Looking at the issue objectively, there were many questions circulating my thoughts such as:
- To what extent do society plan on letting underaged drinking continue without enforcing stricter rules?
- What influences teenagers to drink alcoholic beverages?
- Who should be moderating the actions of teenagers, society as a whole, family rules, or personal judgement?
Example #1
“14 Year Old Dies of Possible Alcohol Poisoning at Her Own Sleepover”
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/14-year-dies-alcohol-poisoning-slumber-party/story?id=14065038
This story captures the tragic results of young teenagers exposed to alcohol. In this case, a 14 year old girl died at her own sleepover after drinking soda mixed with vodka. The police officer stated that the parents were tenants of the house, and the alcohol belonged to the owner’s cabinet. The parents did not want to dispose the alcohol and just left it there. This investigation was brought to scientific research where a side note was added that early exposure to alcohol will interfere with normal brain development, heighten the risk of addiction, as well as makes it harder for the individual to control alcohol consumption later on in life. Not only this, but also the risk of alcohol poisoning is a huge risk that underaged alcohol drinker might face. Alcohol poisoning happens when these liquids hits a person’s system and their livers can’t handle it and that individual goes into toxic sickness because their liver simply cannot process it.
While I read this article and watched the news video, I felt the need to educate teenagers and to some cases, the pre-teens as well because alcohol is a serious matter. This underaged drinking issue is beginning to shift to younger ages and we must stop it. As an open minded teen myself, I understand the factor of peer pressure and the ideals behind drinking, but narrowing everything down, essentially teenagers are not educated enough about the negative results of alcohol. Children are exposed to alcoholism everywhere from an ad from a tv program, to witnessing our own parents drink right before our eyes. Eventually, kids are so used to seeing people drink that they are not considering the requirements or precautions of drinking, which sometimes, brings death upon a number of teens. Since many lives have been lost due to underaged drinking, I wonder why there aren’t any stricter rules being made. Or better yet, if this notion is known to parents, why are parents not taking measures in making sure alcohol is inaccessible in the house, or stopping their own children from drinking? It all comes down to my main question, and my question is, why do teens drink? Is it because it gives a good social image, or is it because they found another way to escape their troubles?
Example # 2
“Parents’ behaviour can influence teen drinking”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13779834
This article outlines the necessity for public figures as well as parental figures to educate themselves as well as teens. A survey done by ipsos MORI of 5,700 children aged 13-16, one in five claimed that they have been drunk by the time they were at age 14, by age 16, half of those questioned said they had been drunk. A study done by Joseph Rowntree Foundation has shown that one factor that influences underaged drinking is poor parental supervision. This would raise the likelihood of teen drinking. Not only do parents play a role, but teens who spend more than two evenings per week will multiply the odds of excessive drinking by more than four times. Finally, these teens who do drink often find alcohol supply right within their homes.
While reading this article and watching the two news videos, I feel that parents and the government should be responsible for this issue. Regarding the government, they should put more effort in stopping the continuation of vast media promotion of cheap alcohol as well as regulating the possession of alcohol within a household. Although we are a democratic society where freedoms are existent, I feel as if the government have and should censor alcohol advertisements along with alcohol related images in the public. Since alcohol imposes a significant threat parallel to that of drugs, we hardly see drugs being advertised, why is it then that we see alcohol advertised on tv even on children channels? This is where parents come in play. Since children (including teenagers) are under the protection of adults, then shouldn’t the parents take responsibility of what their children do or get involved in? This raises another pressing issue, a question that outlines the parental influence on children; should it be illegal for adults to possess and or drink alcohol at home where there are minors?
Human/Civil Rights Issues:
- What is the difference between human and civiil rights?
- What kinds of human and civil rights are there?
- Do you think some human and civil rights clash with one another? Why?
References:
- http://www.civilrightsmovement.co.uk/civil-rights-human-rights.html
- http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/civil_human_rights.html#.USr88aWtwrU
- http://johnharmstrong.typepad.com/john_h_armstrong_/2011/08/an-inevitable-clash-of-human-rights.html
Dustin, I like how well researched this post is: the case studies, surveys, and facts about teenage alcohol abuse all add to the stance you have taken on this issue. It seems, however, from the wording you used in your introductory questions and later on in the post that you had already made your mind up about the topic before doing the activity. The first question "To what extent does* society plan on letting underaged drinking continue without enforcing stricter rules?" seems biased, as if society is letting the underage drinking happen and that it should be enforcing stricter rules. The discussion also seems to be focused on teenagers being victimized by their surroundings, so it would benefit from exploring the argument that teenagers are to blame and addressing those arguments as well. All in all the post supports your standpoint well and the facts compliment the argument nicely.
ReplyDeleteDustin, I really liked the strong conclusion on this post. I believe that you really did answer the questions being asked here. The only suggestion that I may have for you would be to lead into it a little bit better, with a good introduction of the questions and background information. I also liked how in depth you were in analyzing each of the articles, you support your opinion quite strongly.
ReplyDeleteDustin I remember you had trouble answering these questions, but I think you did really well at providing examples and organizing your thoughts. It was really good, but I thought next time you can separate the two answers. It was a bit confusing around the end when I forgot that it was two questions you answered on the same page. Your supports and information are always good and have the readers actually questioning about the topic. You should try to do a better introduction in the beginning. Overall it was well done.
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