NARCO CULTURE? OLLICartelsWeek 5 Culture of the Cartel Era

Transcription

1 NARCO CULTURE? OLLICartelsWeek 5 Culture of the Cartel Era

2 Approaches (some we have already seen) to explaining the era of violence: Structural changes in cartels from shipping drugs to extortion of locals/also the policy of targeting drug leaders creates chaos Militarization the availability of weapons and financial incentives to use them (both the Mexican government s war on drugs and the militias of cartels) The Social Media Revolution the ease of social media use creates an incentive to use the spectacle of violence as a strategic weapon in cartels and govt. competition. Economic Dislocation of traditional Mexican rural economy and migration networks Cultural Explanations (anthropology, gender, consumerism, empire,..)

3 Migration as a survival strategy has been transformed since the 1990s. Much more difficult to do seasonal migration to the U.S., far more migration from rural and central Mexico to Northern Economic zones.

4

5 Maquiladora Plants a solution to a crisis with their own Challenges Designed for workers disconnected from communities and families. Little provision made for town services schools, clinics, housing

6 Cultural Explanations cover the entire spectrum Collapse of economic foundations for traditional social structures (family and town) Hypermasculinity Hyper consumerism The collapse of the family unit The rejection of the work ethic Decentralization of Religious Values Post-Colonial Politics

7 Folk religion often bridges the gap between local/lived practices and ethereal religion. Here: the Virgin of Guadelupe and San Judas Tadeo (the patron saint of Hopeless Causes)

8 Narco culture has its own approach to religion. (Billboard defaced on eve of 2016 visit of Pope Frances)

9 The growth of the cult of Saint Jesus Malverde open to interpretation. Jesus Malverde (mccalatchy news 2 min video McClatchy video on Jesus Malverde)

10 Santa Muerte cult another recent cult that distorts Catholic traditions. It crosses the cartel/public line. 1 st public shrine in Tepito, poor neighborhood of Mexico City, 2001 Santa Muerte cult (video from WSJ (2 min) WxMFE

11 Shift part of larger religious shift? 2002 Article from the Economist on rise of Protestant congregations in Mexico

12 Are some Cartels also filling this religious space? La Familia, Knights Templars, and other Autodefense groups all use Techniques of Cults 1. All have a moral narrative 2. All use rites of initation/isolation of group members (La Familia bases their narrative on being only drug traffickers meeting out divine justice )

13 3. Subculture group identity. (songs, symbols, language, clothing, rituals of initiation, isolation from the public. Examples from La Familia and the Knights Templars: Obligation to abstain from drugs, alcohol (often recruited from rehab centers) Obligation to follow religious practices (read bible, thoughts of founder attend religious services evangelical in style.. Obligation to participate in initiation rituals Obligation to respect the hierarchy of the organization

14 La Familia Michoacana led by Nazario Moreno (el chayo) until his 2010 death. Knights Templares emerges death) to continue work of protection of population. followed by the Jalisco new generation 2016 Knights Templars documentary. Minutes but based on interview with autodefense leader. alpuffwfi Minute 2:50-5

15 Training book and roadside chapel of the Knights Templars of Mexico.

16 How people see the shifts in religion depends on attitudes toward religion in general An opiate of the masses? Encouraging them to not challenge the power structure? Changing because the power structure/economic reality is in flux? A tool of the powerful to justify the situation? (a pretty negative top down view) A way for people to establish a sense of control over a chaotic universe? To give it structure and meaning that help to make sense of their daily challenges? ( I guess that s a people-up view) A way to make a space outside of the current economic and political structure for ethical/value/spiritual debates? To serve as a counterweight to other narratives or value systems such as consumerism?

17 Another area where no one agrees is on the gender politics of the Narco War. Hyper Masculinity A way for men to gain identity in an emasculating Economy? (combined with Hyperconsumerism It s a lethal mix Photo: Militia or military? Who can tell?

18 A Culture of Mysogyny? Mexican feminists see an extension of the domestic violence/femicide of Mexican culture in the violence against women. Portraying Women as deserving of death because they are escorts, ignores the gender based power structure. And women in th ehome face domestic abuse, just as they do in Maquiladora zone. d/2016/dec/08/mexico-drug-warcartels-women-killed

19 Self Postings by Panthers becoming more common Self Actualization or a Male fantasy?

20 In 2015 Mexicans were fascinated by the saga of a female Cartel Boss. Daily Mail,

21 Queen of the South: Telemundo version 2011 USA today version Comparable to Breaking Bad? Fits model of women portraying themselves as choosing cartel life as a survival strategy no And of course its got great clothes and scenery! Does it matter who is making the show? It started as a 2011 Mexican soap opera. marketing trailer?