Meaning: Maynard Keenan, a musician known for his work with the bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, made this thought-provoking statement about the media's role in shaping public perceptions of notorious cult leader Charles Manson. In this quote, Keenan suggests that the media played a significant role in elevating Manson to a larger-than-life figure, imbuing him with an aura of mystery and glamour that contributed to his enduring notoriety.

The quote reflects a widely held belief that the media has the power to create and perpetuate myths and legends around certain individuals, particularly those involved in sensational and high-profile crimes. Manson, who was at the center of the brutal murders committed by his followers in the late 1960s, has long been a subject of fascination and morbid curiosity for the public. The media coverage of Manson and his followers, often sensationalized and dramatized, has contributed to the cult of personality that surrounds him.

Keenan's assertion that the media "made Manson" speaks to the idea that the media's portrayal of Manson as a charismatic and enigmatic figure has transformed him into a symbol of evil and intrigue. Through the lens of media coverage, Manson became a symbol of the dark side of countercultural movements of the 1960s and a cautionary tale about the dangers of charismatic leaders and their ability to manipulate and control others.

The phrase "some shady glamour" in Keenan's quote suggests that the media's portrayal of Manson may have inadvertently romanticized or glamorized aspects of his persona, despite the heinous nature of his crimes. This phenomenon is not uncommon in media coverage of infamous individuals, where the allure of the sensational and the macabre can overshadow the grim realities of their actions.

It is important to recognize that the media's role in shaping public perceptions of individuals like Manson can have far-reaching consequences. By perpetuating myths and sensationalizing certain narratives, the media may inadvertently contribute to the mythologizing of notorious figures, obscuring the true nature of their actions and their impact on society.

In conclusion, Maynard Keenan's quote offers a thought-provoking commentary on the media's influence in shaping public perceptions of infamous individuals like Charles Manson. By highlighting the role of the media in creating a larger-than-life image of Manson and surrounding him with a sense of mystery and dubious glamour, Keenan prompts us to critically examine the ways in which media coverage can shape our understanding of notorious figures and their place in cultural memory. This quote serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility of the media in portraying complex and often disturbing narratives, and the impact this portrayal can have on public consciousness.