Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Two Drug Epidemics In A Racist World: Comparing The Crack Crisis With The Opioid Epidemic, Téa Franco

Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

America has faced two nationwide drug addictions: the crack crisis and the opioid epidemic. Despite several similarities in the spread of the addictions, the two garnered vastly different reactions from the media, society, and the government. It has become apparent that the reason for these different reactions is the race of those typically afflicted by each addiction. The crack crisis predominantly affected impoverished communities of color, whereas the opioid epidemic has affected more white Americans. Through journalistic methods including FOIA requests, government documents, interviews, and the gathering of primary and secondary sources, I have examined the way that race plays …