Drinking Age
In the year 2002, drinking has come to be a nation wide problem. Within the last few decades, all the states have changed the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. However, this prohibition of alcohol until the age of 21 has not been all that effective. From surveys it is easy to see that a dramatic percent of 18 year olds drink regularly even though they are not of legal age. In fact, underage drinking has never seemed to be as much of a problem as it is today. To many teens, the idea of alcohol being a "forbidden fruit" makes it all the more tempting to consume. Also, it is unfair to put adult responsibilities on 18 year olds, yet not allow them the responsibility to drink. Therefore, the drinking age should be lowered from 21 to 18 in the U.S. First, one of the main reasons that underage drinking takes place deals with the fact that alcohol is viewed by teens as a "forbidden fruit." It is human nature to rebel against society. For example, when I was young, my parents used to always tell me not to play in the street.
Recent studies have shown that amongst all drinkers, 32% of under age drinkers are considered to be heavy drinkers, while only 24% of legal drinkers are considered heavy drinkers. By drinking regularly at meals and with parents around, they learn to drink responsibly, and not for the purpose of getting drunk. For example, in many foreign countries, children are allowed to legally drink alcohol. Also, at 18 years of age a person must take on new responsibilities. In addition, if the drinking age were lowered, 18 year olds could learn to drink responsibly. Adults can choose to vote, join the army, purchase tobacco, and even buy weapons. It is almost as if the country refuses to remember the complete failure of both prohibition acts. Giving 18 year olds their "forbidden fruit" would most likely eliminate drinking for the sole purpose of rebelling against authority. In addition, many students in college are under the age of 21. Drinking in controlled environments will reduce binge drinking. But trying to enforce a law that keeps the legal drinking age at 21 is not the answer. This tactic has failed terribly, just like all prohibition acts have in the past. In fact, many Europeans look down upon Americans who get very drunk and obnoxious on vacations there. Does the cliche, "those who don't remember the past are condemned to repeat it," mean anything to the government? In fact, making 21 the legal drinking is a prohibition act in itself.
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