2024-11-17 13:00:00
Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston in the American series “The Wire" and the Reality of Baltimore”>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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**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Drug Policy Expert and Cultural Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. We’re discussing the portrayal of drug issues in American television, particularly in shows like “Breaking Bad,” “The Wire,” and “Euphoria.” With each of these series highlighting different aspects of drug culture, what do you think has made them resonate so deeply with audiences?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! I believe these shows tap into fundamental societal issues. “Breaking Bad” reflects the desperation and moral complexity faced by individuals like Walter White, who turn to crime in dire circumstances. “The Wire,” on the other hand, provides a stark and realistic portrayal of systemic issues, revealing how drugs impact not just individuals but entire communities and institutional frameworks. “Euphoria” showcases the personal struggles of youth in a more emotional and raw manner, emphasizing the psychological toll drugs can take. Together, they create a multifaceted understanding of the drug crisis that resonates on both personal and societal levels.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the systemic issues highlighted in “The Wire.” In what ways do you think these shows serve as a critique of American drug policies?
**Dr. Carter:** They are very much a critique. Since Nixon’s war on drugs, despite increased funding for enforcement, we’ve seen the drug problem persist and even worsen. “The Wire” skillfully illustrates how policy decisions often prioritize political gain over effective solutions. It exposes the failures of a punitive approach and suggests that without addressing the root causes—such as poverty and lack of opportunity—we’re unlikely to see real progress. Shows like these encourage viewers to question the efficacy of the policies in place and to consider alternative perspectives, like harm reduction or public health approaches.
**Interviewer:** Hollywood has often played a role in shaping public perception of drugs and drug users. Do you think the cinematic portrayal contributes to or detracts from the reality of the drug crisis?
**Dr. Carter:** It can do both. On one hand, these series can humanize individuals struggling with addiction and promote empathy, as seen with characters like Rue in “Euphoria.” On the other hand, dramatization sometimes oversimplifies complex issues or glorifies certain lifestyles. However, when done thoughtfully, as in the shows we’ve discussed, the impact can be profound, sparking conversation and potentially influencing public opinion and policy.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what can we learn from these shows as we look towards addressing the ongoing issues surrounding drug trafficking and consumption in the U.S.?
**Dr. Carter:** The key lessons include the importance of understanding the socio-economic factors that contribute to drug use and trafficking. We must move toward more compassionate and comprehensive drug policies that prioritize public health over punishment. Moreover, engaging with the narratives presented in these shows can help society recognize addiction as a complex issue rather than a moral failing, allowing for more informed discussions about treatment and prevention.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. Clearly, the intersection of media and drug policy provides a rich terrain for both reflection and action.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s a vital conversation we need to keep having.
