Here's a link to a chapter from the book pictured above - it talks about how and why people have always been fascinated with death (at least, other people's deaths) to the point that many/most cultures, some even still today, have presented public executions as public entertainment. The summary of the play describes this an an American phenomenon, but remember:
Gladiators
Feeding Christians to lions
Burning witches
French guillotines
The Gulf War
Obsession with serial killers
Crime dramas
Horror movies
Etc...
This is a HUMAN phenomenon. In part it goes back to that idea of catharsis, of rejoicing that at least your life is better than the idiot's at the end of a rope. Some of it is a deep-seated yearning for fairness, embodying 'eye for an eye.' Some is because a tragedy is also often a really engrossing story. There's also the recognition that traumatic events can become personal and historical trailmarkers, major 'I was there' moments. Sometimes it's a distraction, a stress release. All too often it's about the herd instinct, and getting caught up in mob mentality.
Almost always it's about (nearly subconsciously) waiting for someone else to say 'Stop. Now.'
It's a very interesting read. (Some of the examples are pretty intense. Nothing too graphic, it's pretty straightforward, but you may want to pair up and have one person read first, or discuss as you go along.)
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