Activity 5!

        As far as a brief overview about the research process, the author, an ethnographer, went to Manhattan from the years 1982 until 1986 in order to do research on the cocaine world. During those years, he spent a lot of time with a group of eight teenagers whom he titled “Cocaine Kids.” His research mainly consisted of sharing what he observed and taking notes on each person involved and their role with the business. He focused on sharing every detail without incorporating stereotypes. By the end of his research, he had about six thick books of notes as well as a huge insight on the lives of these kids and how the business of obtaining and selling cocaine works.
         One of the drug aspects which I found the most intriguing was regarding the people involved in the process and what led them to be involved in such a business. The book touched on how growing up in such areas in Manhattan can make drugs more accessible to young people. Poverty can lead these young teens to try anything, which can lead to more money in the least amount of time. Also, if they had a rough childhood, they are given the opportunity to find a home with the new people they would work with when dealing drugs. When dropping out of high school to work in the cocaine business, the teens are more likely to feel like they are actually doing something with their lives because of the profit they receive.
         Another factor, which I found interesting, was the reasoning behind why teens are used in this business. The book mentioned how children are more easy to control and aren’t likely to snitch to someone with more authority. Also, people caught with drugs under the age of 18 wouldn’t receive prison time or severe consequences, which was even more beneficial to people more higher up in the business. The teen majority of the time would rather receive their payment in the form of drugs rather than money too, which was extremely surprising to me.
         My third factor of drug culture would have to be the process of transporting the drugs from overseas to the seller and how the drug is priced. As I was reading the book, I read about the many positions involved in the process, such as the swimmer, supplier, guard, and seller. It was interesting to read about the many forms of cocaine and how the seller determines the price based on how pure the substance is. As the author described the crew about how they made the cocaine and packaged it in their office, I was very intrigued to read about it and know that this kind of stuff actually happens around the country. The author observed many things, which we have discussed in class. Cocaine in general is something, which we have discussed, including its schedule, effects and many forms. The purity of drugs is also something we discussed and how that can play a role on how effective it is when in use.