I really loved getting a more complex understanding of the narconovelas this week because I am a frequent watcher of telenovelas and occasionally narconovelas. However, I do find that occasionally these novels can be a reflection of society because if we go back to the section on narcocorridos there is a deeply rooted connection between the public and this content. There is an understanding that the narco is a part of the culture (even though it is often viewed negatively) because it is the reality of so many people. My boyfriend (who has a very negative view of the narco) recognizes the overlap that the narco has had in his life. Especially, from being in direct contact with people who have associations in these organizations.

As I had said before, there is a romanticization of the narco, there is a luxury that comes along with it. Even though it is filled with violence and tragedy there is a luxury that comes with the wealth that narcotraficantes have, and to desire that isn’t naturally bad.  I think that is partly why that the narconovelas are very popular because they are a fantasy, which doesn’t mean that the viewers actually want to do the things that are portrayed in the novelas. They can be the image of escaping poverty and providing for a family.

And I guess there also the question: Are narconovelas critiques or glorification?  Well, I do want to believe that they are critiques and only on the basis of what was said in the lecture video. That often the villains are painted in such a negative way, and because of that, I think that it is a critique. The surgeons are scummy, the traffickers are scummy, and the politicians are also scummy. They show what they believe to be the worst type of people in society in a black and white way.

Question: “Are narconovelas challenging or glorifying that drug trade within Latin America?”