include these secondary sources with the out line:  Drug Lords: The Rise and Fall of El Chapo Netflix, 2018.
Summary: Drug Lords: The Rise and Fall of El Chapo released by Netflix in 2018, is a gripping documentary series that traces the life and criminal career of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the notorious Mexican drug lord who headed the powerful Sinaloa Cartel for decades. The series provides an in-depth look into El Chapo’s expansive criminal empire, spanning across multiple continents and involving a vast network of drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. Through engaging interviews and firsthand accounts from law enforcement agents, cartel members, and insiders, the documentary uncovers the inner workings of the cartel and reveals the many aspects of El Chapo’s leadership and strategic prowess. The series also documents his tumultuous relationship with law enforcement, including his capture, daring prison escapes, and eventual extradition to the United States. As the documentary unfolds, it serves as a chilling reminder of the far-reaching and devastating impact of the global drug trade, providing audiences with an enthralling and eye-opening examination of a world shrouded in secrecy, violence, and tragedy.
Credibility: The documentary series Drug Lords: The Rise and Fall of El Chapo is highly credible due to its reliance on real-life sources and factual accounts of events. Through engaging interviews with law enforcement agents, cartel members, and insiders, the series provides an in-depth and first-hand perspective on the inner workings of the Sinaloa Cartel and the life of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. This makes it an invaluable source of information for those seeking a more accurate understanding of the complex dynamics of the drug trade.
Use:the series can help deepen the audience’s knowledge and understanding of the motivations, actions, and consequences of drug trafficking. By examining the impact of the drug trade on individuals, communities, and society as a whole, it provides an opportunity to critically evaluate the ethical and moral implications of engaging in illegal activities for personal gain..

Crack in the System Directed by Marc Levin, Al Jazeera, 2014.
Summary: Crack in the System directed by Marc Levin and produced by Al Jazeera in 2014, is a powerful documentary that delves into the life of “Freeway” Rick Ross, a notorious drug dealer who played a central role in the crack cocaine epidemic that swept across the United States during the 1980s. The film offers a comprehensive exploration of Ross’s rise to infamy, his involvement in the drug trade, and the intricate interplay of socio-political factors that facilitated the surge of the crack epidemic. Through engaging interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the documentary examines the underlying social, economic, and political conditions that allowed Ross and other drug dealers to thrive. It highlights the systemic injustices, discriminatory policies, and the widespread economic disparity that disproportionately affected minority communities, ultimately creating the perfect storm for the crack crisis to take hold. Moreover, Crack in the System scrutinizes the harsh governmental response to the epidemic, including the implementation of draconian drug laws and an aggressive law enforcement approach that disproportionately targeted and devastated communities of color. 
Credibility: Crack in the System heavily relies on interviews and archival footage, providing a window into the real-world experiences of a drug dealer and the conditions that fueled the drug epidemic.
Use: This source will be employed to contextualize and better understand the reality of drug dealing, contrasting with portrayals in entertainment media and shedding light on the potential discrepancies between the two.

Pablo Escobar: Beyond Narcos Directed by Jordan Hill, Gaia, 2016.
Summary: Pablo Escobar: Beyond Narcos directed by Jordan Hill and produced by Gaia in 2016, is a fascinating documentary series that delves deep into the life and criminal enterprises of Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug lord who led the Medellin Cartel throughout the 1980s. The series offers a comprehensive examination of Escobar’s rise to power, charting his path from humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s most feared and wealthy criminals. Through compelling interviews, archival footage, and expert insights, the series unveils the intricacies of Escobar’s expansive drug empire, shedding light on the violence, corruption, and political chaos that accompanied its growth and eventual collapse. Pablo Escobar: Beyond Narcos presents an engaging and thought-provoking analysis of one of the most infamous figures in the history of international drug trafficking, contributing to an understanding of the complex dynamics within the world of organized crime.
Credibility: With a focus on firsthand accounts, archival footage, and a comprehensive examination of Escobar’s life, this documentary presents a well-rounded and accurate portrait of the notorious drug lord. They describe Escobar as ruthless as well as a very powerful man throughout the documentary. This documentary is thorough and reliable in its use of footage as well as evidence about Escobar's life furthering his credibility.
Use: This secondary source will offer important context on the realities of drug trafficking and its consequences and will serve as another point of comparison with fictional portrayals of drug dealers in entertainment media. Hill’s documentary will be helpful to use in my essay in order to better understand and examine the lives of drug dealers.

