Your view on the drinking age of Alcohol

[Elite Stride]

It's very interesting to see a decent amount of people who think, for some reason, that the difference between age 18 and 21 is too insignificant. Age 18-21 are some of the prime years of the developmental process, there are huge changes that go on within a persons mental standing between those three years. Lots of science has been done on this, and if anyone were to ask an experienced instructor involved in higher education they would most likely tell you the same thing.

 

[Chaos Jackal]

Well, it might be true. I didn't base my opinion on scientific reasons to be honest, just a number of people I know. Then again, it also depends on the person.

Let me add something I didn't mention before. When you're 18, you've got the right to drive and to vote, correct? So you're responsible and mature enough to use a vehicle without being dangerous as well as selecting the leaders of your country, but you're not capable of realizing that you shouldn't drink too much?
Ignore this if I made a mistake with the ages. In Greece, driving, voting and drinking are all at 18, so I might have written something wrong.

 

[Bolt the Cat]

It's very interesting to see a decent amount of people who think, for some reason, that the difference between age 18 and 21 is too insignificant. Age 18-21 are some of the prime years of the developmental process, there are huge changes that go on within a persons mental standing between those three years. Lots of science has been done on this, and if anyone were to ask an experienced instructor involved in higher education they would most likely tell you the same thing.

Funny, I seem to recall hearing otherwise, that those changes in development happen somewhere in their late 20s. But IDK exactly, that's only what I've heard.

At any rate, it's still too variable. One person could change within 3 years, another couldn't. I'm 21 right now and I haven't really changed that much within the past 3 years, it wouldn't have made a difference at all had I been allowed to drink at 18. Still, I think it's somewhat hypocritical to say one is legally an adult and then turn around and deny them certain privileges because they're too young. If society considers you old enough that you are fully responsible for your actions, then you're definitely old enough to drink.

 

[Teal]

So you're responsible and mature enough to use a vehicle without being dangerous as well as selecting the leaders of your country, but you're not capable of realizing that you shouldn't drink too much?

Unfortunately though, this really is the case with many people. ;D

 

[Elite Stride]

Development is happening throughout adolescence and into your late twenties. And you're right, it is variable, but we have to generalize when talking about this topic since we are discussing an age restriction that pertains to everybody within certain countries.

The notion that "you should be able to drink if the government thinks you're old enough to make decisions for yourself" that many continue to bring up really isn't that logical. People who are saying this seem to be thinking that government is attempting to interfere on the basis of what people should or should not be putting in their body. This isn't true, because they honestly couldn't care less. The reason there is a higher age limit for alcohol is because when a person becomes intoxicated, they are able to do things that put the lives of others at risk. It's simply the government taking responsibility for the safety of others. And just because you are considered responsible enough to vote or to serve your country certainly does not mean you are mature enough to drink responsibly. People age 18-25 have the highest DUI rates.

 

[Glace]

3. "If the drinking age was lowered to an age where you could legally drink (if you couldn't) , would you?"
No. It will stunt the growth of my already-short self.

Alcohol doesn't stunt growth, kiddo.

It kills brain cells.

 

[Haunted Water]

still doesn't stunt growth

 

[Bolt the Cat]

Development is happening throughout adolescence and into your late twenties. And you're right, it is variable, but we have to generalize when talking about this topic since we are discussing an age restriction that pertains to everybody within certain countries.

The notion that "you should be able to drink if the government thinks you're old enough to make decisions for yourself" that many continue to bring up really isn't that logical. People who are saying this seem to be thinking that government is attempting to interfere on the basis of what people should or should not be putting in their body. This isn't true, because they honestly couldn't care less. The reason there is a higher age limit for alcohol is because when a person becomes intoxicated, they are able to do things that put the lives of others at risk. It's simply the government taking responsibility for the safety of others. And just because you are considered responsible enough to vote or to serve your country certainly does not mean you are mature enough to drink responsibly. People age 18-25 have the highest DUI rates.

It's very logical, legal adulthood is the point where you start taking responsibility for your actions. Banning alcohol on the basis that they are still too young to control themselves is hypocritical with that in mind.

Furthermore, you can still partake in equally dangerous activities (if not more so) at 18. Reckless driving can also be a huge danger to oneself and others. Owning a gun means you have the ability to kill other people, and yourself if you're not careful. Sex has the potential to contract diseases, as well as get you or your partner pregnant. Should not these activities be banned until 21 as well?

In the end, the problem is that our society has an inconsistent view on adulthood. An adult should be able to do ALL of these things, not just a few or all but one.

 

[Elite Stride]

Furthermore, you can still partake in equally dangerous activities (if not more so) at 18. Reckless driving can also be a huge danger to oneself and others. Owning a gun means you have the ability to kill other people, and yourself if you're not careful. Sex has the potential to contract diseases, as well as get you or your partner pregnant. Should not these activities be banned until 21 as well?

1) Reckless driving can hardly be equated to drunk driving. One is far more dangerous.

2) You can't compare simply owning and handling a gun to operating a killing machine around hundreds of other people while you are impaired.

