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. Emily Carter interpret the cultural significance of the title “Breaking Bad” in relation to Walter White’s transformation?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Cultural Analyst and Author**
**Date:** November 17, 2024
**Location:** Zoom Call
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. Let’s dive right into the impact of “Breaking Bad” on American culture. The title itself, “Breaking Bad,” has garnered a lot of attention. Can you explain its significance?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The title “Breaking Bad” is derived from a Southern slang expression, meaning to turn to a life of crime or to go down a wrong path. This perfectly encapsulates Walter White’s transformation throughout the series—from a high school chemistry teacher to a methamphetamine manufacturer. It poses the intriguing question of who is actually “breaking bad” in the narrative.
**Interviewer:** That’s a fascinating take! As we look at Walter White’s moral decline, how does the series reflect wider societal issues, particularly in drug trafficking?
**Dr. Carter:** “Breaking Bad” tackles the complexities of drug culture in America by presenting a character who initially seems relatable but progressively spirals into darkness. The show reveals how systemic failure, such as insufficient healthcare and economic instability, can push individuals to make desperate choices. This mirrors the historical context of America’s ongoing battle with drug trafficking, which has continued to escalate despite significant resources allocated to combat it.
**Interviewer:** Right, and you’ve mentioned in previous discussions how this series connects with other works like “The Wire” and “Euphoria.” What are those connections?
**Dr. Carter:** Both “The Wire” and “Euphoria,” like “Breaking Bad,” critically analyze drug use from different angles. “The Wire” focuses on the systemic failures in Baltimore’s drug epidemic, showing the interplay between institutional dysfunction and drug culture. On the other hand, “Euphoria” delves into the personal struggles of youth amidst the backdrop of modern substance use. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of how drugs impact individuals and communities, layering in themes of addiction, crime, and society’s response to these challenges.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that these series serve as more than just entertainment; they are societal commentaries. How do you think “Breaking Bad” has influenced public perception of drug-related issues?
**Dr. Carter:** “Breaking Bad” has certainly influenced public discourse by glamorizing the drug trade while simultaneously exposing its harsh realities. The character of Walter White has become an anti-hero emblematic of the moral ambiguity surrounding drug production and use. It has sparked conversations about legality, ethics, and the consequences of one’s choices—reminding audiences that real lives are affected by these narratives.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insightful analysis. As we continue navigating through complex social issues like drug use, it’s vital to explore how narratives shape our understanding.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to engage with these stories thoughtfully, as they reflect deeper truths about our society.
**Interviewer:** We appreciate your thoughts today. Looking forward to more revelations on these important topics in the future!
