Pablo superstar : public pedagogies in Generation Z’s cultural memory of Escobar and narco-trafficking

This research examines the intersections of narco-trafficking, cultural memory, and mediated representations, focusing on the enduring mythos of Pablo Escobar and its implications for Medellín’s youth. Drawing on cultural memory studies and public pedagogy frameworks, the research interrogates how narco-novelas and transnational media narratives reframe Colombia’s violent history, commodifying trauma and perpetuating simplified discourses that obscure the structural and systemic dimensions of narco-trafficking. Through a qualitative approach encompassing surveys, semi-structured interviews, and media content analysis, this research unveils the mechanisms through which mediated narratives shape collective memory and identity, particularly within the context of Medellín’s younger generations. The findings underscore the pervasive influence of narco-novelas and global productions in constructing and disseminating representations that both romanticize and vilify figures like Escobar. These narratives, while resonating across local and international audiences, risk normalizing violence and embedding narco-cultural values within the public consciousness. By situating these dynamics within broader debates on media ethics and cultural commodification, the research highlights the role of public pedagogies in contesting the reductionist portrayals that dominate popular culture. This research advances the understanding of media as co-author of memory, revealing its capacity to mediate historical consciousness, negotiate frameworks of otherness, and influence identity formation. By advocating for critical media literacy and educational interventions, the research calls for a re-signification of cultural memory that resists oversimplification and addresses the socio-political complexities underpinning Colombia’s narco-trafficking legacy.