3) Having sex with your partner (and the potential for disease) and owning a gun are personal decisions that do not affect anyone else (and for the purposes of the overwhelming majority, I'm excluding sociopaths who go on shooting sprees). Intoxicated driving involves the life or death of other people. So no, they don't need to be banned until 21 because they only affect you.

 

[Cobalt Phoenix]

So, for one of my classes, I am running a poll, and need to get some feedback regarding a subject I started: "Should the legal drinking age of alcohol be lowered from 21?" So if you could take the time (whether it be quick or elaborate) to answer the following questions:

1. "Do you think adults are generally more mature at age 21 compared to 18?" People will always do stupid crap at any age. 3 years really makes no difference.

2. "Should the strength of alcohol beverages affect the drinking age for that beverage? (Hard whiskey, beer, etc.) No

3. "If the drinking age was lowered to an age where you could legally drink (if you couldn't) , would you?" Probably, just to try it. Incidentally, when I was 20, I got to try beer at my cousin's wedding (for God's sakes there were 17yo drunks there) and immediately spat it out. Freakin' disgusting crap. Never drank any liquor after that.

4. "How old are you?" 24. Will be 25 in June.

5. "Do you think the legal drinking age should be lowered from 21?" We have enough deaths from binge drinking and general stupidity from 21 and overs. We really don't need more from the younger ones. Seriously, peer presure can be a jerk. So no, I don't

Love to hear your guy's response on it!

Seriously, beer is terrible. Dunno how anyone drinks that stuff.

 

[Chaos Jackal]

3) Having sex with your partner (and the potential for disease) and owning a gun are personal decisions that do not affect anyone else (and for the purposes of the overwhelming majority, I'm excluding sociopaths who go on shooting sprees). Intoxicated driving involves the life or death of other people. So no, they don't need to be banned until 21 because they only affect you.

I agree with the rest, but not with this part. Owning a gun is your decision, but same goes with drinking. However, just as drinking affects other people, owning a gun affects other people as well, unless you bought solely for the purpose of commiting suicide. And voting certainly affects other people as well. In the end, everything you do, including drinking, affects other people. The question is, how much?

 

[Haunted Water]

3) Having sex with your partner (and the potential for disease) and owning a gun are personal decisions that do not affect anyone else (and for the purposes of the overwhelming majority, I'm excluding sociopaths who go on shooting sprees). Intoxicated driving involves the life or death of other people. So no, they don't need to be banned until 21 because they only affect you.

I agree with the rest, but not with this part. Owning a gun is your decision, but same goes with drinking. However, just as drinking affects other people, owning a gun affects other people as well, unless you bought solely for the purpose of commiting suicide. And voting certainly affects other people as well. In the end, everything you do, including drinking, affects other people. The question is, how much?

Please don't ever say that suicide doesn't leave a lasting effect on others. I've lost two cousins to that monster.
Anyway, a protip: never mix guns and alcohol. You should have your gun liscense taken from you if you think that is okay.

 

[AnthonyG]

Found this very interesting with all the different types or responses and opinions, hope it is not too late to submit my view for the questionaire haha


1. "Do you think adults are generally more mature at age 21 compared to 18?"

Yes, even by a small margin everyone gets more mature from 18 to 21. I myself am a completely differen person than who I was when I was 18. Lots of people I know have completely changed as well, while maybe 1 or 2 have stayed relativly the same. Anyone who claims to have 'not changed' has not taken a good look at themselves in the mirror or are too young to realize your changes (This comment is not directed at any one before I start getting bash or get angry PM on why I am picking on someone. That is never my intent).

2. "Should the strength of alcohol beverages affect the drinking age for that beverage? (Hard whiskey, beer, etc.)

No. It is fine the way it is now. Plus there would never be any change due to not only the gov't but way too much money in the industry to make it higher or lower.


3. "If the drinking age was lowered to an age where you could legally drink (if you couldn't) , would you?"

Yes I would.

4. "How old are you?"

22

5. "Do you think the legal drinking age should be lowered from 21?"

No. There are so, so many reasons why this is a terrible idea that I could be here for days. The death toll alone of DUI/DUI deaths would spike dramatically due to the stupidity of people not knowing their limit especially in the 18 year old department. Some people who can legally drink have a TERRIBLE sense of judgement in this alone, now a young 18 year old demographic with ONLY 1 year of driving expierence making that some decision? Yikes. Good luck feeling safe on the road on a Friday/Saturday night.

 

[Elite Stride]

3) Having sex with your partner (and the potential for disease) and owning a gun are personal decisions that do not affect anyone else (and for the purposes of the overwhelming majority, I'm excluding sociopaths who go on shooting sprees). Intoxicated driving involves the life or death of other people. So no, they don't need to be banned until 21 because they only affect you.

I agree with the rest, but not with this part. Owning a gun is your decision, but same goes with drinking. However, just as drinking affects other people, owning a gun affects other people as well, unless you bought solely for the purpose of commiting suicide. And voting certainly affects other people as well. In the end, everything you do, including drinking, affects other people. The question is, how much?

