Hypertext Magazine asked Matt Fitzpatrick, author of Matriarch Game, “As Americans, who throughout our history have always felt like the good guys, why are we so infatuated with stories on film and in print that deal with ‘bad people who do bad things?'”

By Matt Fitzpatrick

As a crime writer, I often get asked questions of this type. I think that the fascination with the bad boys of society stems from their not having to play by the rules.

Granted, we have the luxury of living in a society that enjoys much more social latitude than is found in other parts of the world. However, we still have rules and social mores to which we must abide.

We’re free, but we “Can’t park here”, “Don’t go over 65 mph”, “No beer until 21”, “Stay after school”, “Back of the line!”, “Don’t walk on the grass”, “Taxes on EVERYTHING”, and the list is endless.

However, there exists a group within our society to whom the rules don’t apply. Whether it’s Don Corleone in The Godfather, Peter Fonda in Easy Rider, or Hunter Thompson, we idolize a certain sect of society that seemingly goes through life existing beyond the reaches of society’s barriers.

What would the massive world of rock ‘n roll be without Sid Vicious and Iggy Pop? We fantasize about that freedom and collective finger in the air.

At times, why do we find ourselves rooting for the villain?

For the most part, people are peaceful and good to one another. But there’s a part deep down in our subconscious that entertains the fantasy of smiting those who have crossed us. As upstanding citizens, the vast majority of us don’t dare to take action.

But the fantasy of Scarface’s Tony Montana rising up from arriving from the Mariel Boatlift as an impoverished immigrant to a man of total power and wealth, intrigues many American readers and movie goers.

For so many of us, we fantasize about how nice it would be to, even for a day, be able to slash the boss’ tires with impunity.

I think that while in the “Land of the Free”, as long as there exists social barriers and economic glass ceilings, the crime genre will thrive.

Plus, so many of the stories are just plain fun and an entertaining escape. My only hope is that the readers find similar enjoyment in my second novel, Matriarch Game.

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