Who Are Deemed the Worthy Victims of Mexico’s Drug Related Violence?

• In Event: 370 - Regular Session. Crossing Borders: New Digital Technology and People

Abstract

When it comes to Mexico’s drug related violence there have been numerous victims. My research addresses two questions: Who are the individuals who have been involved and targeted by drug trafficking organizations? How do the media portray these victims? My research discusses how The New York Times and El Universal go about reporting the deaths of the victims of border violence from 2009-2012. I categorize the deaths of police officers, government officials, Mexican citizens, American citizens, U.S. agents, journalists, immigrants, and drug trafficking members utilizing Herman and Chomsky’s idea of worthy and unworthy victims. I discuss why Mexican agents and officials, Mexican citizens, American citizens, U.S. agents, and journalists fall under the heading of “worthy victims.”

Author

• Omar Camarillo, Texas A&M University