2024-11-17 13:00:00
The history of the fight against drug trafficking and drug use in the United States resembles a descent into hell. Starting from the presidency of Richard Nixon (1969-1974), the resources allocated to the fight against traffickers 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 the fight against drugs its blessing. From cocaine to crack, heroin to synthetic drugs, and the almost gleeful trivialization of marijuana to the tragic opioid crisis, Hollywood-produced series detail the effects of drugs on American citizens and society.
In this matter, profound links of meaning and aesthetics unite the two great masterpieces that span the last twenty years: The thread (I listen) et Euphoria. From a first season focused on the careful observation of the small road traffic of Baltimore (Maryland), The thread (2002-2008) develops a broader story, which explores both the international traffic that passes through the port and the public policies put in place to address it, without ignoring the issues of corruption or electoralism that govern the decisions of police officers or officials elected. Overdoses, decrepitude of the most dependent users, repeated murders, The thread describes in great detail the effect of drugs on individuals and the extreme violence inherent in the illegal trade.
But if The thread it is an important work, also because it addresses the unpleasant realities of American society. In Baltimore, the persistence of real segregation separates blacks in poor neighborhoods – who are both actors and victims of trafficking – from 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 middle class.
Even more subtly, the series highlights the exclusionary values shared by cops and criminals and, beyond that, the weakness of the virilism of macho men, white or black, in the face of more courageous female or homosexual characters.
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What impact does the portrayal of drug use in television shows have on public perception and policy regarding addiction?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Drug Policy Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s both troubling and intriguing: the portrayal of drug culture in American media and its real-world implications. We have with us Dr. Lisa Hartman, a prominent expert on drug policy and addiction. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hartman.
Dr. Lisa Hartman (DLH): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
TNE: Let’s start with a powerful example from television: Breaking Bad. It presents a stark narrative about Walter White, who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine to secure his family’s future. Why do you think shows like this resonate so deeply with audiences?
DLH: Breaking Bad touches on several universal themes: desperation, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of choices. Walter White’s transformation from a high school chemistry teacher to a drug lord reflects a chaotic reality that many face—where the systems meant to provide security often fail. It makes the audience grapple with the complexity of his character and the devastating impact of drugs on society.
TNE: The article notes that the U.S. has been grappling with drug trafficking since Nixon’s presidency, with continued investment in the war on drugs that hasn’t solved the problem. What do you see as the fundamental flaws in this approach?
DLH: One major flaw is the criminalization of drug use rather than focusing on treatment and prevention. The war on drugs has prioritized punitive measures over public health strategies, which often exacerbate addiction issues. Resources allocated to enforcement could be better spent on education, rehabilitation, and community support, which are far more effective in addressing substance abuse.
TNE: In light of this historical context, how do you perceive the shift in media from realistic portrayals, such as in The Wire, to the more glamorized depictions in series like Euphoria, which also captures the struggles of youth today?
DLH: The Wire was known for its gritty realism and socio-political commentary, while Euphoria presents a more aestheticized view of addiction—a glamorous yet tragic exploration of teenage life and substance use. Both shows have their merits, but the challenge lies in the potential desensitization of audiences. Ultimately, media can either perpetuate stereotypes or offer a platform for nuanced discussions about addiction and mental health.
TNE: That’s a crucial point. As Hollywood continues to depict these narratives, what responsibilities do you think creators have in how they portray drug use and its consequences?
DLH: Creators hold significant influence over public perceptions. I believe they should strive for authenticity and sensitivity, recognizing the real-life implications of addiction. Engaging with experts and individuals affected by substance use disorders can lead to more informed and responsible storytelling. At the end of the day, the narratives we create shape societal attitudes.
TNE: Given the current opioid crisis in America, how do you think media portrayal can contribute to public understanding and policy reform?
DLH: Media can play a transformative role. By accurately depicting the realities of addiction and its root causes, it can foster empathy and spark important conversations around treatment and policy reform. Acknowledging that addiction is a health issue rather than a moral failing can shift the narrative and encourage more supportive policies that prioritize recovery and prevention.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for shedding light on these critical issues. It seems clear that while media plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions, it is essential to approach these narratives with care and responsibility.
DLH: Absolutely. Thank you for bringing attention to such an urgent topic!
TNE: We appreciate your insights. For our readers, if you’re interested in the intersection of media and drug policy, stay tuned for more articles and interviews to come.