Methland

Methland is a book about the deterioration of rural society, due in part to the rise in use of a drug called Methamphetamine. The article states that other factors come into play such as economic downturns, and loss of jobs, but these factors only add to the use of the drug.  The main point of the article is that the drug creates a prolonged state of euphoria, increased work habits, heightened sexual pleasure and drive, and weight loss.  This makes it a super drug that really didn't have a bad image until the 1980's.   When it was first made in the 1890's it was hailed as a cure all for many different diseases.  It was also used widely by warring parties in World War II to make common soldiers perk up and face nasty situations that were otherwise unthinkable (Reid pg. 45). Until the 1980's it was mainly a prescribed drug used by factory workers and truck drivers. When things went south in the economy it transferred to many everyday citizens that lost their jobs and realized they could make it themselves for a huge profit.  Nick Reding describes a scene where a meth cooker has a huge paranoia episode and dumps flammable and toxic chemicals down a drain in his mother's basement.  He proceeds to light a cigarette which ignites the house in flames.  He makes several trips back into the house, in the process literally melting the skin off his body.  This is only one gruesome tale in one city.  Think of all the other small towns in the U.S. that have similar ones to tell.

Methland is a good book for the essay on Winter's Bone, because it gives insight into the epidemic and background of the meth problem in the rural U.S.  It is has many similarities between the two.  Ree's dad burned down one of his meth labs, the same thing happened to Jarvis.  Teardrop suffered paranoia in the story somewhat the same way Jarvis did as well.  Teardrop also burned a good portion of his face too.  These examples are just some of similarities between the two.  

Methland  also gives you insight into the economics of some of the small towns that are the epicenter of the epidemic.  Reid states, "What set meth apart was not only the idea that one could make it in the bathtub, but the people that were doing so were poor or working-class rural whites" (Reid pg.16).  It exemplifies the situation that Ree was born into.  It is sad that she was born into a society that thrives on a drug that creates violence, paranoia, and lots of other atrocious behavior.

Works Cited:

Reding, Nick. Methland, The Death And Life Of An American Small Town. Bloomsbury USA, 2009.     

Image Source: http://www.salinesheriffmeth.org/news.cfm