The Aggressive Drug Dealer: Difference between revisions

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This villain took away the need to actually address the culture-gap between adults and children/teens. "Talking to your kids" by [[Scare'Em Straight|scaring them]] with this monster was a lot easier than trying to understand the social environment one's child was in, and instilling values that would stand up and that they agreed with.
This villain took away the need to actually address the culture-gap between adults and children/teens. "Talking to your kids" by [[Scare'Em Straight|scaring them]] with this monster was a lot easier than trying to understand the social environment one's child was in, and instilling values that would stand up and that they agreed with.


Modern anti-drug PSAs have been taking a different approach in the last few years, by encouraging children to be "above the influence" in all respects toward peer pressure, not just in regard to doing drugs[[hottip:*: Given the producers of [[Dungeons and Dragons (Animation)|Dungeons and Dragons]]' experience, this would probably [[The Complainer Is Always Wrong|have been rejected as "anti-social"]] by the [[Moral Guardians]] of [[The Eighties]], and also showing that if your friends go get high after school, you don't have to go with them, and [[Sarcasm Mode|shockingly]], they'll just agree to see you tomorrow instead.
Modern anti-drug PSAs have been taking a different approach in the last few years, by encouraging children to be "above the influence" in all respects toward peer pressure, not just in regard to doing drugs[[hottip:*: Given the producers of [[Dungeons and Dragons (animation)|Dungeons and Dragons]]' experience, this would probably [[The Complainer Is Always Wrong|have been rejected as "anti-social"]] by the [[Moral Guardians]] of [[The Eighties]], and also showing that if your friends go get high after school, you don't have to go with them, and [[Sarcasm Mode|shockingly]], they'll just agree to see you tomorrow instead.


A subtrope of [[Drugs Are Bad]]. It should be noted that people do offer each other free drugs often enough, but these people are usually drug using friends. They're aggressive drug buyers and users, not dealers. The anti-drug commercials were trying to get kids to say no to their friends who offered them drugs in high school (or middle school), but for some bizarre reason, it was the dealers who were depicted as aggressive distributors of free drugs.
A subtrope of [[Drugs Are Bad]]. It should be noted that people do offer each other free drugs often enough, but these people are usually drug using friends. They're aggressive drug buyers and users, not dealers. The anti-drug commercials were trying to get kids to say no to their friends who offered them drugs in high school (or middle school), but for some bizarre reason, it was the dealers who were depicted as aggressive distributors of free drugs.
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* Frankie Lideo, the villain of ''[[Moonwalker]]'''s "Smooth Criminal" segment. It's a particularly egregious example since, unlike your average Aggressive Drug Dealer who's in it to get kids hooked so as to keep a healthy flow of customers, he appeared to be in it for the sheer malicious joy of getting kids hooked on drugs.
* Frankie Lideo, the villain of ''[[Moonwalker]]'''s "Smooth Criminal" segment. It's a particularly egregious example since, unlike your average Aggressive Drug Dealer who's in it to get kids hooked so as to keep a healthy flow of customers, he appeared to be in it for the sheer malicious joy of getting kids hooked on drugs.
* This was the Evil Scheme in the movie ''[[Live and Let Die (Film)|Live and Let Die]]'' - Mr. Big intends to flood the US with free heroin, driving the Mob out of the market, then cornering it at a highly inflated price to the multitudes of new addicts.
* This was the Evil Scheme in the movie ''[[Live and Let Die (film)|Live and Let Die]]'' - Mr. Big intends to flood the US with free heroin, driving the Mob out of the market, then cornering it at a highly inflated price to the multitudes of new addicts.
* In ''[[Pusher]] 3'', Kurt insists on giving Milo some of his heroin. Kurt knows that Milo is a recovering addict, and he has a beef with Milo for his actions in the second film.
* In ''[[Pusher]] 3'', Kurt insists on giving Milo some of his heroin. Kurt knows that Milo is a recovering addict, and he has a beef with Milo for his actions in the second film.
* The two [[Corrupt Hick|corrupt hicks]] in ''[[Foxy Brown]]'' hold the title character hostage and deliberately get her addicted to heroin. Or, at least, they try to.
* The two [[Corrupt Hick|corrupt hicks]] in ''[[Foxy Brown]]'' hold the title character hostage and deliberately get her addicted to heroin. Or, at least, they try to.
