Bank Robber Who Inspired Term 'Stockholm Syndrome' Dies
Above: Clark Olofsson in the fall of 1991 during a book launch in Stockholm, Sweden. Image copyright: Bertil Ericson/Contributor/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Olofsson became a folk hero whose charm and larger-than-life persona captivated the public imagination. The hostages seemed to genuinely feel safer with him than with police, showing the phenomena of Stockholm Syndrome in full swing. His criminal exploits, including daring prison escapes and Mediterranean adventures, represent a romanticized era of gentleman thieves.
Narrative B
The glorification of Olofsson ignores the serious trauma he inflicted on victims throughout his criminal career. Stockholm Syndrome itself has been dismissed by experts as victim-blaming, with hostage behavior representing rational survival tactics rather than genuine affection. His repeated violent crimes and decades in prison demonstrate the real harm caused by his actions.