The role that the media and film industry plays in creating dominant narratives is one that can’t be overstated, and especially so when we’re talking about the cocaine trade.
Building upon last week’s readings it was really eye-opening for me to learn about the extent to which the people in Bolivia had a connection with the Coca plant, and the role that it played in the economic and social parts of their lives. I remember especially the comparison of the process of Coca farming to the life of a married couple and how it accompanied them throughout their life. I found this to be a stark contrast with how a lot of us, including me, live our lives. I don’t really find myself connected to what I consider sustenance, possibly because I am so disconnected from its own life cycle. But the farmers in Bolivia seem to have a connection with what is such an integral part of their lives.
As fascinating it was to learn about the Coca plant and the farmers in Bolivia, it equally difficult to read about the effects that the war on drugs had on these communities. It was hearing the stories from a first person perspective that really set this piece apart from just learning about it from a disasociated news channel reporter. After learning about the importance that this plant played in the lives of these farmers it was especially distressing to read about thier livelihood being destroyed in such a manner. A lot of my other courses focus on economics and politics, and I find that a lot of the times learning about public policy is detached from the real world effects it causes,. Reading the first hand accounts of effects that foreign policy has on the developing world is something that has given me a new perspective on the issue.
I find that a lot of the narrative given to us about the coca plant is centered around cocaine and the illegal drug trade around it. The associations of the plant with the narcos seems to come from the news and entertainment, and I really believe that it’s important that everyone is made aware of the entire picture.
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?
“I find that a lot of the times learning about public policy is detached from the real world effects it causes.”
This is a good point. What seems like a good idea in a conference room or think tank can look quite different on the ground. One might argue that people learning about or involved in public policy should also have mandatory courses on culture!
I totally agree with you the first-hand accounts made the piece unique and necessary because people need to understand the human costs of the War on Drugs and see the humans who suffer from political and economic decisions. I think this angers the second question. As for the second question, I think these accounts gave me a completely different picture of people engaged with Coca. Specifically, I only imagined the Coca Traficant and the coca users (usually addicted). I knew Coca was used for medicinal purposes, but I did not picture it. As a result, these accounts made me see Coca as something beneficial and essential to an entire culture.
I like the way you write! Very concise and effective vocabulary. For your question, it is important to take the first hand stories of these farmers because it contextualizes the plant. This article could completely change the perspective of an outsider who has seen coca solely used to create cocaine. These firsthand accounts could have prevented a lot of destruction.