Drinking age debate worth having
By: Troy Montigney
Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: Opinion
According to ancient Greek and Roman mythology, amethyst crystals protected their bearers from drunkenness. While I can't vouch for the fables of our predecessors, it is abundantly clear DePauw students show a penchant toward spells of inebriation. (See the Princeton Review's latest rankings). If the burgeoning group of American college presidents and chancellors known as the Amethyst Initiative has its way, Lions and Tigers and Bears nationwide might someday face more lenient standards as far as the legal age of consumption goes.
Established in July, the organization hopes at the very least to spur a reconsideration of the national drinking age of 21 years old that was established in 1984. While no law explicitly forbids drinking before this age, the government instituted a 10 percent decrease in apportionment of highway funding for individual, non-compliant states. Not one of the 50 has accepted the black mark of federalism that would accompany a lower drinking age.
Critics of the Amethyst Initiative claim higher education officials are trying to pass the buck on the alcohol issue to high school administrators. While there may be some truth to this matter, I wonder where the basis is to suggest the college years as the best time for young American adults to learn responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages?
For most American teens, graduating from high school means transitioning to a collegiate environment or moving out and getting a job. In either of these scenarios, individuals are forced into a situation where their world is much larger than that of cafeterias, prom and football games; a world where far fewer mentors wield influence on their daily lives. Without the constant threats of parental discipline or consequences at school, they view illegal drinking as little more than a minor offense in a society beset by more pressing matters.
Opponents of the Amethyst Initiative cannot, must not believe that pounding shots of Kamchatka or Ronrico in a crowded freshman dorm room is the safest way for the children of our country to be initiated into the drinking class. The alternatives should feel much more comforting and conjure images of Americana and family: a glass of wine here and there at Thanksgiving or Easter feasts, a mug of eggnog at a yuletide gala or a bottle of Corona at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Moderation, a virtue nearly absent on this campus, is of principal importance to safe drinking habits.
Established in July, the organization hopes at the very least to spur a reconsideration of the national drinking age of 21 years old that was established in 1984. While no law explicitly forbids drinking before this age, the government instituted a 10 percent decrease in apportionment of highway funding for individual, non-compliant states. Not one of the 50 has accepted the black mark of federalism that would accompany a lower drinking age.
Critics of the Amethyst Initiative claim higher education officials are trying to pass the buck on the alcohol issue to high school administrators. While there may be some truth to this matter, I wonder where the basis is to suggest the college years as the best time for young American adults to learn responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages?
For most American teens, graduating from high school means transitioning to a collegiate environment or moving out and getting a job. In either of these scenarios, individuals are forced into a situation where their world is much larger than that of cafeterias, prom and football games; a world where far fewer mentors wield influence on their daily lives. Without the constant threats of parental discipline or consequences at school, they view illegal drinking as little more than a minor offense in a society beset by more pressing matters.
Opponents of the Amethyst Initiative cannot, must not believe that pounding shots of Kamchatka or Ronrico in a crowded freshman dorm room is the safest way for the children of our country to be initiated into the drinking class. The alternatives should feel much more comforting and conjure images of Americana and family: a glass of wine here and there at Thanksgiving or Easter feasts, a mug of eggnog at a yuletide gala or a bottle of Corona at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Moderation, a virtue nearly absent on this campus, is of principal importance to safe drinking habits.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
Sarah Ward
posted 9/12/08 @ 4:52 PM EST
Dear Troy,
I believe the concept of "responsible drinking" is an oxymoron because with the first drink reasoning and judgment are depressed.
The AMA states that the brain is not fully developed until age 20 (or perhaps even older). (Continued…)
Tim Johansen
posted 9/15/08 @ 10:43 PM EST
I'd just like to share that getting wasted has netted me unprotected sex 27 times.
Lyndsay Flores
posted 5/05/09 @ 9:20 AM EST
I would just have to say to Sarah Ward that if thats the case.. then this country is in alot of trouble seeing as how a vast majority of American soliders are under the age of 20 and 21 as it is. (Continued…)
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