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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How does Dr. Carter connect the themes of shows like “Breaking Bad,” “The Wire,” and “Euphoria” to broader societal issues surrounding drug addiction in America?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Cultural Critic and Author of “Narratives of Addiction: The American Drug Story”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. You’re widely recognized for your insights on the portrayal of drug culture in American media. With “Breaking Bad” being such a pivotal series, how do you think it reflects the complexities of the American fight against drug trafficking?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! “Breaking Bad” serves not only as a gripping drama but also as a critique of America’s failing war on drugs. Walter White’s transformation from a high school chemistry teacher to a meth manufacturer illustrates the lengths individuals will go to when systemically pushed into desperation. The show deftly highlights how the very systems intended to combat drug issues often contribute to them.
**Interviewer:** In your article, you mention the series as a ”blessing” in the context of America’s battle against drug trafficking. Could you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. While the resources allocated to combat drug issues have consistently increased, the prevalence of drug use and trafficking has not diminished. “Breaking Bad” takes a unique angle by examining not just the drug trade itself, but the moral dilemmas and personal tragedies that come with it. The show uses its narrative to expose the failure of governmental policies, making a case for understanding the human condition behind these statistics.
**Interviewer:** You draw connections between “Breaking Bad,” “The Wire,” and “Euphoria.” What do these series collectively tell us about American society’s relationship with drugs?
**Dr. Carter:** Each of these series provides a distinct lens on drug culture. “The Wire” captures the systemic issues within Baltimore’s drug scene, showcasing how intertwined the drug trade is with politics and socio-economic structures. “Euphoria,” on the other hand, focuses more on personal stories and the impact of drug use on youth culture. Together, they create a rich tapestry that illustrates how deeply embedded drug narratives are within the fabric of American life—highlighting a cycle of abuse, policy failure, and social disintegration.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating how these narratives interplay with real societal issues. As we look forward, what role do you see media continuing to play in shaping our understanding of drug-related crises?
**Dr. Carter:** Media has an unparalleled ability to influence public perception and policy discussions. As we continue to evolve in our understanding of addiction—viewing it more as a public health issue rather than merely a criminal one—I believe series like “Breaking Bad” will pave the way for more nuanced conversations. They have the power to humanize the struggles associated with substance use, which is crucial for driving effective change in policy and public compassion.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that shows like “Breaking Bad” do much more than entertain—they provoke critical discussions about pressing societal issues.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s essential to continue these conversations as we reflect on both the successes and failures of our societal responses to drugs.
