criticized for its insensitivity and objectification of the victims.
Why has historical research on the Whitechapel murders been poorly done and often floundered when involving science?
Historical research on the Whitechapel murders has been poorly done and often flounders when involving science due to various factors, including incomplete records and insufficient scientific analysis.
How does the mistreatment and exclusion of women contribute to the inadequate telling of the Ripper story?
The speaker suggests that the mistreatment and exclusion of women in society contribute to the inadequate telling of the Ripper story, as their voices and experiences are often marginalized or disregarded.
Can DNA samples from the victims' belongings potentially identify the Jack the Ripper killer?
The podcast mentions ongoing scientific efforts to analyze DNA samples from the victims' belongings in an attempt to potentially identify the Jack the Ripper killer.
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