First things first, D will be missed. Even though D wasn't my favorite character (Lester is), he still played a major role within The Wire. I almost felt as if he was Avon's "better" and "realistic" self. Without D playing such a sympathetic role in the series Avon definitely wouldn't of seemed so bad. On the other hand without Avon, D wouldn't of seemed so innocent. All in all im still waiting for the episode where D pops up out of his grave and starts selling back at the towers. I guess only time will tell if that ever happens.
The one article by Currie talks about the crime in a market society. Within his article he defines the market society by saying that they are sink or swim societies. He goes onto explain that these specific types of societies are breeding grounds for serious violent crime. Lastly he goes on and explains the 7 determining factors/characteristics these specific societies turn to crime.
" Number 2. Inherent tendency toward extremes of inequality and material deprivation". I picked this one in specific because I believe it relates to The Wire the best. In essence it says this is the elimination of "good" work. This idea is found throughout The Wire in many situations. Ziggy and Nick are the obvious ones within the series. Seniority is a major problem for both of them. The longer you have worked on the docks the more shifts your going to get. By not getting the shifts they need to support themselves (and in Nicks situation his girlfriend) they turn to crime. You see a transition within Nick in the last couple of episodes. At first he is totally appalled by the idea of drug dealing. Then, you see him take half of his earnings in cash and in drugs. This simple transition shows you how the possible benefits outweigh the extreme costs. In Nick's mind he just wants to get his own place. On the other hand he has become a drug dealer. This also can relate to the article we read earlier in the year, explaining the girlfriend and her needs within the drug atmosphere.
Interesting points, though I'd say that Ziggy's motive behind crime is more due to his desire to gain the respect and attention of the others rather than for monetary gains. However, like you said, the issue of seniority probably contributes to that as well. I definitely still can't get over the fact that Nick had scoffed at the idea of selling drugs on a street corner and now he is pretty much doing the same thing. I guess it's just funny to see the dichotomy between the opinions of people committing crimes in the projects and on the docks.
ReplyDelete