Section 1: Research Report
Introduction
Examining the motives behind drugs and morality, as well as the society’s perspective presented in the TV show “Breaking Bad” grants an exciting way to dive deeper into the sophisticated realm of drug culture in media. The series dove through the difficulties of the moral decisions and ethical issues its characters faced, providing a stimulating reflection on the impact of intoxicating narcotics. In its illustration of the character of protagonist Walter White, who slides down the ladder to the world of crime, “Breaking Bad” raises some profound questions on the issue of morality, power attraction, and the effect of individual choices on society. Through the lens of “Breaking Bad,” in this essay, we focus on the relationship between popular media, cultural narratives, and the broader social context. This approach is likely to establish the role of this TV show as a cultural artifact with a simultaneous capacity to reflect and shape public attitudes towards drugs and morality.
Conducting Research
In order to be responsible for this project, we chose a mixed method with the help of various academic sources to achieve our study. Based on the fundamental assumptions about drugs and society we have learned during the course, we prepare for our discussion of “Breaking Bad.” This is also supported and undertaken by the findings from various peer-reviewed articles to give the topic the desired depth. Namely, Gstrein’s (2018) literature review about the social construction of drug politics represents valuable lessons on social construction, which is a solid basis for our theoretical analysis. Additionally, Bowlby’s (2020) article that builds on the spiritual care of cancer patients, specifically using the examples raised in the show ‘Breaking Bad’ sheds light on the murky nature of the series drama. In addition to our academic research, we draw a lot from sites like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which offer a lot of exact and great data and analysis on drug use issues. By amalgamating these dissimilar information sources into a professional research report, we will delve into the complexities of the terminology and morality perspective in “Breaking Bad.” This well-explored problem will be available via the analysis presented in the research.
Section 2: Analyzing the Film
Viewing the Film
The “Breaking Bad” TV show amazingly gives a detailed account of drug sales groomed on high drama and moral entanglements. The plot centers heavily on the intricacies of the meth trade, with the adrenaline and the downsides of running the business catered for. We can take the viewpoint of the main character, Walter White, to see the metamorphosis from a straightforward college teacher into a brutal drug dealer, that becoming involved in drug trafficking can be attractive yet very risky. The series also does a great job by warping depictions of addiction, crime, and the effects of moral corruption, in which he creates an engaging presentation of drugs and society.
Discussing Accuracy
Our “Breaking Bad” inspection showed that the director ambiguously imparted drug-related motifs. The show is phenomenal when it comes to representing the grim factuality of the trade with drugs and its consequences on the lives of individuals. However, at the same time, we must remember that it is a film and, therefore, can take some creative liberties for the sake of the drama (Schlag, 2020). Some specific elements, such as the complexity of the drug manufacturing process or the creation of a delegated person, are somehow related to the reality that supports them from personal experiences. On the other hand, movies may enhance some things in their construct for narrative effects, which might be inconsistent with what documentary-styled re-enactments of historical events need. Despite some presentation gaps, “Breaking Bad” represents the ethical problems and difficult decisions primarily associated with the drug trade well, stimulates intense thinking, and criticizes the complexity of the drug culture.
Section 3: Applying Criminological Theories to Characters
Major Criminological Theories
When we apply criminology’s methods to the “Breaking Bad” characters, we first and foremost need to be grounded in the central concepts that are our foundation. General Strain Theory points out that plunging into crime is a means to what criminals consider to be alleviation or coping with life’s strain and stresses. The Social learning theory says that people who imitate the actions of the other people around them learn deviant behaviors by imitating and observing others (Burke, 2018). Social Control Theory believes that social connections and ties offer the motive to prohibit offenders from engaging in criminal events (Gstrein, 2018). Labeling Theory explains how being subjected to roles and stereotypes by societies shapes who the individual perceives themselves to be and how they behave. Social disorganization theory is about the community’s characteristics, such as poverty and instability, in understanding why a place has lots of crime (Burke, 2018). The Routine Activity Theory concentrates on how motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians converge to pave the way for a crime.
Application to Characters
These criminological theories give us a big picture of what happened to the prisoners and also clearly show us that their thoughts and actions are sometimes triggered by crime and the motives they imply. Walter White’s journey from a meek teacher to a blood-thirsty drug lord can be viewed through the General Strain Theory. The root cause of his initial choice to make methamphetamine is the financial problems and the terminal illness that overwhelmed him, which he thinks can excuse his greedy action by claiming that he was trying to help his loved ones (Schlag, 2020). The Social Learning Theory is illustrated in Jesse’s changes from the half-baked meth cook to an experienced criminal. He learns about the meth trade from Walter White and his close friend and finally gets drilled into a deviant lifestyle influenced by his criminal associates. Implementation of Social Control Theory manifests in the character of Hank Schrader, a DEA agent, who is driven by his inborn solid sense of duty and calling to serve law enforcement, which leads to the prevention of subsequent illegal activities. However, some obstacles are encountered.
