This post has no point to make exactly. But as I look at the news articles about the capture of El Chapo, I realize that I know something curious that I ought to share. El Chapo is otherwise known as Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, the Mexican drug lord who heads the Sinaloa Cartel, a criminal organization that has made uncountable dollars in drug sales and other illegal activities.

Here is what I know: El Chapo has become a folk hero to many young, male students who idealize him. When he was on the run, these students would tell me confidently that he would never be caught. They loved stories of his near escapes. They idolized him. A few years ago, earlier versions of these students were all wearing Scarface t-shirts, at least when school uniform policies did not stop them.

Here is what I speculate, admittedly without data to back me up: I believe these students can see themselves as Scarface or El Chapo. The “Drug Lord” path to success seems attainable. They can imagine themselves on top of an organization that deals in drugs and weapons. That path sounds exciting, too, much more dramatic than engineering, for example. Probably because I worked in an area with gang activity, teaching a population filled with legal and illegal immigrants, I have heard many El Chapo stories at lunch and after school. El Chapo has a large fan club.

Eduhonesty: As we try to level America’s academic playing field, we run up against obstacles that don’t often get aired. The El Chapo fan club is one of these. Try selling chemistry and calculus to a kid who dreams of heading a drug cartel. In my experience, that kid will smile at you indulgently. Oh, Ms. Q., you are so cute, that smile says. I know you have to say that stuff. My mom says it, too. But you and my mom just don’t get it. I am going to be a Latin King!