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. Collins relate Walter White’s character transformation to broader systemic issues in America’s drug crisis?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Collins, Drug Policy Expert and Cultural Critic**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Collins. ”Breaking Bad,” among other series, has sparked significant dialogue about America’s struggle with drug trafficking and addiction. What do you think these series reveal about societal attitudes toward drug use and trafficking?
**Dr. Collins**: Thank you for having me! These series, including “Breaking Bad,” offer a lens through which we can examine the complex relationship society has with drugs. They not only highlight the personal struggles of individuals involved in drug use or trafficking but also expose larger systemic issues. For instance, ”Breaking Bad” showcases how desperation can lead individuals to illegal activities, a reality that mirrors the experiences of many in our society.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of desperation, Walter White’s transformation from a high school chemistry teacher to a methamphetamine manufacturer certainly raises moral questions. How do you view this character arc in the context of America’s drug crisis?
**Dr. Collins**: Walter’s journey is emblematic of the American dream gone awry. It reflects how societal pressures and economic hardship can push individuals toward desperate measures. His character brings to light the failures of the system—education, healthcare, and support structures—forcing one to consider whether we’re truly addressing the root causes of drug-related issues or merely treating the symptoms.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned “The Wire” and “Euphoria” as other cultural landmarks exploring drug use. How do these narratives compare to “Breaking Bad” in their treatment of the drug crisis?
**Dr. Collins**: Both “The Wire” and “Euphoria” provide broader societal critiques. “The Wire” delves deep into the systemic failures of law enforcement, governance, and socioeconomic conditions that contribute to drug trafficking in Baltimore. In contrast, “Euphoria” explores the deeply personal aspects of addiction, particularly among teenagers, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll of drug culture. While “Breaking Bad” focuses on one man’s moral descent, these other series situate individual stories within a wider context of societal failure.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Collins. It’s clear that these narratives serve as more than entertainment; they are essential discussions on the interplay of personal choice and societal structures in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
**Dr. Collins**: Absolutely. They provoke critical conversations that we need to have if we are to make any real progress in addressing these issues. Thank you for having me!
