While I feel that there definitely is a lot of underage drinking, I also feel that this problem stems from America's over all view of drinking. I propose the following:
1. We need to start education our teenagers younger on the ramifications of drinking, how to drink smart (drink to enjoy, not get drunk) when they come of age and mostly that it is possible to have fun without alochol.
2. Lower the drinking age to 19 years of age. Most teenagers at this age are out of high school, which lessens the risk of the individual willing to buy alcohol for minors. Here comes the age old fight: If we are able to smoke- which creates a lot of physical risks- vote and enlist in the army, then why are we not allowed some simple pleasures of going out to the bars with our friends?
3. Obviously No. 2 would mess up national budgets. Most states are allowed to change the drinking age- this is a state issue, not national- but Iowa would not receive money to fix our roads or help with meal payments for our public schools, which would definitely cause a dilemma.
Let me know what you think! Do you think there is definitely an increasing problem with underage drinking on campuses that needs to be resolved? Is fixing our drinking age the answer?
Peace Out, Sita
I have to say I don't know what to think about lowering the drinking age. I want to say no because of the funding we would lose, and the dangers of abusing alcohol but at the same time you make a good point about joining the army, etc. If we can get shot at overseas then why can't we drink. If someone were able to prove to me that lowering the age would cause less drunk driving, or less alcohol related injuries and death I would be all for it. Otherwise I am on the fence but I do recognize that you make a good argument. (yay for rhetoric)
ReplyDeleteI personally have a hard time giving a definitive opinion on the matter. I personally hate drinking, or at least I hate being around people who have had way too many, but I cannot speak from experience.
I am certainly old enough to drink but for health reasons and allergies, I have never had a drink. In fact I never really wanted to. I have always been one that thinks that it is not necessary or particularly enjoyable. I do understand having a drink once in a while, I just don't get drinking to become intoxicated.
I of course tolerate drinking and don't give this whole rant to anyone I see drinking because I know people like it but I have to say I don't drink, nor can I drink, and my friends and I still have fun. No I don't really go for the bar scene but I never really wanted to and we always find other fun stuff to do.
Its like why drink it if it does not taste good. If it does taste good then why not find something non alcoholic that tastes the same.
If you like the effect it has on you the so be it but why would you like something that lowers your inhibitions and causes you to act like a totally different person.
If you cannot relax without alcohol, can't meet people without alcohol, can't have fun without alcohol, or in general cannot function without alcohol, there is a bigger underlying problem?
If you say you do it to fit in or be popular, guess what, drinking doesn't change who you are, and if your friends don't like you because you don't drink then apparently you don't have very good friends.
If you do it because there is nothing else to do then you need a better imagination because intoxicating yourself isn't really much of an activity. Just think of what you do when you are drunk, if you can remember, and then do that sober, if it is still fun, fantastic, if not, this might tell you something about how you act when drunk. If you cannot remember try reading a book, it has worked for people for centuries, or go see a movie.
One think I would challenge everyone who drinks, to do, is to videotape yourself next time you are drunk, see what you do, how you act, how many you have, etc. Then watch it when you are sober. You will learn a lot. It may not change your mind but you will gain perspective.
Okay so my rant is long, and I fully support peoples' right to drink and if they want to do so good for them. I just don't get it and the reasons above are why.
Point is good article, I think it definitely raises a good point. I do understand having a drink once in a while, I just don't get drinking to become intoxicated. It is one thing to enjoy a good glass of wine with dinner, it is another to get wasted for the hell of it.
*Oh and when I said you I obviously did not mean you personally, that just ended up being how I typed it.
One thing I left out- Turning 21 and being completely legit is kind of like a rights of passage, whether a good or bad thing.
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