Exploring the Social and Economic Drivers of Crime in Traffic (2000)

Abstract

Social and Economic Causes of Criminal Behavior: An Analysis of the Movie “Traffic” (2000). Student’s Name Institution Affiliation Instructor’s Name The movie "Traffic" (2000) by Steven Soderbergh is one of the most outstanding movies that has gained appraisal since its release. The movie offers insight into the controversial war on drugs without fear, and through this, it has gained universal recognition and acclamation, making it noteworthy in the contemporary world. The core focus of the movie is the illegal drug trade that exists between various group levels that form an exciting connection to the occurrence of crime. The movie documents several aspects of drug trafficking and abuse at its epitome. The characters in the movie are well choreographed to represent different persons that surround illegal drug trading. What seems interesting about the movie is that it creates questions for the viewer, it is also a source of knowledge on the issue of drugs, and through this, they can weigh the different opinions of the characters. According to (Boyd 2002), the movie is not based on a true story but is real in its authentic setting representing the drug addicts themselves. Mexican Law officers, drug Czars, and DEA agents. The movie sets foot in analysis and critiques what occurs in ascertaining criminal behaviour. The movie is graced by various arts and dimensions in which drug trafficking is enacted. The movie creates reflections for the viewer. What are the causes of crime; since the movie appears very controversial regarding the motives of the illegal drug trade? Various philosophers have tried to connect crime with multiple occurrences and assumptions to determine the causes of crime. This discussion will review and analyze the plot summary of the movie and examine three philosophical theories; Social Conflict Theory, Social Process Theory, and Strain Theory. The movie cuts across three plots that enhance the setting of the film. It first describes drug trafficking between Mexico and the United States at the national level, where two police officers arrest smugglers in Mexico with a truck full of cocaine and gain accolade from a top-level official, General Salazar. Salazar viciously uses Javier, one of the police officers, for his selfish gains. It is Tijuana Drug Cartels led by the Obregon brothers who face Javier. Fransisco Flore, who works for Tijuana, is captured and tortured, and he managed to mention his fellow drug dealers, who are later killed. Salazar is recognized as an influential man in eradicating drug trafficking in Mexico. The story does not end since Javier learns about the Juarez cartel, a rival to Tijuana and owns by Salazar. Javier's compatriot, Manolo, is killed for informing the United States Drugs Administration. Javier provides insider information to the FBI in exchange for electricity in his neighbourhood and a conducive environment for his children. Fransisco is assassinated for betraying the Obregon brothers, Salazar's lunatic mission is exposed, and he is killed. The second plot addresses a case in Washington Dc and Cincinnati. Wakefield is a judge from Ohio, and he is appointed as the drug czar of the United States. This analogy holds something interesting since his sixteen-year daughter, Caroline, is a drug addict. Wakefield is determined to win a war against drugs and deliver a clean community, but his daughter lets her down. She engages in substance abuse and goes intense together with her friends that she engages in crime and prostitution. The family tries rehabilitation but runs away to be with his drug. The issue creates skirmishes and conflict in the family when the two parents confront each other about the bad behaviour of their teenagers. Wakefield decides to quit the job to focus on family. The third case is set in San Diego involving a mid-level distributor, Carlos Ayala, distributes drugs from the Obregon brothers. Ayala is under federal investigation, with Montel and Ray as the instigators. Ruiz, a close associate and worker of Ayala, is forced to testify against Ayala. Ayala's wife is unaware of his husband's supposed deals, only aware that he married rich. When he learns that it was a dirty deal, he goes for Ruiz, the chief witness for the case, and hires Fransisco Flores to kill him. Ruiz escapes, but later, he is poisoned by his vengeful wife. The wife joins the mix and cuts a deal with the Obregon brothers as the sole distributor of cocaine in the United States. Ayala is released and lives everyday life. The ending is when they are confronted with Montel in their home, alluding that the war on drugs is still under debate. Stephen Soderberg unveils significant themes in the three plots that grace the movie. The main themes that grace the movie are deviance and crime, military corruption, corruption of the police, and drug culture. People commit crimes based on various reasons. A wide range of aspects pulls a person into illegal drugs. The discussion that comes on board is what stipulates the occurrence of criminal behaviour among the various bodies. Various theories are used to explain criminal behaviour and what prompts such menace. The movie shows various groups of people, including the government, its officials, police, and citizens, with different motives for drug abuse and drug trafficking. Sociologists and criminologists believe that crime emanates from various attributes that cannot be controlled. Criminologists and sociologists use strain theory to explain various phenomena....