** This is a variation seen in other [[Exploitation Film|exploitation flicks]] of [[The Seventies|the 1970's]], in which someone, not always a drug dealer, actually ''captures a woman and gives her heroin while she's unconscious'' in a deliberate bid to get her addicted. Not only does this happen in ''[[Foxy Brown]]'', but also in ''[[Thriller a Cruel Picture]]'' and ''[[The Sinful Dwarf (Film)|The Sinful Dwarf]]''.
** This is a variation seen in other [[Exploitation Film|exploitation flicks]] of [[The Seventies|the 1970's]], in which someone, not always a drug dealer, actually ''captures a woman and gives her heroin while she's unconscious'' in a deliberate bid to get her addicted. Not only does this happen in ''[[Foxy Brown]]'', but also in ''[[Thriller - A Cruel Picture]]'' and ''[[The Sinful Dwarf]]''.
* Jason makes up this story about Leo in ''[[Mystery Team]]''.
* Jason makes up this story about Leo in ''[[Mystery Team]]''.
* Chris-R, the ruthless drug dealer from ''[[The Room]]'', who is willing to sneak into Johnny's apartment while he and ''three other people'' (Lisa, Mark, and Claudette) are inside, and then work his way up to the roof and force Denny at gunpoint to give him the money, but [[Cluster F-Bomb|can't wait five minutes for it to arrive]].
* Chris-R, the ruthless drug dealer from ''[[The Room]]'', who is willing to sneak into Johnny's apartment while he and ''three other people'' (Lisa, Mark, and Claudette) are inside, and then work his way up to the roof and force Denny at gunpoint to give him the money, but [[Cluster F-Bomb|can't wait five minutes for it to arrive]].
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* Mocked, as early as 1967, in ''[[From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler]]''. A small boy finds a chocolate bar on the ground and his twelve-year-old sister tells him that it was probably put there by a drug dealer and full of "dope" to get him hooked. Even allowing that it was a more innocent time, it was partly used to illustrate the character of the sister as someone less worldly-wise than she thought, and extremely prone to pointless worrying.
* Mocked, as early as 1967, in ''[[From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler]]''. A small boy finds a chocolate bar on the ground and his twelve-year-old sister tells him that it was probably put there by a drug dealer and full of "dope" to get him hooked. Even allowing that it was a more innocent time, it was partly used to illustrate the character of the sister as someone less worldly-wise than she thought, and extremely prone to pointless worrying.
* Parodied in the [[Discworld]] novel, ''[[Discworld (Literature)/Feet of Clay|Feet of Clay]]'', where dealers try to sell the drug 'slab' to troll-children. The troll watchman Detritus runs his own version of the 'Drugs - Just say no' posters, aimed at the ''dealers'': "Slab: Just say AarrghaarrghpleasennononoUGH". Considering the reputation of Detritus and his [[BFG|converted siege-crossbow]] 'The Piece-Maker', it's probably one of the more effective methods of [[Scare'Em Straight|Scaring 'em straight]].
* Parodied in the [[Discworld]] novel, ''[[Discworld/Feet of Clay|Feet of Clay]]'', where dealers try to sell the drug 'slab' to troll-children. The troll watchman Detritus runs his own version of the 'Drugs - Just say no' posters, aimed at the ''dealers'': "Slab: Just say AarrghaarrghpleasennononoUGH". Considering the reputation of Detritus and his [[BFG|converted siege-crossbow]] 'The Piece-Maker', it's probably one of the more effective methods of [[Scare'Em Straight|Scaring 'em straight]].
* In Hal Clement's novel ''Iceworld'', the protagonist is sent to infiltrate a criminal syndicate which has discovered a drug vapor that addicts those who inhale it with one dose. {{spoiler|The story takes place among aliens who live at very high temperatures, and the drug is tobacco, acquired via robot probe from a human who has no idea why the aliens are willing to trade gold for cigarettes.}}
* In Hal Clement's novel ''Iceworld'', the protagonist is sent to infiltrate a criminal syndicate which has discovered a drug vapor that addicts those who inhale it with one dose. {{spoiler|The story takes place among aliens who live at very high temperatures, and the drug is tobacco, acquired via robot probe from a human who has no idea why the aliens are willing to trade gold for cigarettes.}}
* The ''[[Doctor Who (TV)|Doctor Who]]'' [[Eighth Doctor Adventures]] novel ''The Eight Doctors'' has a [[Very Special Episode|Very Special Subplot]] involving one of these. Justified -- maybe -- by the fact that the drug dealer is a schoolkid whose classmate intends to tell on him, and he hopes that by forcing her to take crack, he'll get her addicted and she won't want to tell on him any more. However, the fact that a teacher claims that, "One single rock is cheap enough. Some dealers even give the first one away. It's a good way to make new customers, especially young ones," is about when you start to realize that you are reading a book propelled solely by [[Narm Charm]].
