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 are the key themes in “Breaking Bad” that parallel the current drug crisis in America?
**Interview with High Xiaosong on “Breaking Bad” and the Drug Crisis in America**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, High Xiaosong. You recently shared some insightful thoughts on “Breaking Bad.” Can you elaborate on how the series reflects the complexities of the American drug crisis?
**High Xiaosong:** Absolutely. “Breaking Bad” brilliantly captures the essence of a middle-aged man grappling with his dire circumstances. Walter White’s descent into the world of methamphetamine production is not just about the drugs themselves; it represents a broader commentary on the failures of American society and its policies on drug trafficking.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what makes Walter White’s story resonate with viewers, especially in the context of middle-aged men facing crises?
**High Xiaosong:** Walter’s transformation highlights a deep-seated struggle that many can relate to—feeling trapped by life’s circumstances. The series portrays his desperation to provide for his family in a morally ambiguous way. This resonates with many men who find themselves reflecting on their choices and life’s meaning, especially during midlife crises.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the connection between “Breaking Bad” and other significant series like “The Wire” and “Euphoria.” Can you explain this link?
**High Xiaosong:** Definitely! Both “The Wire” and “Euphoria” similarly delve into the impacts of substance abuse on society from different angles. “The Wire” provides a meticulous look at drug trafficking and its connection to systemic issues within cities, while “Euphoria” focuses on the personal experiences of young people facing addiction. Together, these series create a comprehensive picture of how drugs infiltrate various layers of society.
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing drug crisis in the U.S., do you think media portrayals like ”Breaking Bad” influence public perception or policy regarding drug abuse and trafficking?
**High Xiaosong:** Very much so. While these shows entertain, they also provoke thought and discussion about the real-life implications of drug policies and personal narratives. They humanize the struggles of individuals and families affected by drugs, potentially leading to greater empathy and, hopefully, more effective public policies.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, High Xiaosong, for sharing your insights. ”Breaking Bad” indeed serves as a powerful lens through which we can examine not only the personal but also the societal dimensions of drug issues.
**High Xiaosong:** Thank you for having me! It’s important we continue to discuss these narratives and their impact on society.