The Mexican American Experience, a radio program produced by the Longhorn Radio Network, includes interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns. Program summary: Linda Fregoso speaks with Dr. Albert Mata, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, about the various patterns of drug abuse within the Chicano community. Mata is primarily interested in categorizing different types of drug users. He lays out three models of youth drug abuse and explains that he is most concerned with youths who use drugs to intensify tension and violence. These conflict-oriented drug abusers are particularly dangerous because they threaten both themselves and the community. He expects that we will see a larger increase in conflict-oriented drug abusers as youth programs are eliminated. He then describes several personality types associated with drug abuse and explains that drug programs must be geared to each of the personality types. Mata then explains that in the wake of declining economic conditions, many young drug users rely on the barrio's underground economy to fund their habit. This informal network is based on exchanges and transactions that are labeled as criminal. These networks are also often associated with gangs, and Mata talks about how the media has sensationalized gang violence. Mata also explains that he has seen a rise in women's participation in gangs, and discusses possible explanations for the increase. Similarly, he has observed an increase in women who abuse hard drugs, such as heroin, and he describes two models of Chicana drug abuse. Mata then discusses efforts to deter and punish drug use and potential avenues for research. He suggests that parents become more involved in barrio life and in their children's schools. Keywords: Albert Mata, Armando Morales, Barrios, Border Cities, Budget cuts, Community, Counterculture, Drug Abuse, Drug Addicts, Drug Awareness, Drug Dealers, Drugs, Education, El Paso, Family, Gang violence, Gangs, Heroin, Informal Economy, Jails, Marginalization, Marijuana, Media Representation of Chicanos, Media Sensationalism, Neighborhoods, Parents, Parks and Recreation, Police, Punishment, Reagan Administration, Ronald Reagan, Sex Education, Social Control, Stigma, Subeconomy, Underground Economy, University of Wisconsin, Victimless Crimes, Violence, War on Drugs, Youth Programs, Youths. Broadcast date: 1982-03-25.
Creator/Contributor:
Longhorn Radio Network (creator), Fregoso, Rosa Linda. (host), and Mata, Albert (interviewee)
Date Created/Date Issued:
3/22/1982
Owning Repository:
Benson Latin American Collection, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, The University of Texas at Austin