What forces in the societies do you think to contribute to this “ineffective” criminalization of drugs? And what cultural ideas are behind this forces’ belief in the necessity of criminalization?
I am also left wondering about the role of the Bolivian state in this situation. Why did they allow the US to carry out such measures in the Andes?
In the instance where there was a shooting in the concert and the singer shot into back into the crowd (didn’t this cause panic in the crowd??) and later how he was remembered as some type of a hero, makes me think that the violence was somehow performative. What do you think?
Has it ever worked to criminalize products of popular culture against the people’s will? If not, why do states continue to do so?
Wouldn’t it be better to invest in treatments for drug users? Won’t that result in a more positive effect?
What are some projections of drug use culture that you have seen in the media? Who was producing that narrative?
Has reading these accounts changed the way in which you view the coca plant? Why do you think it’s important to learn about the first hand stories of these farmers?
Are there any culturally specific plants in Canada you can think of that are connected to a woman’s life cycle?
What did you personally think about ‘coca’ before encountering any of the reading this week? Do you think that your impression of coca was affected by your ‘own’ cultural background or cultural roots?
What is Alison Spedding’s goal of her short piece on “the Cultural Life of Coca”?
What are the potential consequences (positive or negative) of the narcos culture on Mexico? How does it impact the people on a more personal level? Where does narco go from here?
why do you think people like narco-corridos? Can you identify which lens you have that makes you see it that way?
in the context of other cultures, what is the coca plant comparable to? Not only in the act of destruction, but also comparable in cultural significance and rituals.
Why do you guys think narcoculture and corridos are popular?
