If you’ve been active on social media lately, you’ve likely heard about or even watched the Netflix series Making a Murderer. I delayed watching it for as long as I could, still immersed in a binge of another series. However, my daughter, a college sophomore visiting for winter break, asked me to join her in watching it. When your college-age child invites you to spend time together, you jump at the chance. Thus began our marathon viewing session that we simply couldn’t pause.
Being from Minnesota, we found the Midwestern quirks relatable, perhaps even more so than viewers from other regions. If you’ve spent time in Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin, you’ve surely met people similar to the Avery family. It wasn’t until a friend pointed out the subtitles that I even noticed their presence. The charm of the upper-Midwest in the ’90s was amusing at first—everything from the hairstyles to the oversized glasses to Dolores Avery’s unique owl lamps. But soon, we were fully absorbed in the unfolding narrative.
To give you a brief overview without giving too much away: Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man, was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in 1985 and spent 18 years in prison until DNA evidence identified someone else as the perpetrator. Though not without his own faults, the inconsistencies in the case against him were glaring. Just two years after his release, he was arrested again, this time for the murder of local photographer Teresa Halbach. I won’t reveal more—just head to Netflix!
As a mother of nearly 22 years, my perspective on this series was deeply affected by my experiences. My heart went out to Dolores Avery, Steven’s mother, as she recounted her visits to her son in prison, saying, “Even when it was icy, I drove there.” Anyone familiar with winter driving knows the bravery it takes to navigate those treacherous roads, but a mother’s love makes it possible.
Another poignant story is that of Barb, the mother of Brendan Dassey, who becomes involved in the investigation surrounding Halbach’s murder. Brendan’s recorded phone conversations with Barb are simple yet profound, showcasing their bond. One line that truly struck me was when Barb reassured her son, who was struggling to understand the situation, saying, “You’re not stupid to me.” Any mother who has comforted a child filled with insecurities can relate to the raw emotion in that statement.
The mothers in this series face unimaginable challenges, from Dolores’s visits to Barb’s emotional breakdown amidst reporters, to Teresa Halbach’s mother—who, while less vocal, is the one who suffered the most in this tragic tale. The stories of these mothers highlight the varied experiences in parenting, influenced by factors like education, socio-economic status, and genetics.
The narrative unfolds like a fitted sheet pulled from a linen closet—a tangled mess that defies reason. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend doing so. It’s likely to evoke feelings of anger and sadness, but it will also provide valuable perspective.
After watching, I found that the pile of dirty dishes in my teenager’s room no longer felt like such a personal affront. And I made sure to hug my kids, as tightly as I could.
For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out this post on home insemination and consider visiting this authoritative source for more information. Additionally, this blog offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- How do parenting dynamics change in crisis?
- What are the emotional challenges of parenting?
- How to support a child in legal trouble?
- What can we learn from Making a Murderer?
- How do socio-economic factors affect parenting?
Summary:
This article reflects on the emotional journeys of the mothers featured in Making a Murderer, highlighting the profound impact of parenting on their lives amidst the tumultuous events surrounding the case. It offers a look into the challenges mothers face, the bonds they share with their children, and the broader implications of parenting influenced by societal factors.