Illicit drugs have been historically portrayed by popular media as an item related to criminality and shame. Government agencies and institutions have undeniably popularised drugs as highly damaging to not only the health of individual users but also greater society as a whole. The image below that I've found is a perfect example of such propagandistic depictions. Here, the icons of graffiti, the clothing and the tattoo of the youngster suggests the criminal nature of illicit drugs Moreover, the fractured wall symbolises and reflects the fractured and torn health of users. This health concern is further accentuated in a more alarming manner by the red, capitalised writing. Last in my opinion, all the letters in the word 'addict' are capitalised besides the letter "I". This illustrates to the youngster, as an individual has been addicted to drugs. Yet, the compact and bold nature of the writing is in extreme contrast with the rest of the empty, white wall. This further symbolises that the drug user has been ostracised by society, and has become an unwanted waste.
Yet, on the other hand, whilst some representations concentrates upon the illegality and criminality of illicit drugs, another branch magnifies the vulnerability and help-needed nature of its users. In these depictions, I have noticed that users are illustrated not just as members outside of society, but members within it who are desperately in nee for help and support of the rest of society. The following demonstration below is a great example that I've found, where desperation is forwarded through the bold black letters surrounded by white pills.
- Dee
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