(2018) Narcoculture? Narco trafficking as a semiosphere of anticulture (original) (raw)

Abstract

In this paper we approach a current issue related to the so-called concept of narcoculture. Several works in Latin America and the United States have addressed this matter and not only accept the term narcoculture, but also stress both the symbolic and aesthetic perspectives. In order to rethink the concept of narcoculture from different angles, we appeal to Juri Lotman and Boris Uspensky's proposals regarding the concepts of culture, non-culture and anticulture. Rather than accept and reproduce the concept of narcoculture, by means of linking Lotman and Uspensky's approach with the standpoint of complexity thinking and transdisciplinarity, we propose the treatment of drug trafficking as a semiosphere of anticulture. We emphasize the contradictions inherent in the actors dwelling in this semiosphere, incorporating reflections from chaotic and barbaric processes designed to wreak havoc in Mexican society. The common acceptance of the concept of narcoculture does not acknowledge the current devastation and bloodshed produced by narco-traffick-ers and others in cahoots with the Mexican government and its militarized drug war strategy. During the last few decades, drug trafficking has inspired organized crime and their actors, spurring the representation of everyday societal features such as music, fashion, architecture, or traffickers' social status.

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What characterizes narcoculture within the context of anticulture and non-culture?add

The study finds that narcoculture exists in the semiosphere of anticulture, marked by chaos and violence, rejecting traditional cultural frameworks. This positioning emphasizes narcotrafficking as a perpetuator of barbarism rather than a legitimate cultural model.

How did the concept of narcoculture evolve in Colombian literature?add

Initially coined in the 1990s by Gustavo Álvarez Gardeázabala, narcoculture intertwined drug trafficking with revolutionary ideals. This perspective represents an overwhelming absence of critical thought, glorifying drug traffickers in a heroic context.

What role do narcocorridos play in shaping perceptions of narco-traffickers?add

Narcocorridos serve as anthems that glorify and hyperbolize the lives of drug traffickers, reflecting societal fascination. The genre gained momentum with artists like Chalino Sánchez, especially following his murder in 1992.

How are narco-traffickers represented in media and popular culture?add

Media portray narco-traffickers as anti-heroes, with shows like 'Breaking Bad' and films showcasing their violent lifestyles. These representations perpetuate cultural myths, transforming criminals into cultural icons across various platforms.

What is the significance of La Santa Muerte in the context of drug trafficking?add

La Santa Muerte symbolizes a complex cult blending indigenous and Spanish traditions, providing spiritual support within organized crime. This figure's veneration reflects broader societal struggles and the intersection of faith and violence in drug trafficking contexts.