Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders The Revisionist History Holiday Sampler
Dec 21, 2021
Historian Hallie Rubenhold, known for her groundbreaking research on Jack the Ripper's victims, delves into the often-misunderstood lives of Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Mary Jane. They discuss how these women battled the rampant misogyny of Victorian England, redefining their narratives as anything but ‘bad.’ The conversation also touches on the historical stigma of syphilis and the oppressive societal practices of the time. Plus, get a sneak peek into innovative uses of COVID-sniffing dogs at concerts, showcasing their unique roles in modern events.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Bad Women: Ripper Retold
- In 1888, five prostitutes were murdered in London, and the killer was nicknamed Jack the Ripper.
- Historian Hallie Rubenhold is retelling their stories in Bad Women: Ripper Retold.
Elizabeth Stride's Story
- Elizabeth Stride, one of the Ripper's victims, was born in Sweden and worked as a servant.
- After becoming pregnant and contracting syphilis, she was forced into prostitution.
Sex and the Law
- In 19th-century Sweden, extramarital sex and illegitimate pregnancies were illegal.
- Pregnant, single women were often registered as prostitutes and subjected to invasive examinations.