bbc.com
Forty Elephants": Disney+ Series Dramatizes True Story of All-Female London Gang
A new Disney+ series, "The Thousand Cuts," tells the true story of Mary Carr, the leader of the all-female London gang "Forty Elephants," active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for their sophisticated shoplifting and blackmail schemes, and their internal code of conduct.
- What does the continued existence of the "Forty Elephants" after Mary Carr's death reveal about the broader dynamics of organized crime and gender roles in London?
- The series explores the lasting legacy of the Forty Elephants, whose activities continued even after Mary Carr's death. This suggests a broader trend of female involvement in organized crime throughout London's history, highlighting the resilience and adaptation of criminal networks.
- How did societal perceptions influence the success of the Forty Elephants' criminal activities, and what role did their internal code of conduct play in their operations?
- The show highlights the organized nature of the Forty Elephants, who had a code of conduct including equal distribution of spoils and a ban on stealing from each other. This contrasts with opportunistic theft, emphasizing their sophisticated operation, which exploited societal assumptions about women's honesty.
- What were the key criminal activities of Mary Carr's "Forty Elephants" gang, and what made their operations unique compared to other criminal organizations in 19th-century London?
- The Thousand Cuts" dramatizes the true story of Mary Carr, leader of the all-female London gang "Forty Elephants," known for their elaborate shoplifting schemes and blackmail operations. The series, created by Steven Knight, also intertwines Carr's story with that of Ezekiah Moscou, a real-life Jamaican boxer who arrived in London in the late 19th century.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is generally positive towards Mary Carr, portraying her as a charismatic leader and highlighting her resourcefulness. While acknowledging her criminal activities, the article emphasizes her entrepreneurial spirit and the unique aspects of her gang's code. Headlines and introductions focus on the intriguing nature of the story, potentially downplaying the seriousness of the crimes committed.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, though some words like "charismatic" and "resourceful" used to describe Carr might be viewed as subtly positive given the context of her criminal activities. More neutral alternatives like "effective leader" or "skilled strategist" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the story of Mary Carr and the Forty Elephants gang, but it omits discussion of other contemporary female criminal gangs in London. While acknowledging the limited historical record, exploring whether the Forty Elephants were unique or part of a larger trend would provide richer context. The article also doesn't explore the societal factors that might have driven women to crime in that era, such as poverty or lack of opportunities.
False Dichotomy
The narrative doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from acknowledging the complexities of judging historical figures by modern standards. The article portrays Mary Carr as both a criminal mastermind and a victim of circumstance, but a more nuanced exploration of the moral ambiguities involved would strengthen the analysis.
Sustainable Development Goals
The story highlights a female-led gang in 19th-century London, challenging traditional gender roles and power structures within a criminal context. While criminal activity is inherently negative, the narrative focuses on the empowerment of women within a patriarchal society, which can be interpreted as a positive contribution to reducing inequality. The women