Drinking Age example essay topic

365 words
One controversial debate in the United States concerns the legal drinking age. Some believe the drinking age should be reduced from 21, and others believe it should be remain the same. The minimum legal drinking age varies from 0 to 21 around the world. In my opinion the National Minimum Drinking Age Act should be changed to allow 18 to 21 years olds the ability to purchase and consume alcohol.

The legal drinking age sometimes causes more problems than it prevents. First, it is necessary to question this law. Why is 21 the magical age that makes one intelligent and mature enough to consume alcohol? We all know some people under 21 who can drink responsibly, and some over 21 with no hope of ever drinking responsibly. Today's teenagers face more responsibility and are treated more like adults than their parents were. This makes the 21 restriction seem out of date.

At 18, people are considered adults. If it is legal for 18 years old to drive cars, fly planes, vote, marry, pay taxes, take out loans and risk their lives in the armed forces then should be legal for them to drink alcohol. Today's legal drinking age is unrealistic. The bottom line is responsibility. If drinking alcohol in moderation is acceptable, society should teach responsible drinking rather than set an age limit. In our values as parents and educators, we have a responsibility for the socialization of our children, for preparing them for life in the world.

We should be brave enough to tell them the truth, that moderate drinking need not lead to abuse; that drinking can be done in an appropriate civilized way without shame and gilt. I fully believe the drinking age should be lowered because the current age has no real basis. With the focus on education about safe drinking instead of restriction, many problems would be averted. People become responsible by being properly taught, given responsibility, and then held accountable for their actions.

So, programs, society, and families need to start teaching drinking in moderation. Restriction is ridiculous.