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 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 this fight their blessing. From cocaine to crack, from heroin to synthetic substances and from the almost joyful trivialization of marijuana to the tragic opioid crisis, those produced by Hollywood tell the detailed story of 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 the “Special Issue Le Monde – Drug traffickers: their networks, their crimes, the response”, November-December 2024, on sale in newsstands or online by going 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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What insights does Dr. Tran provide on the impact of drug narratives in popular television shows?
**Interview with Dr. Lisa Tran, Cultural Analyst and Author of “The Drug Narrative in American Television”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Tran. As an expert in cultural analysis, how do you think *Breaking Bad* reflects America’s ongoing struggles with drug trafficking and consumption?
**Dr. Tran:** Thank you for having me. *Breaking Bad* serves as a poignant microcosm of America’s complex relationship with drugs. By presenting Walter White’s descent into the drug trade as both a means of survival and a moral abyss, the series critiques not just the individual choices but also the systemic failures of society in addressing drug issues.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, how do the narratives in *Breaking Bad* compare to other influential series like *The Wire* or *Euphoria*?
**Dr. Tran:** Each of these series approaches the drug epidemic from a distinct angle, yet they share a common thread: a deep exploration of the human condition. *The Wire* meticulously highlights systemic issues in Baltimore, showing how socio-economic factors fuel the drug trade, while *Euphoria* delves into the personal tragedies of addiction in contemporary youth culture. *Breaking Bad*, though more focused on the individual, still embodies the broader societal implications of drug use and trafficking, creating a compelling narrative that leads to critical conversations about morality and consequence.
**Interviewer:** Many critics argue that the entertainment industry plays a role in the portrayal of drugs and their impact. Do you agree with this perspective?
**Dr. Tran:** Absolutely. Hollywood has the power to shape narratives around drugs, often glorifying or vilifying them. While shows like *Breaking Bad* can certainly entertain, they also serve as cautionary tales that reflect real-life struggles. By dramatizing the consequences of drug trafficking and addiction, these series can bridge the gap between entertainment and awareness, prompting viewers to engage with these issues on a deeper level.
**Interviewer:** What do you think the future holds for narratives surrounding drugs in television?
**Dr. Tran:** As society continues to grapple with the complexities of drug addiction, mental health, and public policy, I believe we’ll see more nuanced stories emerge. Future narratives may further explore themes of redemption and recovery while maintaining a critical lens on systemic failures. The blend of empathy and realism in storytelling will be key to fostering understanding and dialogue about these pervasive issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Tran, for sharing your insights. It’s fascinating to see how these television shows not only entertain but also provoke thought about critical societal issues.
**Dr. Tran:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss the cultural significance of these narratives.