Who are Deemed the “Worthy” and “Unworthy” Victims of Mexico’s Drug-Related Violence?

There have been numerous victims of Mexico’s drug-related violence since 2006. This research addresses two questions: (1) Who are the individuals who have been involved and targeted by drug-trafficking organizations?, and (2) What are the effects of the media portrayal of these victims? The data utilizes The New York Times and El Universal reports of the victims’ deaths from Mexico’s drug-related violence from 2009–2012. The deaths of police officers, government officials, Mexican citizens, American citizens, US agents, journalists, immigrants, and drug- trafficking members are categorized utilizing an amplified version of Herman and Chomsky’s idea of worthy and unworthy victims. Findings clarify why Mexican agents and officials, Mexican citizens, American citizens, US agents, and journalists fall under the heading of “worthy” victims while immigrants and drug trafficking members fall under the heading of “unworthy” victims.