The discussion here is not whether guns or alcohol are generally affecting someone, but rather, who's life they are putting at risk. Owning a gun does not affect other people like drunken driving - and yes I'm focusing on one issue of alcohol here. Remember what I said:

(and for the purposes of the overwhelming majority, I'm excluding sociopaths who go on shooting sprees)

Basically, as long as your gun is used for defensive purposes only, which is most of the gun owning population, it does not put the lives of others at risk. If you're drinking and driving you are directly endangering the lives of other people. In contrast, owning a gun isn't putting anyone's life in direct danger, because the majority of people don't own guns to go outside and shoot everyone they see.

You're completely right, everything you do affects other people (like voting). I probably should have used clearer wording, but I was speaking in the context of life and death (as indicated by the rest of the post).

 

[Bolt the Cat]

1) Reckless driving can hardly be equated to drunk driving. One is far more dangerous.

Not at all. Any sort of impairment to your concentration is equally dangerous, whether it's because of alcohol, texting, or what have you.

If your only argument towards keeping the drinking age 21 is drunk driving, then you're looking at this the wrong way. It's not the alcohol that's inherently dangerous, as much as it is the driving.

 

[Elite Stride]

Not at all. Any sort of impairment to your concentration is equally dangerous, whether it's because of alcohol, texting, or what have you.

You're only furthering my point here. Driving recklessly is already a punishable offense. Texting is already a punishable offense (at least where I live). The thing is, you can't put an age restriction on reckless driving, you can put it on drinking. Even so, there is a much higher level of control and awareness when a person is texting and driving than when they are drunk and driving.

If your only argument towards keeping the drinking age 21 is drunk driving, then you're looking at this the wrong way. It's not the alcohol that's inherently dangerous, as much as it is the driving.

I'm looking at it the wrong way? You don't get to decide what the 'right' way is. Everyone has opinions, none of them in themselves are inherently right or wrong ways to look at a situation. I'd like to think that the only NEEDED argument for the age restriction on alcohol is drunk driving. It is completely unacceptable for people to put somebody else's LIFE in danger because of their own stupidity. And, it's pretty sad that these stupid people have to ruin it for everyone else who can handle drinking responsibly.

I suppose it's simply a concept you can't understand until you have somebody very close to you die because of somebody's poor decision to drive drunk.

Besides, who says DUI is the only argument out there?

 

[Bolt the Cat]

You're only furthering my point here. Driving recklessly is already a punishable offense. Texting is already a punishable offense (at least where I live). The thing is, you can't put an age restriction on reckless driving, you can put it on drinking. Even so, there is a much higher level of control and awareness when a person is texting and driving than when they are drunk and driving.

You can, however, put an age restriction on driving. If drunk driving and reckless driving are so commonplace and dangerous, then we need to look at restrictions on driving in general. Which was the point I was trying to make. If it's only about preventing drunk driving, it's driving restrictions we need to look at, not alcohol restrictions.

 

[Zeto]

So, if I understood everything, there should be no legal age for drinking alcohol at all; NO one should drink alcohol, because it might raise the chances to endanger the life of somebody else? I don't think this solves the question.
Instead, we should ask ourselves about the differences between before 18 and after 18 (or has it been discussed already?).
I personally don t see much of a difference, from a genetic point of view. Therefore, there shouldnt be a legal age or whatsoever. If alcohol do affect puberty, the legal age should be around 15-16.
Even if law applies, kids can still get their hands on alcohol these days, so yeah.

 

[Elite Stride]

then we need to look at restrictions on driving in general. Which was the point I was trying to make. If it's only about preventing drunk driving, it's driving restrictions we need to look at, not alcohol restrictions.

Why is it just driving age restrictions we need to look at? Drunk driving = Alcohol + Driving. The solution to the problem would have to result in a restriction to either one of the two, not just driving, maybe even both. In either case, there are going to be people who don't mix alcohol and driving who would suffer from more strict regulation.

Just as a side note, If a choice had to be made, It would be a lot more logical to put the restriction on alcohol because in the modern world, automobiles are basically a necessity. If less people had access to it, it would be doing a lot more harm than good. The same couldn't really be said for alcohol.

 

[Breakfast Cereal]

1. "Do you think adults are generally more mature at age 21 compared to 18?"
It definitely depends on the adult. I do not think that there will be too drastic of a change in an immature adult between those ages. Someone irresponsible won't become responsible that quickly, most likely.

2. "Should the strength of alcohol beverages affect the drinking age for that beverage? (Hard whiskey, beer, etc.)
I'm not quite sure. I think it'd be really complicated to have a specific age for each alcoholic drink. I may not fully understand the question, though.

3. "If the drinking age was lowered to an age where you could legally drink (if you couldn't) , would you?"
No. I heard from my dad that beer tastes revolting anyway. Alcohol is one of the worst drugs because of the way it affects people.

4. "How old are you?"
I'm 13.

5. "Do you think the legal drinking age should be lowered from 21?"
That's a horrible idea. Too many people get killed in the long run from alcohol, get their bodies damaged, and get into cars (or do other stupid things) while under the influence, and end up hurting others. Lowering the age will not help a thing. It should be raised if possible. My family has also had many incidents with alcohol in the past. Alcohol is a serious issue.