- The Breaking Bad original series consists of five seasons that aired between 2008 and 2013.
- To date, it is considered one of the best in history and also has a prequel called Better Call Saul that has also received good reviews.
- As a result of the behavior and motivations of the protagonist of the original show, the term Breaking Bad Syndrome was coined to describe real-life criminals.
Over the last few years, television series have gained popularity. There are a wide variety of themes ranging from comedy to horror. Although there is one that managed to generate such a strong impact that it even caused a behavioral disorder to be baptized as Breaking Bad Syndrome. In this way it went from fiction to reality.
One of the most popular programs in recent years
If you are fond of watching this type of programs, you have probably heard of Breaking Bad. It consists of five seasons that were broadcast between 2008 and 2013. To date, it is listed as one of the best television series in history. In addition, the story spread thanks to its prequel titled Better Call Saul and which has also received very good reviews.
But now we are going to focus on the show that started it all. The protagonist of the story is Walter White, a quite intelligent man but who has not had the best fortune. He works as a high school chemistry teacher and due to his low salary he has a second job as a car wash.
The problem arises when you are diagnosed with lung cancer at an advanced stage. The doctors give him an unfavorable prognosis and even tell him that he only has a few months to live. From then on man makes the wrong decisions and begins to manufacture methamphetamine for a hefty profit and leave enough money for his family. Although this is just the beginning and we do not want to count spoilers.
However, as with all cultural phenomena, they are usually the subject of analysis. It happens regularly with movies, music and now also with television series. Especially when it comes to stories inspired by reality. For the same, a team of researchers concluded that Breaking Bad Syndrome really exists.
All part of an investigation Alan Page Fiske and Tage Shakti Rai, who are professors at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). His hypothesis is based on the perception that each one has of what is good. It is such a subjective term that everyone interprets it in their own way.
With this in mind, they concluded that most criminals commit crimes because deep down they think they are doing good. In addition, each one usually makes these types of wrong decisions to support their respective family. In other words, they are not interested in affecting others if the beneficiaries will be their loved ones.
Breaking Bad Syndrome: Does the End Justify the Means?
This type of behavior has existed for centuries all over the world. This is why researchers coined the term Breaking Bad Syndrome to describe those who fit this description.
Something very important is that the professors emphasize that their research is not intended to justify the crimes but to detect the motivations of the criminals. Similarly, they point out that in no way can the end justify the means.
For now, his work is a clear example of the way in which fiction and reality can often be linked. In addition, it is about two worlds that are not necessarily far apart but can inspire each other.
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