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 crystal meth (“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 its fight against drugs their blessing. From cocaine to crack, from heroin to designer drugs and from the almost joyful trivialization of marijuana to the tragic opioid crisis, Hollywood-produced series detail 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 “Special Issue Le Monde – Drug traffickers: their networks, their crimes, the response”November-December 2024, on sale at kiosks or online by going to 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 themes in “Better Call Saul” reflect the complexities of drug policy in America today?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Drug Policy Analyst and Television Critic**
*Date: 2024-11-17*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. With the recent completion of the sixth season of “Better Call Saul,” how do you see its themes connecting to the broader conversation about drug policy in America?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. “Better Call Saul” provides a poignant exploration of the personal and societal toll of drug trade, paralleling the struggles we’ve seen in the real world. Unlike “Breaking Bad,” which showcases the drastic choices of Walter White, Saul Goodman’s journey reflects a nuanced moral struggle of living with the consequences of one’s actions. It subtly critiques the failed drug policies while delving into the personal cost of those involved in the drug trade, whether directly or indirectly.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. You mentioned “Breaking Bad,” which addresses the emergence of methamphetamine. How do you think shows like this shape public perception of drugs and drug users?
**Dr. Chen:** They play a significant role in shaping narratives around drug use and trafficking. While “Breaking Bad” glamorizes certain aspects through its engaging character arcs, it ultimately unveils the dark realities of addiction and moral decay. Shows like “The Wire” and “Euphoria” further relationship complexities in drug use, emphasizing socio-economic factors and the human stories behind addiction. They evoke empathy from viewers, which is crucial for rethinking our approach to drug policy.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of policy, you noted in your writing that U.S. drug policy has not effectively addressed issues like trafficking and addiction since the Nixon era. How do media portrayals of these issues influence policy-making today?
**Dr. Chen:** Media portrayals can determine the political narrative around drug issues. When shows spotlight the socio-economic crises tied to drug use, they can mobilize public sentiment that pressures policymakers to adopt more compassionate and evidence-based strategies. These series humanize the issue by showcasing real struggles, potentially swaying public opinion toward reform rather than punishment.
**Interviewer:** That’s an important point. From your perspective, how can future television shows more responsively tackle the drug crisis without sensationalizing it?
**Dr. Chen:** Future shows should strive for authentic storytelling that prioritizes the complexities of addiction and the systemic failures behind it. They can highlight recovery and community stories, focusing on how individuals can rebuild their lives and the support systems that facilitate this. By avoiding stereotypes and emphasizing realism, media can contribute significantly to a more informed and compassionate understanding of drug issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights. It’s clear that the power of storytelling through series like “Better Call Saul” and others plays a crucial role in both public perception and policy around drug-related issues.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. It’s discussions like these that can lead to greater awareness and hopefully inspire change in our approach to these critical issues.
