The Medias Representation of the Use and Trafficking of Illegal Drugs

Erin Evans

UWRT 1102
Ashlyn Waldron
October 19, 2014

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Introduction/Background
Imagine receiving a call that your significant other had been involved in a fatal car
accident. Accompanying the heart-rending emotional suffering is the spontaneous loss of the
primary source of income for a high priced lifestyle. Not to mention, you have children that you
must financially support. You must decide how to acquire a substantial amount of money in the
least amount of time possible. Do you do the right thing and relocate somewhere that is more
reasonably priced or do you find an alternative way to fork in the money? What if you were able
to financially support your high priced lifestyle with an extremely hazardous decision such as the
trafficking of illegal drugs? Would you do it? Nancy Botwin sure would.
Unfortunately, as seen in Showtimes series Weeds, the consequences that come with
being one of the most well-known drug peddlers in your area are extremely cruel and unrealistic.
Most media representations of these consequences are ongoing, while in reality the consequence
would be immediate imprisonment. For the primary purpose of entertainment, Nancy Botwins
character manages to dodge all consequences that would permanently put her behind bars or 6
foot under.
My interest in the medias representation of the trafficking and use of illegal drugs
sparked primarily from my enjoyment of watching Weeds. That being said, you should know that
I have a laissez-faire attitude towards issues involving drugs and have no personal relation with
illegal drugs directly. As a viewer of Weeds, I have watched the ups and downs that come with
Nancy Botwins lifestyle and I feel that the media misguidedly glamourizes the drug kingpin
regime. There is a clear increase in original television programming that focuses on drug use and
trafficking; cable networks such as AMC, Showtime, and USA all provide popular shows that
deal specifically with this topic. This paper explores the media representation of the use and

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trafficking of illegal drugs and how this perpetuates false perceptions of drug use. In addition, the
media modifies viewers perceptions on the severity of various drugs and includes a proposal for
a research study involving the reasoning behind the sudden increase in popularity for shows based
off of drug related issues.
Review of Relevant Literature
There are several relatable viewpoints on my topic throughout my sources for assignment
two. Three major themes that I see develop are: the false glamorization of the drug kingpin
lifestyle, societys altered perceptions of various illegal drugs and the racial stereotypes that come
along with the use and trafficking of drugs. In order to organize my material, my literature review
will sort my sources according to these major themes.
The primary issue with programs such as Weeds and Breaking Bad is the way the drug
kingpin lifestyle is falsely glamourized. Media depictions of crime along with drug use and
selling are more intense and frequent than in real life (Boyd). Crime related programming not
only explains issues in misconduct but it forms our opinions on the basics of political, social and
economic issues as well (Boyd, 2002). An incident that recently occurred in June of 2013 is very
similar to the setting seen in Weeds and provides evidence that the issues seen in crime related
programming are often inaccurately dramatized and unlikely. Mother Andrea Sanderlin of
Scarsdale, New York was arrested after being accused of being the mastermind behind a massive
marijuana grow operation. As a result, she could ultimately face a minimum of 10 years in prison
if found guilty for the trafficking of narcotics. (Chappell). Now, with that in mind think of the
numerous times that Nancy Botwin was able to get off the hook. Nancy Botwin was so lucky that
she married a DEA agent and was still able to get away with the trafficking of narcotics. Clearly,
the consequences in reality are much more immediate and severe than those seen in the series.

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The medias representation of illegal drugs allows viewers to develop altered perceptions
of the various drugs available to mankind. When popular culture adopts a show like Weeds, it
provides a new way for viewers to think about marijuana (Pentecost, 2013). According to recent
polls, the majority of Americans believe that marijuana should be legalized (Chappell). That
being said, the loosened sensitivity to marijuana poses a problem with the War on Drugs that is
currently occurring in America. Consequently, society has become more tolerant to marijuana in
comparison to other harmful illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin (Demby). Part of the
problem has to do with the way intoxication and drug use is interpreted in media. The difference
between the representation of drug use and intoxication in the age of old media has changed
greatly in comparison to the new media. The main variance between old and new media is
the speed and ease of access to information due to technological innovations such as the Internet
(Manning, 2013). Think of the plethora of ways people can access TV shows and movies in our
time: those options include but are not limited to Netflix, Hulu, HBO and so on.
Racial stereotypes often associate the trafficking of illegal drugs with members of the
African American or Hispanic race. In Hollywood, the drug peddler is most often portrayed as a
black or Hispanic man living in the urban US, and the king pin who is even higher up the chain
is usually represented as a Hispanic man from Mexico (Boyd). For example as seen in Weeds,
Nancys primary supplier is an African American family (Evans). Some viewers feel that Weeds
creates an unfair representation of black America. Betty Baye claims that it is more common for
Caucasians to be involved in the harvesting and distribution of marijuana rather than African
Americans (Baye, 2005). However, because Weeds is a satirical comedy, it was written to address
and poke fun at the many challenges that society faces every day in America with racism being