: Working Thesis: Entertainment media accurately depicts the rise, glory, and tragic downfall, often leading to death, of drug dealers by portraying their journey through power and glamor, offering a complete understanding of the consequences and challenges faced by those involved in the drug trade.

I. Introduction
A. Brief overview of the drug trade and media examples
B. Introduce working thesis

II. The rise of drug dealers in entertainment media
A. Topic sentence: Entertainment media effectively illustrate the initial ascent of drug dealers through various opportunities and motivations.
1. Evidence: Breaking Bad’s portrayal of Walter White’s entry into the drug trade due to financial difficulties and desire to provide for his family (Gilligan, 2008-2013).
2. Evidence: Snowfall’s depiction of Franklin Saint’s rise from a small-time drug dealer to a powerful figure in the drug trade (Singleton, 2017-present).

III. The glory and power associated with drug dealers in media portrayals
A. Topic sentence: Media portrayals capture the glamorous lifestyle and power dynamics associated with being a drug dealer.
1. Evidence: Scarface’s depiction of Tony Montana’s wealth, luxury, and status symbols gained through drug dealing (Stone, 1983).
2. Evidence: Gustavo Fring in Breaking Bad, a successful businessman who secretly controls a large drug operation (Gilligan, 2008-2013).
3. Evidence: Euphoria’s portrayal of drug dealer Nate Jacobs’s power, control, and influence in his community (Levinson, 2019-present).

IV. Media portrays the negative aspects and consequences of drug dealing
A. Topic sentence: Apart from the glamorous lifestyle, entertainment media also focuses on the negative aspects and consequences of drug dealing.
1. Evidence: Breaking Bad’s showcase of violence, addiction, and disrupted relationships within the drug trade (Gilligan, 2008-2013).
2. Evidence: Snowfall’s illustration of the impact of drug trade on communities, including addiction, violence, and loss of life (Singleton, 2017-present).
3. Evidence: Euphoria’s depiction of the emotional and mental costs of drug dealing, as well as the consequences for the dealers and their families (Levinson, 2019-present).

V. The tragic downfall and demise of drug dealers in entertainment media
A. Topic sentence: Media portrayals accurately reflect the inevitable tragic downfall of drug dealers through their loss of power, relationships, and ultimately their lives.
1. Evidence: Scarface’s portrayal of Tony Montana’s bloody downfall leading to his eventual death (Stone, 1983).
2. Evidence: Breaking Bad’s depiction of Walter White’s tragic end after losing his power, family, and ultimately his life (Gilligan, 2008-2013).
3. Evidence: Snowfall’s portrayal of the dangers and consequences faced by drug dealers, including Franklin Saint’s encounters with violence and loss (Singleton, 2017-present).

VI. Counterargument: Media portrayal of drug dealers is overly dramatic and unrealistic
A. Topic sentence: Critics argue that entertainment media often exaggerate the rise, glory, and tragic downfall of drug dealers, leading to distorted perceptions of the drug trade.
1. Evidence: The excessive violence portrayed in Scarface (Stone, 1983).
2. Evidence: The dramatic character arcs in Euphoria might not reflect the reality for most drug dealers (Levinson, 2019-present).

VII. Rebuttal to counterargument: Emphasis on the tragedy and consequences faced by drug dealers
A. Topic sentence: While critics argue that media dramatizes the drug trade, many portrayals accurately reflect aspects of the rise, glory, and tragic downfalls faced by drug dealers, offering crucial insights into the harsh reality of the drug trade.
1. Evidence: Breaking Bad’s profound exploration of Walter White’s moral dilemmas, emphasizing the personal consequences of his choice to engage in the drug trade (Gilligan, 2008-2013).
2. Evidence: Snowfall reveals the impact of drug trade on communities, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals caught in the cycle of addiction, violence, and loss (Singleton, 2017-present). (Or maybe franklins downfall)

References:

Gilligan, V. (Writer and Producer). (2008–2013). Breaking Bad [TV series]. High Bridge Productions.

Levinson, S. (Writer and Producer). (2019–present). Euphoria [TV series]. A24.

Singleton, J. (Writer and Producer). (2017–present). Snowfall [TV series]. FX Network.

Stone, O. (Director). (1983). Scarface [Film]. Universal Pictures.