Miles's blog

Some leaders of South and Central American countries are ready to surrender the war on drugs and agree to legalization at least of marijuana, and possibly of harder drugs.  So far, American government officials are opposing any type of legalization.  Of course, some states are facing either legislation or referendum on legalization of marijuana.  For many states, the advent of “medical marijuana” has created  de facto legalization, while decriminalization has reduced the penalties to such a degree that mere possession is less serious than your average speeding ticket.

Considering changes to the drug laws is understandable in light of how America and much of the rest of the world views drug usage, particularly marijuana.  This past weekend I went to a pretty bad movie (is there any other kind?) called “Wanderlust.”  (Before you get all judgmental take a look at your local movie listings, then consider that Jennifer Aniston was in it.)  Not only does the movie involve the casual, and uncommented-upon, use of marijuana, but a major plot point involves Aniston’s mind-opening and presented-as-positive response to an LSD-type of hallucinogen.  At one point she jumps off a tree limb about 20 feet off the ground, only to land safely and light as a feather in the arms of the hippie-in-chief, without any injury to either jumper or catcher.  

In last night’s episode of the new TV show “Smash” (which I generally like but which I think has digressed too much into the soap opera lives of its characters instead of emphasizing its strength, which is the backstage story of a new Broadway musical) the use of marijuana by a 16-year old was treated as no more of a problem than poor grade on a pop quiz.  Following his arrest on a charge of “loitering for drugs” (is that a real crime in New York?) for hanging out with another teen smoking pot in Central Park (which is outrageous behavior because smoking anything in Central Park is illegal) the child is asked whether he has ever used marijuana.  His response: “Mom, I am sixteen years old and live in New York City, I can’t believe you even asked me that.”  That was treated with a shrug by the mom, whom we are later informed “used to light up some doobies after rehearsal.”  Again, without further explanation.  The implication was that the mom, not only cheats on her husband with the hunky star of her musical, but also still gets high when the spirit moves her.

Now, I realize that drug use is prevalent in this country, boy do I.  I used to do advisements in the jail, and I saw the dozens of defendants every day with drug problems.  And I understand that the media is not responsible for the actions of all Americans.  But I do contend that the media’s promotion of drug use contributes to the national problem that Americans use too many drugs.  Hollywood types raise money to help solve the problems of countries racked by drug violence, but then make movies and TV shows which promote the ills which create that violence.  “Smash” had a chance to make a little bit of a difference the other way.  Had the mom character discussed the inherent negative impact on a person for using marijuana there might have been some attempt to dissuade teenagers from getting high.  Instead, all she did was tell the son to worry about things staying on his permanent record.  (Which was one of the myriad legal errors.  We all know that on a first offense of a marijuana violation the kid would get diversion and possibly never see the inside of a courtroom,)  Apparently, the writers and producers of “Smash” are OK with 16-year-olds using marijuana as long as they don’t get caught.

This reminds me of alcohol’s prior depiction in the media.  For a long, long time drunkenness was treated more as a comedic tool than a societal problem.  A comedian named Foster Brooks made a living portraying a tipsy partygoer, and Dean Martin was famous for always being loaded (which apparently he really wasn’t).  But as the problems from alcohol became more recognized as something to be addressed and not laughed about, the image of the funny drunk has receded somewhat.  Obviously not completely.   But movies at least don’t show drunk driving as something acceptable.

Whether or not drugs are legalized, the problem of abuse is not going away.  I have written before why I am opposed to legalization.  What seems clear is that drug usage would only increase with legalization, and whatever ills before both individuals and society will exacerbate.  Either way, society needs to address prevention of at least drug abuse, if not promotion of abstinence altogether.  I know I have blogged on this before, but it continually bothers me that I see the media promoting behavior which is inherently negative.  And if you think media portrayals make no difference you are ignoring the $7 million rate for Super Bowl advertising, or the increase in participation in glee clubs.

So while the media chooses to promote the idea that Americans, who are living the most comfortable lifestyle in history, need to use drugs to escape the stresses of their daily life, those living in Mexico and other countries will be gunned down to help those who supply those drugs make millions.