The Realism of Narcos: A Colombian Perspective

Netflix's series Narcos has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense portrayal of the cocaine trade in Colombia. For many viewers, the show raises the question: how realistic is Narcos? According to showrunner Eric Newman, the series is based on factual occurrences, although some aspects may fall short in capturing the full impact of the narco situation on everyday life in Colombia.

Accuracy of the Series

When speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2016, Newman confirmed that the show is factually accurate. However, he notes that the series may not fully depict how the narco situation affected the entire country. This sentiment is shared by a Colombian native who grew up in Bogotá in the 1980s, a period marked by significant drug trafficking.

Personal Experience: A child born in 1984 in Bogotá shared his recollections of that era. Growing up, he was not allowed to visit shopping malls due to fear of them being bombed. His family member had to flee the country after refusing to sell a horse to the mafia. The economic impact was also substantial, with money laundering and bribe payments being commonplace. The national sport, soccer, was heavily influenced by the cartels, who owned and controlled the sport.

These conditions persisted even after Pablo Escobar's downfall, with the Cali cartel taking over. The power of the drug cartels extended beyond the government, affecting everyday life in Colombia. Another significant factor in this reality is the involvement of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who also benefited from the drug trade.

Broader Impact

While the series accurately portrays the drug trade and its impact on the government and politics, it may fail to capture the full extent of its influence on the everyday lives of Colombians. According to a Colombian perspective, the narco situation affected every single Colombian, every single day of their lives.

Hope for Change: The experiences described highlight the need for societal and governmental changes. One perspective suggests that legalizing marijuana and ending drug wars would help end the profits for drug cartels. Another viewpoint acknowledges that governments often benefit from drug economies, using them as a means to control populations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the series Narcos is a largely accurate portrayal of the cocaine trade in Colombia. However, it may not fully capture the deep-seated impact of the drug cartels on the fabric of Colombian society. As the story continues to unfold, it is hoped that real-world efforts will bring about positive change, addressing the root causes and consequences of the narco situation.

Keywords: Narcos, drug cartels, Colombian reality