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 has “Breaking Bad” influenced public discourse around drug-related issues in American society?
**Interview with a TV Series Analyst on the Impact of “Breaking Bad” and Drug Narratives in American Cinema**
**Date:** November 17, 2024
**Time:** 1:00 PM
**Interviewer:** Today we have Dr. Emily Carter, an expert in television studies and cultural commentary, to discuss the powerful themes in “Breaking Bad” and its relevance to America’s ongoing battle with drug trafficking. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a landmark series.
**Interviewer:** “Breaking Bad” is often regarded as one of the greatest television dramas of all time. What do you think makes its portrayal of drug culture so compelling?
**Dr. Carter:** The series does an excellent job of humanizing its characters, particularly Walter White. His descent into the drug trade is driven by desperation to provide for his family, which many viewers can relate to on some level. This moral complexity captures the audience’s attention and elicits sympathy for a character who is, essentially, committing heinous crimes.
**Interviewer:** Yes, it certainly complicates the idea of “good” and “evil.” How does “Breaking Bad” fit into the larger narrative of drug-related series like “The Wire” and “Euphoria”?
**Dr. Carter:** All three series tackle the consequences of drug trafficking and consumption, but they do so from different angles. “The Wire” examines systemic issues in Baltimore, highlighting the intricate web of drug trade and law enforcement, while “Euphoria” addresses the impact of substance abuse on the younger generation. “Breaking Bad,” on the other hand, personalizes the struggle by placing the viewer in the shoes of an ordinary man who chooses to break bad. Together, these shows form a multifaceted look at America’s drug crises.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the historical context of the drug war. How do these series reflect the broader societal failures in addressing drug-related issues in the U.S.?
**Dr. Carter:** Since Nixon’s presidency, significant resources have been allocated to combat drug trafficking, yet the problem persists, often exacerbated by stigmas and ineffective policies. Shows like “Breaking Bad” and “The Wire” serve as a critique of these policies, revealing how they often fail to protect communities and, instead, contribute to cycles of violence and addiction. They highlight the human stories behind the statistics, prompting viewers to engage with these issues on a more personal level.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating how these narratives resonate with real-world issues. What do you think the impact of “Breaking Bad” has been on viewers’ perceptions of drug culture?
**Dr. Carter:** “Breaking Bad” has arguably shifted the conversation around drugs. It reveals not just the dangers of drug use, but also the motivations and circumstances that lead individuals to make choices that can destroy lives. This series has encouraged viewers to see beyond the criminal labels and consider the complexities involved. It sparks discussions about morality, family, and the American Dream gone awry.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights. It’s clear that “Breaking Bad” and similar series have a significant impact on how we understand and discuss drug-related issues in society.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope it continues to evolve as more narratives emerge.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! This has been enlightening. Thank you for joining us today.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure!
