Mexican Drug Cartels

     When I was a little girl, my father had to go on a one month business trip to Mexico. When he returned, he came back telling stories of the laid-back attitude, delicious food, and warm hospitality, only made more beautiful by the pictures he brought back with him, and tales of new friends he had made. At this time, the mention of Mexico brought to mind fiestas and siestas, burritos and burros, sombreros and sangria. I made up my mind then, that Mexico was a destination I would one day fully explore. Unfortunately, when I had the opportunity to visit with my husband, he was told by the military that he was not allowed to go over the border. This was the start of the Mexico that exists today- riddled by drug cartels, violence, and brutality.

            It is currently impossible to read the daily news without hearing a mention of the terrifying and violent drug wars across the border. According to statistics provided by the LA Times, approximately 28,228 drug war related deaths have occurred since January 2007. Despite a military led “crackdown,” the cartels are seizing control of the state, having spread their criminal behavior to include extortion, kidnapping, and migrant smuggling, with murders of politicians and police occurring at alarming and overwhelming rates (Wilkinson, 2010). President Calderon himself is quoted as stating, “"This criminal behavior is what has changed, and become a challenge to the state, an attempt to replace the state." While drug trafficking related violence is sadly nothing new, the Mexican drug cartels have taken brutality to a new level, with groups such as La Fimilia and the Zetas beheading and dismembering rivals and stringing up their corpses in public areas to make a statement. Additionally, these cartels possess military-class weaponry smuggled from the United States, and have even denotated car bombs in attacks on Mexican police.

            The brutality is not only a terror to citizens, but is in many ways facilitating a breakdown in Mexico’s government. Mayors are killed routinely, and the criminal groups have even caused Pemex, the state oil company and top national income provider, to shut down (Wilkinson, 2010).

            The influence of Mexican drug cartels is not only an issue that applies within their borders- much of the trafficking sends drugs over the border into the United States. In addition, a recent report shows that the influence has expanded to other Latin American countries, with Gen. Miguel Hidalgo, Peru’s top anti-narcotics official citing 32 arrests of Mexican cartel members within two years (Kraul, 2009).

            There are many ways in which to analyze the drug cartels in Mexico. They follow a pattern of hierarchal organization, as well as networks of acquaintances that facilitate the criminal behavior—for example, drug cartels often employ business men and police in a corrupt manner. The unavoidable and undeniable presence of the cartels creates a culture of unlawfulness, and infiltrates the country. This can be seen by the fact that the Mexican government is powerless in comparison. This can also be viewed as an interesting reversal of conflict theory, in which the group in power aims to stay in power- in this situation, it seems as though the metaphorical "proletariat" has, in a way, seized control and found a way in which to overturn the group in power. It can also be seen as a way of trespassing economic determinism through the use of deviance. The existence of cartels have also drastically changed the norms within Mexico-- the violence that has become a daily occurrence within the country has changed the way in which citizens behave and the tourism industry, which has dropped significantly since tourists have been taken hostage or kidnapped. In a strange application, one can view the relationship between the cartels and the Mexican government as a twisted application of the power-differential  theory.

         This recent problem in Mexico is intriguing, in that it raises many questions regarding how such a war could occur, and escalate, within such a short period of time. Considering Mexico’s previous economy, it might be possible that relative deprivation within the country has caused cartels to try to even the score. Equally possible, it could be the effects of deviance within society. When will it end?

   

Kraul, C. "Mexico's drug lords look south." Los Angeles Times. March 25, 2009.

Wilkinson, T. "Mexican drug cartels thrive despite Calderon's offense." Los Angeles Times. August 8, 2010.

"The Tattoo" Response 1

            Within our personal lives, it is inevitable that we encounter cultures and realities that differ drastically from our own. This holds especially true within the realm of sociological studies, in which we find both familiarity and explanations for things we have personally experienced, as well as gateways into realms that are foreign and new.

            The novel, “The Tattoo,” is a story teeming with insight into both Hawaiian culture, as well as prison culture. Through the characters, the audience is allowed a glimpse of two very distinct realms, and experience characters that embody principles both familiar and foreign.

            Throughout the first chapters of the novel, it is interesting to recognize the strikingly different norms present in prison life. While norms outside of jail generally rely on being polite and amiable, the very ability to survive within prison depends on brutality and being able to prove one’s worth and potential threat. For example, within the first two pages, the author exemplifies the method of establishing hierarchy, when he indicates that it is custom for the new cellmate to have his pillow and blanket taken away from him as a sign of authority (pg. 2). In this way, status positions are established. This plays into the idea of material culture- whereas life outside of prison might use such things as Armani suits or nice cars to indicate wealth or status, the novel quickly shows that in prison, the ability to obtain another’s belongings (which are rare and sparse as it is), demonstrates dominance and status. Furthermore, this type of hierarchy exemplifies social structure. Social relationships in the novel are determined by a mixture of time spent in prison, as well as demonstrations of dominance.

            Another concept visited by “The Tattoo,” is the concept of assimilation. Assimilation is crucial in prison life, as conforming to the norms and social structure are integral to one’s safety. However, even more fascinating is the personal story told by Ken, and how he became the person he is. Throughout Ken’s family life, he is ridiculed by his father for not being brave enough, or tough enough to fight. However, Ken assimilates to the violence at his school, after having his “ass kicked,” (pg.46) while running away from someone who was chasing him. As if that humiliation wasn’t enough, his father berates him for not fighting back. Ken then adopts his father’s values of being the “predator,” instead of the “prey,” (pg. 46).  This ideology is one that gains his father’s respect, as well as leading Ken down a path of violence. He develops a persona that is intimidating, thus losing his former image as someone to ridicule. This is further exemplified when Ken mocks Tavares, and accepts his abuse with a laugh, thus establishing that he lack fears, a quality that also helps establish status within the prison system. Additionally, assimilation is also show by the use of pidgin instead of English- in the study of communications, this is called “code-switching,”- the practice of adapting one’s language to others in order to be better understood and accepted.

            In my personal life, I have not had much experience or exposure to prison culture, but I feel that the idea of assimilating into one’s environment is crucial in everyday life, and relatable to every situation. Whether it is a new work environment, a new neighborhood, or a new country, we often find ourselves in the position of adapting to a different culture in order to “fit in.” The novel, “The Tattoo,” gives one clear example of an environment in which social structure and assimilation to a culture is crucial for survival. While most of us might never see such an extreme case within our lifetime, the lesson is universal.