If someone asked you to recall your favorite moment, would you pull out your phone to show him or her? That can be said for most of the current generation. With the latest advancements in technology it is difficult to pull away from a phone. Distractions can cause special opportunities to be missed such as making long lasting memories and contributing to society. White Bear, a specific episode of the British Netflix series "Black Mirror", embodies the complete idea of phones being a large part of everyday life. The episode does this well, but with additional research it can be further understood the purpose and influence of the story. In the research there are historic events that impact the story, and cultural events that the episode responds to. These elements show that background can influence the viewer's feelings toward the plot, how the growing presence of technology can hinder progress, and the difficulty in actually deciding what is morally correct in the argument of punishment.

A historic example that coincides with the story is the Moors Murders. This historical crime took place in the 1960s is considered one of the worst murder sprees in modern England history. The case involved Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Ian grew up with his mother, and living a poor life. He tortured animals as a child and broke into houses as a child. Myra also grew up poor with an abusive, alcoholic for a father. The two began to date in 1962. Brady shared his interest of Nazi culture and extremist philosophies with Hindley who began to follow them as well. Together they went on to murder four children during 1963 and 1964. The bodies were buried by the couple in Saddleworth Moor, in Manchester near northern England. The victims included 10-year-old Lesley Ann Downey, 12-year-old John Kilbride, 12-year-old Keith Bennett, and 16-year-old Pauline Reade. The killers spent time at the moor taking photos of each other by the graves. This connects to the White Bear episode through the developments of the main character's past. It is revealed that Victoria assisted her lover in the kidnapping and murder of a little girl. Her role was the recording of the abduction, and the murder of the girl. The historical event of the Moors Murders partially influences the plot of the story. With the similarities of global location, a relationship between the murders, presence of mental illness, and some form of photography. The similar aspect of the crime mixed with the elements of the current generation in the plot shows the scary possibilities of those who lack morality. The people who are aware of this tragedy may interpret the episode slightly different from those who aren't. Knowing this background and making the connection can remove all possible feeling for sympathy or add even more hatred for the character in the episode.

Another key factor in contributing to further interpretation of the story is research of cultural events. Analyzing the main method used in Victoria's torture helps viewers connect to modern times. In attempts to make Victoria feel as lonely as possible no citizen would speak with her. No interactions were made ever made as everyone stared at her through the screens of their phones while recording. This relates to the public acceptance of staring at a phone instead of talking are being involved with others. It is becoming difficult in modern culture to communicate with others without the use of technology. Whether the difficulty spawns from distance, a language barrier, shyness, or the simplicity compared to the challenges of actually articulating one's thoughts. The response from the episode is not entirely based on technology removing some of the challenging parts of life, but that it desensitizes the user. Even in this modern era witnesses record acts of violence, destruction, and other crimes. This episode is addressing moments of multiple witnesses recording a crime and not actually doing anything about it. Standing behind the camera makes the viewer fill removed from the situation and not actually being a factor but a spectator. This new age version of the bystander effect can be seen in recent events. December 3rd, 2012 a Ki-Suck Han had an altercation with Naeem Davis. Han was pushed onto the tracks of the Times Square subway station. The 58 year old man begged for help as bystanders watched for a reported 22 seconds not assisting him and taking pictures. Being mid-day during December you can image the number of people present. The oncoming subway train pulling into the station struck the man. The next year the family proceeded to file suits against Naeem Davis, and the transit authority. Did the witnesses not have the same power to prevent the death? It is not realistic that in more isolated situations were the victims motive and problem is unknown that a bystander will assist them. Those incidents are more accepted because of moments of fake pleas for help leading to injuries, robberies, and deaths. Moments that result in a fake cry for help are also factors in discouraging witnesses to spring into action nowadays. In a public setting where there is a clear need for aid, doing nothing is unacceptable. Many experiments have been done on this exact effect. The studies show that in large crowds individuals can mentally place the responsibility on the next person. If every spectator falls into this effect it turns a group of potential heroes into a buddle of bystanders. Adding the factor of technology the bystanders can then turn into reporters. Becoming detached from the scene and having the mindset if they cannot help at least they can record. Some record with good intentions of reporting the incident later to proper authorities and others record to be able the share a crazy story through social media outlets. In a sense these actions can be argued helpful, but it does not take everyone to capture one story on their phone. Instead of documenting a tragedy why not turn into a documentation of a caring act. A scene in the story shows Victoria at a gas station trapped in the store by the hunter. Jem and Damien are attempting to help her escape as they are being chased too. Jem instructs Victoria to help Damien fight off the hunter while she opens a door for them to escape. When Damien begins to struggle with the hunter Victoria runs for the door leaving him behind. Throughout the entire story Victoria is pleading for help where ever she can receive it, but when it came time for her to help someone else she decided to think of herself. This selfishness is prominent in reality in even the smallest moments. The episode is not claiming that everyone in the current generation is narcissistic, but that the more those actions are minimized the better life will be for all.  

To emphasize cultural thinking the methods presented in the story like brainwashing, setups, and repeated or extreme punishment can be examined. The question of being okay with actually doing it to people it presented through these actions. Can someone really learn from a crime that they have no recollection of committing? The constant brainwashing of Victoria's mind just wipes away anything she learned from her punishment. Seeing the error of her ways in the end is all in vain because she will not remember any of it. Is this actual justice? If Victoria sees her wrongs through the punishment is that not justice? Is vengeance the driving force behind the methods used? Are the feelings exhibited at the end a reflection of true remorse, or are they a product of the conditions from indoctrination? The same questions can be related to the idea of the death penalty. Deciding if the death of a criminal is the suitable punishment they should receive is frequently argued. If someone is murdered, should the murder be killed? The victim's family may see it as justice, but is the law system structured for justice alone or also rehabilitation. Do some not deserve a second chance? Who decides such a thing? The multiple questions brought to mind at the end of this story and its relevance to current event is another powerful aspect shown through research.

From researching the "Black Mirror" episode White Bear historical and current connections were found. Through the research it is shown that background information can have the ability to sway perception, technology has the power to desensitize, and the argument of effective and reasonable punishment may never be settled.  

