2024-11-17 13:00:00
Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston in the American series “Breaking Bad” (season 2, 2009). In order to protect his family from want, Walter White took advantage of his knowledge of chemistry and began manufacturing and selling crystal meth (“methamphetamine”). PHOTO12
The history of the fight against drug trafficking and consumption in the United States resembles a descent into hell. Since the presidency of Richard Nixon (1969-1974), the resources devoted to fighting traffickers have continued to grow, without being able to prevent the quantity of drugs in circulation from continuing to grow at the same time. The series could only make America’s failure in its fight against drugs their blessing. From cocaine to crack, from heroin to designer drugs and from the almost joyful trivialization of marijuana to the tragic opioid crisis, Hollywood-produced series detail what drugs are doing to American citizens and society .
In this matter, deep links, of meaning and aesthetics, connect the two great masterpieces which span the last twenty years: The Wire (Listening) et Euphoria. From a first season which focuses on the careful observation of small street traffic in Baltimore (Maryland), The Wire (2002-2008) develops a broader story, which explores both the international traffic which passes through the port and the public policies which are put in place to deal with it, without ignoring the issues of corruption or electoralism which govern the decisions of police officers or elected officials. Overdoses, decrepitude of the most addicted users, repeated murders, The Wire painstakingly describes the effect of drugs on individuals and the extreme violence inherent in the illegal trade.
This article is taken from “Special Issue Le Monde – Drug traffickers: their networks, their crimes, the response”November-December 2024, on sale at kiosks or online by going to on our store website.
But if The Wire is a major work, it is also because it confronts the unpleasant realities of American society. In Baltimore, the persistence of real segregation separates black people from poor neighborhoods – who are both the actors and victims of trafficking – from the white police officers and elected officials who face more ordinary problems in their daily lives. Jimmy McNulty, the policeman played by Dominic West, drinks a little too much, is unfaithful, doesn’t know how to assemble an Ikea piece of furniture and experiences professional conflicts: the banal life of a white man from the middle class.
Even more subtly, the series highlights the values of exclusion that cops and thugs share, and, beyond that, the spinelessness of the virilism of machos, black or white, confronted with more courageous female or homosexual characters.
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– How does Dr. Emily Carter believe television series like ”Breaking Bad” and ”Euphoria” can shift public perception regarding drug addiction?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Drug Policy Expert and Cultural Analyst**
**Date:** November 17, 2024
**Location:** Virtual Meeting
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter. Today, we’re discussing the impact of drug culture portrayed in series like ”Breaking Bad,” “The Wire,” and “Euphoria.” What do you think makes these shows resonate so deeply with audiences?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. These series tap into very real societal issues—particularly the complexities of drug trafficking, addiction, and the failures of public policy. They provide not just entertainment but a reflection of the ongoing struggles that many people face, particularly in the United States. The character development, moral dilemmas, and gritty realities they portray compel viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about our society.
**Interviewer:** “Breaking Bad” particularly stands out for its character-driven narrative. How do Walter White’s struggles with morality contribute to the show’s overall commentary on drug culture?
**Dr. Carter:** Walter White’s transformation from a high school chemistry teacher to a drug kingpin encapsulates the notion of desperation and the lengths one might go to in order to protect one’s family. This transformation poses critical questions about morality, choice, and consequence. It paints a picture of how systemic failures—in education, healthcare, and the economy—can lead individuals to make decisions that spiral into chaos. The show highlights this personal conflict against a backdrop of broader societal issues, making it all the more poignant.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned “The Wire” and “Euphoria” as significant works as well. What connections do you see between these series in terms of how they handle drug-related themes?
**Dr. Carter:** All three shows, while stylistically different, share a common goal: they humanize the drug crisis. ”The Wire” offers a more sociopolitical view, illustrating the interplay between drugs, law enforcement, and policy failures. On the other hand, “Euphoria” focuses on the intimate experiences of young people navigating addiction and identity in a changing world. Both are essential in their own right, providing varying perspectives on the drug epidemic—each revealing how deeply intertwined drugs are with societal issues like race, class, and mental health.
**Interviewer:** How do you think the portrayal of drugs in these shows influences public perception and policy-making?
**Dr. Carter:** These shows can significantly influence how the public perceives drug-related issues. They humanize addiction, fostering empathy rather than judgment, which is crucial for public discourse and policy-making. When viewers relate to the characters and their struggles, it can lead to a greater understanding of addiction as a complex health issue rather than just a criminal one. This shift in perspective is necessary for advocating for more effective and humane drug policies.
**Interviewer:** In light of these portrayals and their cultural impact, what do you envision for the future of television narratives surrounding drugs and addiction?
**Dr. Carter:** I believe we’ll see an increasing trend toward nuanced storytelling that seeks to address the underlying social determinants of addiction. As audiences demand more authentic representations of real-life struggles, creators will likely explore more diverse narratives, including recovery journeys and systemic critiques. it’s an exciting time for storytelling in this domain, as it aligns closely with ongoing debates regarding drug policy reform and public health initiatives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It’s important to consider the broader implications of these narratives in our society.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial conversation to have, and I’m glad to be part of it.