Introduction
21. This is the minimum age that one is required to have attained if they are to consume alcohol in the United States (Fulton par. 3). It is important to note that there are states that have lower minimum legal age for drinking. Questions have been raised about whether it is time that the United States lowered the age to 18. Those calling for this make a compelling case. For instance, they argue that at 18, individuals are technically adults and should therefore be allowed to consume alcohol (Jacinto par. 1). There is indeed a need for the United States to bring the drinking age down from 21 to 18. In this paper, a defense for this call is offered.
The first argument in defense for the call for the drinking age to be lowered to 18 is that this age marks the beginning of adulthood. In the United States and in other areas across the globe, all individuals who are at least 18 years old are considered adults. This is the age at which one is permitted to make decisions without necessarily needing to consult or obtain the approval of anyone. Since being 18 grants one the freedom to make decisions, why should those who are 18 be allowed to consume alcohol? Additionally, it is at 18 that individuals begin to fully participate in public life (Griggs par. 13). They are able to exercise a wide range of rights. For instance, they can vote and serve in the military (Griggs par. 13). These rights indicate that 18 year olds are mature and responsible enough. This begs the question of why the drinking age is still 21. An argument can be made that one’s age does not necessarily reflect in their character and ability to be responsible. There are many 18 year olds who are more responsible than those who are 21 (. Since they have demonstrated responsibility and maturity, the 18 year olds should be accorded the same privileges that are enjoyed by those who are 21. It is important to caution against generalizations. Caution should be exercised since not all 18 year olds are responsible since all individuals are different.
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In order to highlight the need for the US to lower the drinking age, it is important to examine the situation in countries where the age is lower. For example, in such countries as France, it is common for parents to serve their children small amounts of alcohol (Griggs par. 3). It is believed that introducing children to alcohol at an earlier age enhances their safety (Griggs par. 4). Nations with lower drinking ages do not suffer the social problems related to alcohol consumption that the US witnesses. In countries such as France and Italy, parents are able to teach their children about responsible and moderate drinking from an early age (Griggs par. 3). This is more effective than the situation in the US where individuals who have not yet attained the age of 21 are forbidden from drinking.
The strongest case for the need for the US to lower the drinking age can be found when one examines the situation in the country. Despite the fact that the law is clear that one must be at least 21 years old before consuming, alcohol, thousands of teenagers and young adults engage in alcoholism (NIAAA par. 3). This has been cause for frustration. There are those who are calling for the age to be lowered so as to provide the teenagers with a safe environment where they can consume alcohol without needing to break the law. The restrictions that are placed on the teenagers cause them to be rebellious. This can easily be addressed by bringing the drinking age down to 18. Allowing 18 year olds to drink alcohol presents a number of benefits. For instance, the US economy is set to gain. Since they pay for the alcohol, lifting the restrictions on alcohol consumption will allow 18 year olds to help build the economy. There are a number of states that do not apply the 21 age rule. These states hold different views as they allow anyone who is at least 18 years old to drink alcohol (Ingraham par. 2). The entire nation needs to rally behind these states and scrap the laws that place the minimum drinking age at 21. It should be noted that there are bound to be concerns from various quarters within the US about setting the drinking age at 21.
The case for lowering the drinking age can be countered. One argument that can be used to do this is that lowering the drinking age to 18 could encourage drunk driving. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) there is a link between drunk driving and traffic accidents which could result in death (“Why 21?” par. 2). This organization was primarily set up to push for the drinking age to be raised. Their argument is valid and erodes the case made in this paper. However, it is fairly easy to counter the argument raised by MADD and other organizations which are of the view that the drinking age should stay at 21. In an effort to prevent drunk-driving, parents could educate their children about the need for responsible conduct while on the road. Parents can also require their children to obtain licenses that permit them to drink fermented drinks such as beer and wine. It is also possible for parents to install breathalyzers in their vehicles to ensure that their children do not drive while drunk. Additionally, funds can be set aside to promote safe and sober driving. The argument that lowering the drinking age would promote drunk-driving does little to water down the case that the US needs to reduce the drinking age to 18.
In conclusion, the debate over the minimum drinking age promises to rage on. The nation is deeply divided over whether the drinking age should be lowered to 18. There are a number of valid arguments that support the call for the age to be lowered. These include the fact that nations with lower ages are shielded from the social problems that the US grapples with and the fact that 18 year olds are technically adults. The US clearly trusts 18 year olds but it seems unprepared to grant them to right to consume alcohol. The country needs to reexamine its position and allow anyone who is at least 18 years old to purchase and drink alcohol.
Works Cited
Fulton, Wil. Is it Time to Lower the Drinking Age to 18? Huffington Post. 2016. Web.
Griggs, Brandon. Should the U.S Lower its Drinking Age. CNN. 2015. Web.
Ingraham, Christopher. Where Teenagers Can Legally Drink in the U.S. (Yes, Really).
Washington Post. 2016. Web.
Jacinto, Leela. Should Drinking Age Stay at 21? ABC News. 2016. Web.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Underage Drinking. 2006. Web.
Why 21? Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Web.
