Drug Violence In Mexican Culture

Terrorism, crime, drugs, violence, greed, and power are just a few words that come to mind when talking about the issue of drug violence. There is however unparalleled violence in the Mexican drug dilemma. The involvement of Cartels and deep-rooted crime syndicates are perfect examples with unique qualities in Mexico’s role in the drug trade. Compared to a more peaceful Peru, Mexico has some of the worst crime. Although both are wrapped into the issue of the drug trade and drug violence, the Mexicans involvement is much more devastating to their community. The effects of drug violence in Mexico paints a poor example that unfortunately finds itself covering the rich Mexican culture for what it really is. This robs many Mexicans of hope or legitimacy

Death is a huge part in Mexican culture to begin with. Dias de Los Muertos or the day of the dead is a huge celebration and embracement of death. This deep-rooted culture makes its way into narco life as well. However instead of embracing and respecting death, in Narco culture it is glorified. The belief that death is the final equalizer is a huge concept in Mexican gangs. This is embodied perfectly in the following of Santa Muerte. A female skeleton holding a scythe is quite a reckoning figure of death reminiscent of “Death”. Many people accuse the figure and symbol as “a cult lead by narcos and argue this diabolical figure has driven Mexico’s orgy of violence”(Grillo 191). Mexican gang members embrace this death hollowing figure as a form of manliness and violence. Looking at altars and “ofrendas” for Santa Muerte usually involve stuff such as booze, cigarettes, drugs, and guns. Although it may not be the one figure to drive a person to violence it definitely has the connotation of something not to screw around with. It truly backs this up when talking about a sect of the Zeta cartel in Southern Yucatan where “police arrested zetas affiliates with the axes used for the beheadings. In their homes were shrines to the skeletal death queen. These psychos seemingly feel the holy death condones such barbarity or is even pleased by it.”(Grillo