| Well, I can't really talk, can I? The drinking age in Canada is 18.
But I do know about the whole "forbidden fruit" angle. I grew up in a town about thirty minutes north of the Vermont border. And around weekends, the streets got very dangerous when the teenagers from south of the border came up to drink. Because there was a feeling, I would assume, of needing to get as much of it done while they "could." I would imagine. I don't actually know as I'm not a mind reader. My point is, our road accident statistics would sky rocket at weekends.
I have to stay that I'm not sure it's the age itself that's the issue. Mind you, I would have to agree that if it's okay to send an 18-year-old to war and to trust them to have judgement enough to vote in elections at age 18... then what is exactly the big hold up on drinking? It's the age most people go off to college anyway, isn't it?
I do think that the problem is not related to the number but to the attitude surrounding it. I don't drink myself. I used to, but I stopped because it got to be quite expensive. I dehydrate really quickly and easily, so it would cost a lot in juice and pop to keep me hydrated after even one drink. So, you know, that's my disclaimer.
But my mum also bought me my first beer when I was 16. Or was it 15? I can't remember. It's been a while. She never encouraged me to drink, but she made it very clear that she would rather be aware of it. And, you know what, I never hid any of it from her. And I never felt the need or desire to binge in any way, shape or form. She wouldn't coddle me if I overdid it, but she wouldn't punish me for trying it out either. And, in doing so, she taught me how to drink responsibly. She would have me call her at two in the morning if I needed someone sober to drive me home. She made sure I knew that it mattered more to her that I took care of myself than that I behave according to any preconceived notions my peers might be trying to portray.
So what do I know? I think 18's a decent legal age for drinking. But, at the end of the day, I really don't think the actual number matters. I started drinking before that and I stopped not very long afterwards. __________________  Sunny
"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." avie by Jessie |