The Legal Drinking Age
The legal drinking age varies dramatically for different countries from ages 0 to 21. The minimum drinking age continues to stir controversy with recent proposals being made to reduce or qualify the minimum legal age at which drinking may occur. One of the most influential proponents of lowering the drinking age is Dr. Ruth Engs, Professor of Applied Health Science at Indiana University in Bloomington. Her opposing side is represented by one of the most influential opponents of keeping the legal drinking age at 21, is Richard J. Goeman. Both of these very intellectual people bring about various justifiable arguments, making it difficult to chose one side over the other. Dr. Ruth Engs is an internationally-known health educator and alcohol researcher that believes that the minimum drinking age of 21 in the United States is too high and in fact, has made things worse in our society. In a recent interview, Dr. Engs gave input on her beliefs on the legal drinking age. She proposed that the drinking age be lowered to about 18 or 19 years old and to permit those of legal age to consume in a socially controlled environment such as restaurants and official school and university functions. She also proposed that individuals of
In Goeman's discussion, he goes on to talk about various research that was conducted with several other states and countries. The two most influential sides to this topic are Dr. He stated that research was accomplished concerning the rate of fatal automobile accidents among 15 to 18 year old drivers in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario where the minimum drinking age had been lowered. For example, one of the most startling discoveries in reducing the legal age evolved from a study done in London, Ontario. It involves issues of freedom, responsibility, parental rights, religion, politics, and many other realms of life. After an additional two years of examining accident data, it showed a permanently higher rate in this type of automobile accident among young drivers after reducing the minimum drinking age. Engs ended her interview by saying that "We need to reinforce the norm of moderation by making it clear that the abuse of alcohol is completely unacceptable by anyone. There are many people who believe that the legal drinking age in the United States should be lowered, where in contrast, people who actually support it. Engs then continued to say that drinking is seen by the youth as an enticing "forbidden fruit", a "badge of rebellion against authority", and a "symbol of adulthood". He states, "Therefore, to prevent further drinking and other related problems among youth in our society, the current legal minimum purchase age of 21 should continue". Goeman is a very educated man who chooses to support the legal drinking age in the United States. She commented about how our nation has tried prohibition, first at the state level, and then at the national level, but noted that these efforts to prevent drinking were unenforceable and created serious social problems such as widespread disrespect for law, the growth of organized crime, and the development of immoderate consumption patterns. To conclude his discussion, Goeman comments that the information in review indicates that the majority of studies concerning the impact of lower legal drinking ages on involvement in automobile accidents and other alcohol related problems continue to show significant increase.
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