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one of those trials (Lavoie, 2011). According to Boyd, the white population regarded early drug
regulation as a permissible tool to control known radicalized populations (Boyd).
Entering the Conversation
Rationale
There is no doubt that original programming relating to the use and trafficking of
narcotics has become rather trendy these days. Throughout my research on the topic, I have
noticed a gap in the research pertaining to why programs concerning such topics have become so
popular. With that being said, I would like to make a study proposal to further investigate the
reasoning for this increased interest in shows such as Weeds and Breaking Bad. This study is
needed in order to achieve a deeper understanding for why there has been such a rapid increase in
the amount of viewers for shows associated with drug use and trafficking.
Participants
I believe Showtime's Weeds appeals to more than just the expected target audience of
college students ranging from ages 18-22. Because the show is based around Nancy Botwin,
middle-aged mother of two children, viewers watch as Nancy faces many challenges that are also
relatable to adults between ages 30-45. Even more specifically, the Showtime series is relative to
the age range that is part of the uppity social class seen in the fictional town of Agrestic. Judah
Botwin, Nancy's husband who died of a sudden heart attack, was a structural engineer who earned
on average a salary of $90,000 a year.
For the study, I am interested in exploring 10 participants of the 18-22 age group and 10
participants of the 30-45 age group to make a total of 20 members. Although I am aware Weeds is
fictitious, I would like to study individuals with lifestyles similar to the characters portrayed in
the show for the 10 members who are included in the 30-45 age group. I would like all of the

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participants of the 30-45 age group to be chosen from the community of Ballentyne right outside
of Charlotte, North Carolina. Participants must earn a minimum salary of $80,000 and belong to
the upper socioeconomic class. Five females and five males will be chosen.
I would like for the 10 participants of the 18-22 age range to be chosen from individuals
studying political science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I chose college
students due to the popularity of marijuana use in this population. It is preferable that they have a
part time job and be enrolled as a full time student at UNCC. Five females and five males will be
selected making a total of 10 students.
I aim to appraise the ethical aspects of any submitted work that involves human
participants. Written consent is required before being involved in the study. No risks are
associated from a social or physical aspect of this study.
Methodology
To collect data as accurately as possible, I feel that it is worthwhile to gather my statistics
both qualitatively and quantitatively. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods
to collect data ensures a more complete and synergistic utilization and analysis of data. A prime
example of a method to collect qualitative data is to conduct interviews with the participants and
then later transcribe them. Additionally, I could coordinate new observations similar to those
featured in Assignment One. Interviews are helpful because they provide a deeper understanding
of social experiences. Sample interview questions for both of the participating parties include:
1. How have your perceptions of the drug kingpin lifestyle altered as you have progressed
through the series?
2. How do you feel about the consequences faced by fictitious drug peddlers? Do you believe
they are realistic or falsely glamorized and perpetual?

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3. Explain why you continue to watch Weeds and how it came about you watching your first
episode.
4. Do you feel that shows such as Weeds and Breaking Bad changes viewers perceptions on the
various types of illegal drugs available to mankind in this day and age? Explain why or why not.
5. What do you believe is the reasoning for the sudden increase in popularity for shows such as
Weeds and Breaking Bad?
A method to collect quantitative data would be through conducting surveys and gathering
statistics. Surveys are used to sample or measure population characteristics. Each question is to be
answered on a scale of 1-5. Sample survey questions include:
1 Strongly Disagree

2 Mildly Disagree

3 Neutral

4 Mildly Agree

5 Strongly

Agree
1. Your interest in Weeds sparked primarily from the War on Drugs that America is currently
battling.
2. The show has permanently altered the way you view illegal drugs.
3. The consequences and challenges that Nancy Botwin faced were a realistic representation of
what is to be expected in reality.
4. The drug peddler lifestyle represented is often misleading and falsely glamorized.
5. The African American race is most commonly associated with the trafficking of narcotics.
6. Weeds creates an unfair representation of black America.
7. Programs relating to the trafficking and use of illegal drugs should no longer be broadcasted
due to the misconceptions portrayed in the shows.
Data Analysis

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Once I have collected all of my data, I plan to analyze the results graphically in pie and
bar graphs. Graphs and charts can easily illustrate the correlation between the survey data and
participants answers from interviews relating to racial stereotypes in drug trafficking. I am more
specifically interested in the relationship between viewers reasoning for watching Weeds and
whether or not it alters their perception on illegal drugs and if so how. Qualitative data such as the
interviews will be transcribed for analysis and compared to the quantitative data. It is crucial that
the results pertaining to the qualitative and quantitative data collected be organized as logically as
possible to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the purpose of this paper is to better understand the representation of the
use and trafficking of illegal drugs in original programming. Most media representations of the
challenges and consequences faced by drug peddlers are ongoing, while in reality the
consequence would be immediate imprisonment or in some cases even death. In my research
relating to the medias representation of the use and trafficking of illegal drugs there are three
major themes that occur. Those themes include: the false glamorization of the drug kingpin
lifestyle, societys altered perceptions of various illegal drugs and the racial stereotypes that come
with illegal drugs. However, while reviewing my sources, I noticed a gap in the research
pertaining to why shows such as Weeds and Breaking Bad are becoming so popular and would
like to make a study proposal to further investigate the reasoning. In my opinion, a study proposal
for this topic is crucial because I believe the recent increase in popularity says something about
societys interest in illegal substances and has to do with the War on Drugs that America is
currently battling. This study is needed in order to achieve a deeper understanding for why there
has been such a rapid increase in the amount of viewers for shows associated with drug use and

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trafficking. It concerns me that the increased popularity of such shows is due to societys
increased recreational use of drugs. I believe the rising statistics are a cry for help to the
government and society to help lessen drug related crime. Having knowledge of the proposed
issue increases individuals awareness of the problems occurring around them. For purposes of
further research, I am interested in learning more about the Drug War that is currently taking
place in America. More specifically, what has changed in modern culture to allow the legalization
of marijuana in nearly 23 states? Is it because of shows like Weeds that influence the public or
could it be due to the economic aspect that the marijuana industry has to offer?

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