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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How does *Breaking Bad* compare to other television series in its portrayal of the drug crisis?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Chen, Cultural Critic and Television Scholar**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Chen. Let’s dive right in. The recent analysis of *Breaking Bad* highlights its portrayal of the American drug crisis. What are your thoughts on Walter White’s character as a reflection of societal issues?
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me. Walter White is such a compelling figure because he embodies the extreme measures people might take in dire situations. His journey from a high school teacher to a drug manufacturer shows how desperation can lead individuals down dark paths. It speaks to broader themes of economic struggle and moral ambiguity, which resonate in today’s society.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. The history of drug policy in the U.S. has been fraught with challenges. How does *Breaking Bad* illustrate the complexities of this issue?
**Dr. Chen:** *Breaking Bad* intricately ties personal choices to systemic failures. The show doesn’t just depict the drug trade; it critiques the ineffectiveness of the War on Drugs, revealing how even well-meaning individuals can become entrenched in destructive behaviors and systems. Throughout its narrative, we see the consequences of addiction, family strife, and the failures of law enforcement, mirroring real-life struggles.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the connections between *Breaking Bad* and other series like *The Wire* and *Euphoria*. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Chen:** Certainly! All three series tackle the drug crisis but from different angles. *The Wire* takes a sociopolitical lens, examining systemic failures within Baltimore’s drug landscape, while *Euphoria* focuses more on the personal and emotional aspects of addiction among youth. *Breaking Bad* straddles both the personal and the systemic, showcasing how individual actions are influenced by broader societal issues. Together, they provide a multifaceted view of drug culture in America.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating how these narratives can shape societal discourse. In what ways do you think Hollywood’s depiction of drugs impacts public perception?
**Dr. Chen:** Popular series like these have a significant impact on public perception. They can humanize issues related to addiction, fostering empathy for those affected. However, they can also sensationalize drug use, leading to misconceptions. It’s a delicate balance; artists have a responsibility to portray these realities authentically while encouraging constructive dialogue about solutions to these persistent problems.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that *Breaking Bad* and similar works offer more than just entertainment; they reflect and challenge our understanding of important societal issues.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to engage with these narratives thoughtfully as they resonate with ongoing discussions about drugs, morality, and the human condition.
