Narcotic Notes

Playlist and article written by: Atharva Kokane

Plutocracy is a big issue in Latin America, with the wealthiest 10% of the population receiving 48% of total income and the bottom 10% earning only 1.1%. Furthermore, quoting a Latin American artist, Immortal Technique, "Latino America is a huge colony of countries whose presidents are cowards in the face of economic imperialism" we have a point of view of a citizen how plutocracy has spread through the continent. The artist further speaks about the various issues that corruption within the government run by the rich has caused, such as the embargo in Cuba and the bombings in Vieques.

The drug trade in Latin America involves countries acting as transit points for cocaine destined for North America and Europe. In terms of cocaine prevalence, Uruguay has the highest rate in the region at 2.1%, followed by Ecuador and Argentina. The cocaine market poses a significant global threat, with well-defined production locations in South America and large consumer markets in the Americas. American artist, Nathan Feurstein has said, "I don't know what it's like to be addicted to pills, but I do know what it's like to be a witness, it kills" which puts a real spotlight on the harmful effects of any leisure drugs.

This playlist outlines the issues with Latin American states, from songs like The Poverty of Philosophy and Clint Eastwood, that walk about drug usage, to songs like Money Game and Propaganda, which talks about the issue of corruption and plutocracy within governments.

We all should take a stand and fight. It can be as small as a playlist, but that's how the revolution grows. ¡VIVA LA REVOLUCIÓN!

Listen to Narcotic Notes here:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/454oONO9RVA7Kw7yH39aKo?si=B8xviTUCR5-Um_9pClFgig&pi=u-fpqm1KtlQZKT