Nick Reding's book,
Methland, is a microcosmic representation of the meth problem in America today. He covers the problem Oelwin, a small Iowa community, has had over the last few decades with methamphetamine use and production. However, he directly relates his story to the root causes of meth abuse, both socially and economically. He also covers the personal story of Roland Jarvis, 37 year old ex convict, father of 4, crank cook and addict.
Reding makes more than one valid point about the proliferation of meth as the "all-American" drug. The ability to work long hours without fatigue, and to do seemingly superhuman feats with ease make this drug extremely attractive to those who are required to do such things. In my own experience as an active duty Marine, I saw men who were using meth outstrip my own athletic prowess and ability with seeming ease. I never saw the downside of meth use where I worked. Instead, I saw men who could run with a pack for hours without any signs of physical stress or distress. While I struggled to complete tasks in a fugue state, the meth users were still fresh and functioning at high levels of competence.
What was not apparent in military life were the downsides of meth. After all, what is the risk of jail to people who risk dying in training or combat every day? We were expected to function at the upper edge of human potential at all times. However, seeing older meth users, and even people that I went to high school with, has brought home the consequences of methamphetamine use. People that I know from high school look like they are geriatric, due to their use of meth. Rotten teeth, balding, rapid aging beyond hat should be possible, I've seen all of it. I've seen meth turn a beautiful girl, a friend of mine, into an apparently ancient, toothless hag, who is terminally paranoid, and runs from her former friends. I agree with Doctor Hallberg, that meth is a "sociocultural cancer"(Reding, 11).
Works Cited
Reding, Nick. Methland: The Death and Life of an American Small Town. USA: Bloomsbury Publishing USA. 2010. Print.
Hey Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI think you was of the topic of this week post a little bit, but I do agree that why people use drugs? It is weird that people knows the consequences of using drugs but they still do it anyway. For example, my dad knows smoking is bad and will cause cancer, but he still smoke non-stop. I have to guess, addiction is a scary thing to have.
Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI thought your summary of Methland was good. I'm not sure that I could summarize it as short as you were able to. I think that your point of why people use meth was a good point to make. This drug is not like most other drugs, but it is very harmful, just like all other drugs. I was curious to read how you thought Methland related to Winter's Bone, but I did not see where you compared the two. I also liked your picture, I thought it was a good one relating to this article.
Hi Jacob, Thanks for your summary on Methland. I believe you did a good job of getting all the points in that matter. it is interesting some of the takes you bring to light. I have never been aroung that type of atmosphere so pretty clueless about it all. I enjoyed the story because in my protected little world I don't even consider the existence of this type of devestation. keep up the great work.
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