Photo Credit: D.A.R.E./Instagram
Apparently the D.A.R.E. drug program is still around and all it took was the show Euphoria on HBO to bring them back into relevance. They’re claiming that the show’s graphic depictions of drug use, sex and violence, glorifying this behavior is harming children. A rep for the organization, told TMZ “Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO’s television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world.”
In the show, Zendaya’s drug use is one of considerable notice where at one point she was on the verge of an overdose and took more drugs to prevent it. Executive producers have called their approach “honest” which isn’t seen as acceptable by the drug prevention program. “It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as ‘groundbreaking,’ rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges” they stated.
And not to be just one to complain, they’ve stated they would like to work with the show on drug prevention efforts saying, “We would welcome the opportunity for our team, including members of our high school-aged Youth Advocacy Board, to meet with individuals at HBO who are involved with producing Euphoria to present our concerns directly.”
Now for those unaware, D.A.R.E. started in the Reagan administration that began with the LAPD, known to be not only still one of the most abusive police departments but definitely then. Their Police Chief Daryl Gates who started this is partly responsible for the idea of SWAT teams which have absolutely wreaked havoc in the city and beyond. Oh, and they were known for using battering rams taking down the walls of wrong addresses all the time in LA in their “drug prevention” efforts so given how this program came to place, one should consider the source when D.A.R.E. is speaking.
And did we mention this show is rated R which means no one under 17 should be watching it which would pretty much handle what D.A.R.E. is complaining about in the first place.
