An ongoing issue in the U.S. today is whether the drinking age should be lowered from
21 to 18. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed by Congress back in 1984 that required states to raise the ability to possess and purchase alcohol from age 18 to age 21. The question is whether or not Congress made a mistake by passing this Act. Although there are some excellent points arguing against a lower drinking age, there are far more reasons to allow 18-year-olds to legally purchase alcohol. At the age of 18, people are considered adults and is incumbent on them to act accordingly. They are expected to take on the responsibilities of an adult, whether it be voting, jury duty, or fulfilling one’s obligation towards the military. …show more content…
One freedom that is not permitted at the age of 18, the consumption of alcohol. It is absolutely and utterly ridiculous that 18-year-olds are mature enough to take on all the responsibilities and freedoms of an adult, but not mature enough to consume alcohol. It is unjust to treat 18-year-olds like adults in every context, except when it comes to alcohol. Another reason to reduce the drinking age is because of how it affects the amount of binge drinking among underage drinkers. Underage alcohol consumers see alcohol as something to be desired, similar to a child wanting to see his present before Christmas. They are curious to experience what is being kept from them. Many underage drinkers in college obtain their alcohol through upperclassmen. Since they are not of age, they are unable to drink at bars, clubs, or other social events. The way Ruth Engs sees it, “When they have the opportunity to drink, they do so in an irresponsible manner because drinking by these youth is seen as an enticing ‘forbidden fruit,’ a ‘badge of rebellion against authority’ and a symbol of ‘adulthood’
(“Forbidden Fruit”).” If the opportunity presents itself, they will take advantage of it. …show more content…
One statistic stated, “The laws have saved an estimated 20,043 lives since states began implementing them in
1975, and they've decreased the number of alcohol-related youth fatalities among drivers by 63% since 1982 ("Arguments for Lowering the Legal Drinking Age Are Not Valid").” What many fail to realize is that an increase in stricter laws have helped immensely to the decrease of accidents.
For example, many states outlaw the use of phones while driving. Even on television one can see the famous “click it or ticket” phrase. Stricter law enforcement over the past 30 years have played a major role in limiting the number of traffic-related incidents dealing with phones and other items, but especially when it comes to alcohol. Another argument against lowering the drinking age is that 18-year-olds have a lower tolerance level than those who are 21. While this may be true in many cases, age doesn’t determine one’s tolerance level. Those who are underage can also be taught to drink responsibly. Just take a look at other countries around the world, especially in Europe. People there are taught how to drink at a young age. There is no
21 to 18. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed by Congress back in 1984 that required states to raise the ability to possess and purchase alcohol from age 18 to age 21. The question is whether or not Congress made a mistake by passing this Act. Although there are some excellent points arguing against a lower drinking age, there are far more reasons to allow 18-year-olds to legally purchase alcohol. At the age of 18, people are considered adults and is incumbent on them to act accordingly. They are expected to take on the responsibilities of an adult, whether it be voting, jury duty, or fulfilling one’s obligation towards the military. …show more content…
One freedom that is not permitted at the age of 18, the consumption of alcohol. It is absolutely and utterly ridiculous that 18-year-olds are mature enough to take on all the responsibilities and freedoms of an adult, but not mature enough to consume alcohol. It is unjust to treat 18-year-olds like adults in every context, except when it comes to alcohol. Another reason to reduce the drinking age is because of how it affects the amount of binge drinking among underage drinkers. Underage alcohol consumers see alcohol as something to be desired, similar to a child wanting to see his present before Christmas. They are curious to experience what is being kept from them. Many underage drinkers in college obtain their alcohol through upperclassmen. Since they are not of age, they are unable to drink at bars, clubs, or other social events. The way Ruth Engs sees it, “When they have the opportunity to drink, they do so in an irresponsible manner because drinking by these youth is seen as an enticing ‘forbidden fruit,’ a ‘badge of rebellion against authority’ and a symbol of ‘adulthood’
(“Forbidden Fruit”).” If the opportunity presents itself, they will take advantage of it. …show more content…
One statistic stated, “The laws have saved an estimated 20,043 lives since states began implementing them in
1975, and they've decreased the number of alcohol-related youth fatalities among drivers by 63% since 1982 ("Arguments for Lowering the Legal Drinking Age Are Not Valid").” What many fail to realize is that an increase in stricter laws have helped immensely to the decrease of accidents.
For example, many states outlaw the use of phones while driving. Even on television one can see the famous “click it or ticket” phrase. Stricter law enforcement over the past 30 years have played a major role in limiting the number of traffic-related incidents dealing with phones and other items, but especially when it comes to alcohol. Another argument against lowering the drinking age is that 18-year-olds have a lower tolerance level than those who are 21. While this may be true in many cases, age doesn’t determine one’s tolerance level. Those who are underage can also be taught to drink responsibly. Just take a look at other countries around the world, especially in Europe. People there are taught how to drink at a young age. There is no