Breaking the Taboo (2011)
Breaking the Taboo is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the complex and often controversial topic of drug policy. Let’s explore this groundbreaking film:
- Overview:
- Narrated by Morgan Freeman (in the English version) and Gael Garcia Bernal (in the Spanish version), the documentary uncovers the UN-sanctioned war on drugs.
- It charts the origins of this war and examines its devastating impact on countries such as the USA, Colombia, and Russia.
- The film features prominent statesmen, including Presidents Clinton and Carter, who join forces with The Global Commission on Drug Policy to break the political taboo surrounding drug policy.
- The War on Drugs:
- The documentary recounts the history of the war on drugs, tracing it back to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
- It sheds light on the consequences of this global policy, which has spanned over 50 years.
- Key Themes:
- Drug Liberalization: The film explores the conclusion reached by the Global Commission on Drug Policy in 2011 that drug liberalization is the most effective approach to dealing with drug policy.
- It challenges prevailing norms and aims to shift the conversation away from prohibition.
- Real-Life Impact:
- Through interviews with current and former presidents, including Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, the documentary humanizes the issue.
- It exposes what the filmmakers consider the biggest failure of global policy in recent history.
- Global Conversation:
- “Breaking the Taboo” successfully kickstarted a global conversation about the failing War on Drugs.
- By disrupting the system and making the film accessible to nearly a million people through platforms like YouTube, it achieved its mission.
Remember, this documentary challenges us to rethink our approach to drug policy and consider alternative paths toward a safer and more compassionate world.
