Nation of Hypocrites

I can’t help but wonder if Maureen Ogle’s new book (“Iowan’s book taps barrel of beer facts”, DM Register 10/3/06) about beer will chronicle the hypocrisy with which the culture of the US treats alcohol. Parents are embarrassed, feel guilty, and/or are general angry when their children are caught in possession of alcohol as minors, yet most seem to think in the end that its ok, turn their backs, and let the behavior continue. Culture loves to put on a front that we are against drinking while underage, yet when it comes down to it, the behavior is still glorified in movies and on television, and most parents dismiss the behavior as a “phase” in life. This attitude society has developed has lead to one of the most dangerous generation of drinkers: a recent study found that 70% of the students at the University of Iowa could be classified as binge drinkers, and I am sure the number is quite high at Iowa’s other college’s and universities. Even if the behavior is merely a “phase” and changes in later years, binge drinking (and drinking at a young age in general) have well documented detrimental effects to the body for the rest of a person’s life. If we as a society truly want to stop underage drinking (and it could easily be done with a little effort), we need to do something about it. Otherwise, we need to quit faking like we care.