* The ''[[Doctor Who]]'' [[Eighth Doctor Adventures]] novel ''The Eight Doctors'' has a [[Very Special Episode|Very Special Subplot]] involving one of these. Justified -- maybe -- by the fact that the drug dealer is a schoolkid whose classmate intends to tell on him, and he hopes that by forcing her to take crack, he'll get her addicted and she won't want to tell on him any more. However, the fact that a teacher claims that, "One single rock is cheap enough. Some dealers even give the first one away. It's a good way to make new customers, especially young ones," is about when you start to realize that you are reading a book propelled solely by [[Narm Charm]].
* In [[Glen Cook]]'s ''[[Garrett PI]]'' series, the crime syndicate has been known to use drug addiction as a method of recruiting and controlling underage prostitutes. [[Knight in Sour Armor|Garrett]] is not happy about this.
* In [[Glen Cook]]'s ''[[Garrett P.I.]]'' series, the crime syndicate has been known to use drug addiction as a method of recruiting and controlling underage prostitutes. [[Knight in Sour Armor|Garrett]] is not happy about this.
* [[Justified Trope|Justified]] in Harry Turtledove's [[Worldwar (Literature)]] series, as the drug in question is [[Alien Catnip|ginger]]; ginger is a) much cheaper than street narcotics; b) completely legal (until the Race tries to ban it); and c) kickstarts the Race's mating instincts causing them to spontaneously create prostitution and (sadly) rape.
* [[Justified Trope|Justified]] in Harry Turtledove's [[Worldwar]] series, as the drug in question is [[Alien Catnip|ginger]]; ginger is a) much cheaper than street narcotics; b) completely legal (until the Race tries to ban it); and c) kickstarts the Race's mating instincts causing them to spontaneously create prostitution and (sadly) rape.


== Live Action TV ==
== Live Action TV ==
* In the [[Taiwanese Series]] ''[[Black and White TW (TV)|Black And White]]'', Gao Yi sents a subway train full of hostages hurtling down a dead-end spur while simulaneously aerosolizing a potent narcotic so everyone on board is zoned and now hooked on it.
* In the [[Taiwanese Series]] ''[[Black and White TW|Black And White]]'', Gao Yi sents a subway train full of hostages hurtling down a dead-end spur while simulaneously aerosolizing a potent narcotic so everyone on board is zoned and now hooked on it.
* Viciously mocked by [[Chris Rock]] on his HBO special ''Bring the Pain'':
* Viciously mocked by [[Chris Rock]] on his HBO special ''Bring the Pain'':
{{quote| Drug dealers don't really sell drugs. Drug dealers ''offer'' drugs. ...You say "no", that's it! Now Jehovah's Witnesses, on the other hand...}}
{{quote| Drug dealers don't really sell drugs. Drug dealers ''offer'' drugs. ...You say "no", that's it! Now Jehovah's Witnesses, on the other hand...}}
* In the "Blue Paradise" episode of ''[[The Flash (TV)|The Flash]]'' series, said drug's creator produced a huge batch with plans to release it in a cloud over the entire city. Somewhat justified in that this drug was explained to be EXTREMELY addictive. Plus, the drug's creator frequently used his own products.
* In the "Blue Paradise" episode of ''[[The Flash (TV series)|The Flash]]'' series, said drug's creator produced a huge batch with plans to release it in a cloud over the entire city. Somewhat justified in that this drug was explained to be EXTREMELY addictive. Plus, the drug's creator frequently used his own products.
* Spoofed in an episode of ''[[Friends]]''. Ross, after accidentally injuring a Girl Scout, attempts to make amends by selling cookies on her behalf. Monica resists buying any, having been addicted to them as a child, but Ross tries to persuade her by giving her the first box for free, claiming that "all the cool kids are eating them".
* Spoofed in an episode of ''[[Friends]]''. Ross, after accidentally injuring a Girl Scout, attempts to make amends by selling cookies on her behalf. Monica resists buying any, having been addicted to them as a child, but Ross tries to persuade her by giving her the first box for free, claiming that "all the cool kids are eating them".