Strengths and Weaknesses
These theories as frameworks of character behaviors are merely helpful but capable of limiting and elevating them. General Strain Theory reveals the origin of criminal behavior in homeostatic violations caused by external stressors. It shows why Walter was unable to deal with the stressful situation and started his involvement in the drug trade due to financial strain and illness. Nevertheless, it might disfigure his intentions by neglecting internal factors such as ego and hierarchical relations. According to the social learning theory, the social environment’s role in changing behavior is pointed out, meaning that Jesse Pinkman’s use of deviant behavior through observation and imitation can occur.
On the other hand, it might overlook the effect of individual initiative on decision-making. The Social Control Theory points out how bonds with society can prevent people from committing crimes, a notion that Hank Schrader follows in his job. However, it may neglect circumstances at odds with family obligations and the law. Using the Labeling Theory, one should realize how society’s labels change the self-esteem of individuals, with characters like Gustavo Fring who challenge the traditional stereotypes. However, it can leave out societal influences the most impeccable (Gstrein, 2018). Social Disorganization Theory helps connect crime occurrences to underdeveloped neighborhoods but could omit individual involvement. Routine Activity Theory shows the potential of criminal opportunities that arise in the dynamics (but may not fully grasp the winding motivations of complex plots as in “Breaking Bad”).
Addressing Flaws or Integration
Considering these faults is the primary factor for employing several theories simultaneously to provide a general perception of the character’s actions and motives in the TV series “Breaking Bad.” One such way is the combination of General Strain Theory with Social Learning Theory, which enables us to research the circumstances when Walter White encounters deviant role models and his vulnerability to social strain that leads to his criminal behavior. Consequently, applying social construction and labeling theories would give us insight into how individuals manage the tension between accepting and rejecting social norms. By blending the perspectives of different criminological theories, we get a full scope of criminals’ personalities and surroundings that may affect their actions (Gstrein, 2018). The correct use of the class notes or textbook citation will help with this integrated analysis process, ensuring that the course of events is closely linked with academic theory.
Section 4: Connecting with Course Material
Relating to Course Content
Abusing drugs within the framework of Breaking Bad is explicitly shown by detailing varied drug culture processes along with society. For example, Bennett (2018) highlights the fact that media are the reason why people behave in a specific (positive or negative) way when it comes to drugs. The series Breaking Bad shows the meanings and outcomes of methamphetamine production and trade, revealing there are moral problems in the drug dealers’ lives. This idea is consistent with Bennett’s probe into whether the media discourse affects content consumption and change policy-making.
Making Connections
Furthermore, the article by Bowlby (2020) examines the questions of what is meaning and what is morally right, which are revealed in Breaking Bad mainly via the character of the main protagonist who is confronted with the situation of cancer while he decides to enter into the trade of drugs. This is the matter that falls in line with our discussions: the notion of ethics, related issues of drug use, and factors that appear to be the main ones behind people’s misbehavior in their drug use. Also, Gstrein’s (2018) dependency strategies, drug policy, and social construction help to bring out ways through which it is clear that Breaking Bad has been able to take part in the zoology of the drug culture and how the media portrays it. The show offers a more complex depiction of police work, drug addiction, and societal reactions to drug issues, as these elements give rise to an excellent spread for the exploration of the difficulties of drug policy and public perception.
Analyzing Portrayal of Drugs in the Media
Issues of drug problems and their impact on policy-making, as indicated by Schlag (2020), can be used to understand drug addiction and societal breakdown, as presented by Breaking Bad. Through the exploration of addiction, violence, and the criminal justice system, the series provides a means of obtaining information to aid effective encounters with drug-related problems and the possible consequences of policies. The media has always served as a mirror reflecting society’s morals and values. It shapes our perceptions and evaluates the way we live. Thus, we can further understand the vector of drug culture and its portrayal in modern media by exploring the show’s themes through an academic lens.
References
Bennett, C. (2018). Drugs, moral panics, and the dispositive. Journal of Sociology, 54(4), 538–556.
Bowlby, E. (2020). Drugs, Death, Denial and Cancer Care: Using Breaking Bad in the spiritual care of cancer patients. Critical Studies in Television, 15(3), 223–238.
Burke, R. H. (2018). An introduction to criminological theory. Routledge.
Gstrein, V. (2018). Ideation, social construction, and drug policy: A scoping review. International Journal of Drug Policy, pp. 51, 75–86.
National Institute of Health. (2018, November 28). National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-drug-abuse-nida
SAMHSA. (2023, June 9). Prevention of Substance Use and Mental Disorders. Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/prevention#:~:text=SAMHSA
Schlag, A. K. (2020). Percentages of problem drug use and their implications for policy making: A literature review. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 6, 2050324520904540.
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