Debating the Drug War: Racial Politics, Mass Media, and the War on Drugs

Описание: Since President Nixon coined the phrase, the "War on Drugs" has presented an important change in how people view and discuss criminal justice practices and drug laws. The term evokes images of militarization, punishment, and violence, as well as combat and the potential for victory. It is no surprise then that questions such as whether the "War on Drugs" has "failed" or "can be won" have animated mass media and public debate for the past 40 years in the US. Through analysis of 30 years of newspaper content and thousands of internet comments, I illuminate the role of racial silence, code words, and identity construction in the drug policy debate. Further, I demonstrate the social realities obscured by the dominant frames and provide insights for how advocates and organizations can contribute to a more robust conversation about the causes and consequences of racial oppression in drug policy.