Why Netflix’s new true crime docu ‘The Ripper’ has got people talking
We found a new Netflix true crime docu series for you to binge on this weekend, and it is about “one of the largest and most expensive manhunts in British history,” The Ripper.
The four-part docu series recounts the investigation of the Yorkshire Ripper murders that happened in 1975-1980 in North of England. Over 13 women were killed and seven more were attempted to be murdered. The killer was on the loose until he was caught for using false car plates.
But there’s more to the story that goes beyond murder: misogyny and violence against women. The Ripper re-evaluates the problems that delayed the capture of Peter Sutcliffe, the so-called Yorkshire Ripper, using raw archival footages of the investigation. In the documentary, the police and detectives in West Yorkshire were criticized for how they view sex workers and women in general.
What people are saying
The series sheds light on how misogyny and sexism still haven’t changed over the years. People were saddened when they found out that it still exists up to this day.
It's really annoying how times really haven't changed either, women are still being blamed for sexual crimes 'well she had a drink' 'her skirt was too short' women should be allowed to feel safe to go out whether it was 1977 or 2020 #TheRipper
— Melissa. (@melissaztweets) December 17, 2020
#TheRipper
— Bala - Not-So Quiet Australian (@Kepler186F_IN) December 17, 2020
We haven't evolved one tiny bit since the 70s/80s. Our society is still deeply misogynistic. Sexwork is a "lifestyle" FFS. Police still don't care until an "innocent" victim from a "decent" family is killed. We have to do better. Ripper & police were/are misogynistic. pic.twitter.com/QVr8R2r1Ca
So much talk of 'prostitutes' over 'women' - and don't get me started on '*innocent* victims'.
Women out at night are not immoral. Sex workers are not less valuable.#TheRipper
A lot of viewers were infuriated with how the police handled the crime and how they talked badly about the victims, calling them "prostitutes."
So much talk of 'prostitutes' over 'women' - and don't get me started on '*innocent* victims'.
Women out at night are not immoral. Sex workers are not less valuable.#TheRipper— Grumpelina (@Grumpelina) December 18, 2020
#TheRipper is rightly talking about how disgraceful the treatment of Sutcliffe's sex worker victims was. From the press to the police, no of them really cared until what they deemed and "innocent" girl was killed.
— Sara I I I ?? (@sarac93) December 17, 2020
It's also showing how that vile mindset hasn't really changed. ?
Other English viewers recalled the that horrible time during the late 1970s, one said Sutcliffe "had the whole city terrified."
#TheRipper on Netflix growing up in Leeds, I remember my dad going to meet my sister off the bus every night after she finished work fr 5 years, the murdering scumbag,he had the whole city terrified! RIP to every single victim
— kevin cressey (@KevCressey) December 17, 2020
I remember when Richard McCann came to my school to give a motivational speech about his life regarding his mother's murder and the aftermath, and to see him now on Netflix new series #TheRipper is amazing.
— Travis Cox (@middlenamebig) December 17, 2020
A truly inspirational man. pic.twitter.com/o2mSrtbnOm
Always trepidation at watching a documentary about something so close locally and I remember as a kid. But #TheRipper on Netflix was as good an overview of it all as Ive seen. My missus especially knows alot about it being from Bingley. Hopefully thats the last tv one though.
— Nige_Hally (@nige_hally) December 17, 2020
Watch the trailer below:
Photos from Netflix