Malcolm Unwell: Marching on Behalf of a Gangster

Malcolm Unwell writes:

While it’s doubtful that El Chapo draws unanimous support in Mexico, it brings into question the values of people that advocate on behalf of a gangster. To what extent are we importing these values? To what extent does America already hold such pro-gangster values?

Sure, America celebrates gangsters—in a fashion. We love fictional characters such as Tony Soprano, Don Corleone, Tony Montana, and real-life outlaws such as Billy the Kid. (Guzman, like Billy the Kid, once escaped from jail.) But it is still disturbing that the college dorm rooms of students across the US display posters of a grimly scowling Al Pacino as Scarface.

I like to think we would not literally march in support of one of these fictional characters, so I remain nonplussed at the march in Mexico. But I feel a little spooked at what this portends for our future. We are without a doubt importing many individuals who hold such values.