The Perceptions of Alcohol Consumption in American Culture - Research Paper Example

The age limit for consuming alcohol in the United s has been a repeatedly popular topic of debate for decades. In recent months, the debate hasbeen brought into the media spotlight when college and university Presidents signed a petition to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. Since the age has been raised to 21, college campuses have seen a dangerous rise in underage binge drinking. The petition to lower the drinking age aims to address the issue of binge drinking as well start a change in mindset involved in this underground drinking spree. Both sides present valid arguments for either keeping the age at 21 or reducing it to 18 or 19. Statistics show that deaths involving alcohol and automobiles have decreased since the introduction of a higher drinking age. However, it is important to weigh the dangers of binge drinking resulting from the prohibited consumption between 18 and 21 year olds against the reduction in drunk driving deaths. Although the higher drinking age has been successful in reducing traffic related deaths among 18-21 year olds, the drinking age should be lowered to 18 to encourage moderation and discourage binge drinking. Underage binge drinking has become a regular part of college life for many students. Since the consumption of alcoholic beverages is illegal, most 18 to 20 year-olds get a thrill out of partaking in an illegal activity. In the binge drinking culture, groups of students congregate in dorm rooms or off campus houses to consume beverages. In this environment removed from adult influences, students are unable to observe mature and sensible drinking habits (Eng). Instead of encouraging moderation and control, these environments perpetuate the cycle of irresponsible and dangerous behavior. This also encourages the binge drinking culture. According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, 67% of 18-20 year-olds have engaged in binge drinking activities within the past month. The overwhelming majority of binge drinking is accounted for by underage consumers, some as young as 12 years old. Young binge drinkers consume approximately 96% of the alcohol for their age group (U.S. Justice). These statistics reflect that moderation is practically non-existent among the groups that admit to binge drinking. In August of 2008, 100 college Presidents signed a petition to debate lowering the drinking age to 18. Although underage consumers have hotly contested the drinking age for years, this landmark petition demonstrates that college administrations are willing to go to bat for their students (Roan). College administrations recognize that binge drinking is a serious problem on most campuses and has risen 56% since the 1970's. However, instead of being able to promote programs that would emphasize moderation and controlled drinking, they are only allowed to prohibit the activity. This only adds to the level of intrigue as students find themselves drawn to engaging in risky behavior (Roan). The goal of this petition is to reduce the amount of binge drinking on college campuses by giving administrations the ability to moderate consumption. Critics of the petition believe that the motivation behind it is the reduction in the administrations' responsibility for legal action when faced with underage consumption violations (Downer). By lowering the age of consumption, alcohol intake would be legal on college campuses and reduce the level of legal responsibility for administrations. The petition does not reflect a desire to displace responsibility, but instead is a method to combat the rise of binge drinking. University Presidents would rather promote sensible drinking behavior than continue to perpetuate the binge drinking scene. However, this petition has been met with strong opposition from supporters of a higher drinking age. Each year 75,000 death occur with a direct correlation to alcohol consumption in the forms of suffocation, falls, alcohol poisoning, and drowning (U.S. Justice). Since the introduction of a higher drinking age, the number of deaths caused by drinking and driving has dropped 13% (Roan). It is widely recognized that drinking and driving makes all consumers a danger to themselves and others on the road. It is estimated that 19,121 lives have been saved since 1975 with stronger controls on drinking and driving (Foster). These numbers reflect that the raised drinking age has met success in reducing the number of traffic fatalities. However, these statistics also reflect an increase in vehicular safety as well. The use of safety belts, better car design, lower speed limits, and educational material about the risks of drinking and driving have also helped to lower the death toll (Eng). The drop in deaths from drunk driving reflects not only the raised drinking age, but also the advances in technology and health care. Another concern raised by supporters of a higher drinking age is the question of alcohol dependency. Studies have shown that children who begin consuming alcohol at younger ages are more likely to develop a dependency on alcohol later in life. In the age groups of 13 to 18, the likelihood of dependency increases, but between 18 to 21, the likelihood, while prevalent, is negligible (Roan). By lowering the drinking age to 18, the level of risk of dependency would not increase dramatically. Supporters of a higher drinking age prefer to keep alcohol out of the hands of young people as long as possible. Studies show that adolescents react differently than their adult counterparts when consuming alcoholic beverages. With smaller amounts of alcohol, adolescents are inhibited mentally, have reduced judgement capability, and demonstrate poor decision making than adults (Foster). However, by not demonstrating proper drinking behavior to the age group 18 to 20, young drinkers are not learning social norms or moderation. Alcohol should be kept out of the hands of those who are most at risk, which falls into the 13 to 18 category. The best manner in which American culture can combat binge drinking is to change the perceptions of alcohol consumption. By keeping alcohol restricted for 18 to 20 year-olds, the status of drinking is elevated and therefore consumption becomes more dangerous. College students reported cutting class after drinking, skipping class due to hangovers, receiving lower grades due to alcohol consumption, fighting when drinking, and vomiting after drinking as some of the side effects from the binge culture (Engs). To change this practice, young drinkers must be taught by adults. Drinking should take place in an environment without social pressure, where irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated (Engs). By isolating 18 to 20 year olds, it is nearly impossible for them to practice proper drinking behavior or learn from their adult peers. Lowering the drinking age in the United States is a responsible and reasonable manner to combat binge drinking. Although drinking and driving accidents have declined since the initiation of a higher drinking age, the consequences have been detrimental to acceptable social behavior. In order to learn proper social etiquette, 18 to 20 year olds should be allowed to partake in alcoholic beverages. This would eliminate the thrill of underage drinking and stimulate a change in perceptions of alcohol consumption. In order for young Americans to change their drinking behavior, it is necessary to lower the drinking age and learn moderation from their older peers. Works Cited Downer, Caitlin. "Drinking age should not be lowered." Quad News.net. 2008. Quinnipiac University. 5 Dec 2008 . Engs, Ruth C. "Why the drinking age should be lowered: An opinion based upon Research." CQ Researcher. 20 March 1998 Indiana University. 5 Dec 2008 . Foster, Victoria. "Should we lower the drinking age" DUIanswers.com 5 Dec 2008 . Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. "Drinking in America: Myths, Realities, and Prevention Policy." Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2005. 5 Dec 2008. . Roan, Shari. "Tempest in a bottle." LA Times 1 Sept 2008. 5 Dec 2008 . Read More