Teaching Students About Amado Carrillo Fuentes
Teaching students about historical figures and events can be a challenging task, especially when dealing with controversial personalities. Amado Carrillo Fuentes, also known as “El Señor de Los Cielos” (The Lord of the Skies), was a notorious Mexican drug lord who led the Juárez Cartel during the 1990s. Educating students about Fuentes’ life and actions can provide them with a better understanding of the complexities surrounding drug trafficking, organized crime, and their societal implications. In this article, we will discuss effective methods for teaching students about Amado Carrillo Fuentes while encouraging critical thinking.
1. Historical Context
Begin by providing your students with a broad overview of the historical context in which Amado Carrillo Fuentes operated. Discuss the background of drug trafficking in Mexico, the major cartels involved, and the key players who shaped this industry. This will help your students understand how Fuentes fit into the larger picture of organized crime in Mexico and how his rise to power was connected to broader geopolitical and socioeconomic factors.
2. Personal Background
Discussing Amado Carrillo Fuentes’ upbringing will enable your students to understand his motivations and choices better. Share details about his family background, childhood experiences, education, relationships, and personal beliefs that may have influenced his decisions to enter the drug trade.
3. The Rise of “El Señor de Los Cielos”
Explore how Amado Carrillo Fuentes rose through the ranks of the Juárez Cartel successfully. Examine what made him an effective leader and what set him apart from other cartel bosses. Discuss his innovative techniques such as using large fleets of aircraft for drug smuggling or employing money laundering practices that allowed him to accumulate wealth and legitimize his fortune.
4. Morality & Ethics: Making Sense of Controversial Figures
Encourage students to evaluate the morality and ethics of Amado Carrillo Fuentes’ actions. Engage in discussions about the consequences of drug trafficking on society, such as addiction, violence, corruption, and economic inequality. Ask students to consider what factors might have led Fuentes to choose this particular profession and to think critically about his impact on Mexico and beyond.
5. Legacy and Impact
Discuss the legacy left by Amado Carrillo Fuentes following his mysterious death in 1997. Examine the impact of his leadership on the Juárez Cartel and subsequent shifts in Mexican drug trafficking dynamics. Evaluate how history remembers cartel leaders and how pop culture may perpetuate misconceptions or romanticized portrayals of these criminals.