University:
University of Wyoming
Course:
POLS4445 | Drug War Geopolitics in the Americas
Academic year:

2023
Views:

238

Pages:

1
Author:

Allison B.

Dittmar discussed “narcotelenovelas” in Mexico. Fictional shows on drug violence like “The Lord of the Skies” and “The Queen of the South” are facing backlash from some members of the general public and a request to not be shown during family hours on tv channels. These groups advocating for the shows being pushed later in the day argue that they “weaken the social fabric of Mexican families” (Dittmar 1) by showing the lifestyles of fictional drug dealers and encouraging organized crime. Others, in support of the nartotelenovelas argue that “... the stigmatization of narco culture is a means of drawing attention away from the enduring problems organized crime present to society … and redirects the debate from corruption and other social issues …” (Dittmar 1). I found this reading to be interesting and it relates to my own popular representation paper. Television shows like narcotelenovelas have their pros and cons, but offer a different lense to look at narco culture issues from, working to destroy the dichotomy of “good and bad” parties in the Drug War. Muehlmann discusses drug ballads which were alluded to in the previous reading. These popular songs are contentious given some believe they “glorify” drug trafficking and crime. The ballads Muehlmann states “... [to] many onlookers, this effusive, upbeat music is a startling contrast to the increasingly brutal violence” (86). I believe, similar to the narcotelenovelas, these ballads are another way that some populations in Latin American countries express a different narrative to the drug war, crime, and drug trafficking. Muehlmann examines how some believe these ballads express the and pura verdad la voz del pueblo and present unique perspectives on drug issues (Muehlmann 88).