* Occasionally, the villain of the day in ''[[Walker Texas Ranger]].'' Since the focus of the show is Walker kicking ass, this creates a [[Holding Out for A Hero]] [[Family-Unfriendly Aesop]] where the theme seems to be "If You Just Say No, Drug Dealers will Kill You, Unless [[Chuck Norris]] is There To Protect You."
* Occasionally, the villain of the day in ''[[Walker, Texas Ranger]].'' Since the focus of the show is Walker kicking ass, this creates a [[Holding Out for a Hero]] [[Family-Unfriendly Aesop]] where the theme seems to be "If You Just Say No, Drug Dealers will Kill You, Unless [[Chuck Norris]] is There To Protect You."
* Justified in ''[[The Wire]]'', when Police Captain Colvin cruises up to a corner crew of drug dealers, causing a dealer to mistake him for a hesitant customer. The shocked Colvin gives increasingly less subtle clues that he's a cop, but the dealer keeps trying to make a sale. Finally, when Colvin puts on his police cap, the kid [[Oh Crap|figures it out]] and scampers off. This trope was [[Truth in Television]] for Baltimore, at least, at the time. Dealers would scatter free heroin along the sidewalk to fish for new customers and keep junkies hooked.
* Justified in ''[[The Wire]]'', when Police Captain Colvin cruises up to a corner crew of drug dealers, causing a dealer to mistake him for a hesitant customer. The shocked Colvin gives increasingly less subtle clues that he's a cop, but the dealer keeps trying to make a sale. Finally, when Colvin puts on his police cap, the kid [[Oh Crap|figures it out]] and scampers off. This trope was [[Truth in Television]] for Baltimore, at least, at the time. Dealers would scatter free heroin along the sidewalk to fish for new customers and keep junkies hooked.
* Wayne Brady is on on the ''[[Chappelles Show]]'' episode with him, with scenes right out of ''[[Training Day]]''. "This ain't no damn after-school special! SMOKE IT!"
* Wayne Brady is on on the ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' episode with him, with scenes right out of ''[[Training Day]]''. "This ain't no damn after-school special! SMOKE IT!"




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== Western Animation ==
== Western Animation ==


* A huge [[Massive Multiplayer Crossover]] inspirational film ''[[Cartoon All Stars to The Rescue]]'' including [[Garfield]], the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'', ''[[The Smurfs]]'', [[ALF (TV)|ALF]], [[Winnie the Pooh]], Slimer from ''[[The Real Ghostbusters]]'', [[Looney Tunes|Bugs Bunny]], ''[[Duck Tales]],'' ''[[Alvin and The Chipmunks]],'' and ''[[Muppet Babies]]'' was create to combat this enemy, which included a foreword from [[George HW Bush]]. It's always fun when a sitting president has to talk about a show featuring Smurfs, especially one that clearly didn't know what a Smurf was five minutes before they turned the camera on.
* A huge [[Massive Multiplayer Crossover]] inspirational film ''[[Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue]]'' including [[Garfield]], the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'', ''[[The Smurfs]]'', [[ALF]], [[Winnie the Pooh]], Slimer from ''[[The Real Ghostbusters]]'', [[Looney Tunes|Bugs Bunny]], ''[[DuckTales]],'' ''[[Alvin and The Chipmunks]],'' and ''[[Muppet Babies]]'' was create to combat this enemy, which included a foreword from [[George HW Bush]]. It's always fun when a sitting president has to talk about a show featuring Smurfs, especially one that clearly didn't know what a Smurf was five minutes before they turned the camera on.
* Avoided in the ''[[Jem and The Holograms]]'' episode "Alone Again", with Bobby Braddock, a sweet-talking drug dealer.
* Avoided in the ''[[Jem and The Holograms]]'' episode "Alone Again", with Bobby Braddock, a sweet-talking drug dealer.
* The public service announcements for the ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' cartoon had aggressive criminals. Two kids home alone, revealing over the phone that they are home alone. A stranger's car drives up to the house...and drives off when noticing the Joe soldier Roadblock, a tall bald black man in a skimpy top, standing on the lawn. [[Fridge Logic]] kicked in years later.
* The public service announcements for the ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' cartoon had aggressive criminals. Two kids home alone, revealing over the phone that they are home alone. A stranger's car drives up to the house...and drives off when noticing the Joe soldier Roadblock, a tall bald black man in a skimpy top, standing on the lawn. [[Fridge Logic]] kicked in years later.
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.org/wiki/The_Aggressive_Drug_Dealer"