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 are the potential positive and negative effects of television shows like *Breaking Bad* on public perceptions of drug use and trafficking?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Sanders, Drug Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sanders. We’re discussing the cultural impact of series like *Breaking Bad*, especially in light of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in America. What are your thoughts on how shows like this reflect societal issues?
**Dr. Sanders:** Thank you for having me. *Breaking Bad* is a fascinating case study. The series captures the desperation and moral decline that can accompany drug involvement, particularly through the character of Walter White. It illustrates the complex motivations behind drug manufacturing and use, which are often tied to socioeconomic issues.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Walter White’s character. Do you believe the portrayal of his descent into drug manufacturing glamorizes the drug trade or critiques it?
**Dr. Sanders:** It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, Walter’s journey can seem attractive—a smart man who gains power and wealth. However, the series ultimately reveals the devastating consequences of his actions on his family and community. This duality prompts viewers to engage with the darker realities of addiction and trafficking.
**Interviewer:** *Breaking Bad* has often been compared to other series like *The Wire* and *Euphoria*. How do these shows collectively shape our understanding of drug issues in America?
**Dr. Sanders:** Each series offers a distinct perspective. *The Wire* provides a macro view of the systemic failures in dealing with drugs in Baltimore, connecting local issues to global drug trafficking and politics. In contrast, *Euphoria* takes a more intimate look at teen substance use, focusing on the individual struggles of young people. Together, they create a multi-faceted narrative about the drug crisis in America that is both personal and societal.
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing challenges with drug use and trafficking in the U.S., do you think these portrayals in media can influence public opinion and policy?
**Dr. Sanders:** Absolutely. Portrayals in media can shape perceptions, increase awareness, and even affect policy discussions. They can highlight the need for comprehensive approaches—like treatment and education—over punitive measures. It’s crucial that these stories prompt discussions about real solutions to the drug crisis.
**Interviewer:** As we look forward, what do you think the role of television and film should be in addressing drug-related issues?
**Dr. Sanders:** I believe it’s essential for filmmakers and writers to continue telling authentic stories that reflect the complexities of drug issues. It’s important that they engage with experts and those affected by addiction to create narratives that are not only entertaining but also informative and empathetic.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sanders, for your insights. It’s clear that media plays a powerful role in framing the dialogue around such critical societal issues.
**Dr. Sanders:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope it continues.
