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I finally understand why the drinking age is 21

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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
Now i just turned 22....and i really do understand why the drinking age is 21. Looking back, there is no way 18 year old kids as a whole are ready to have a "couple" drinks and drive. People change so much between that time period. Also, going to bars in NYC i would hate being there with underage bros from high school shit would suck...considering girls can get it most of the time anyways
Aug 16 2012 8:06AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
You're right, they can drink in a bar with their parents at any age, not 15.
Aug 16 2012 12:21PM
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BlackCupid
Posts: 1533 - Karma: 9
The relationship of the drinking vs driving age doesn't make any sense. You want kids to be finished experimenting with alcohol before they start to drive, not the other way around. I think a drinking age of 16 and a driving age of 18 would be the most reasonable.
Aug 16 2012 12:28PM
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Poikenz
Posts: 1480 - Karma: 3,769
I wouldn't say more educated, as I know some people in University who get mid 80's and I get lower grades then them, but they are dumb as fuck. Education is all about how much time you put into it, if you actually read the textbook you will probably fair better than someone who might be smarter than you but they don't put in the effort to get that higher mark.

In terms of drinking I think it mostly depends on the person more than age, and because of association also falls on the parents to teach their kids about being responsible and all that other good stuff. Also, DRINKING DOES NOT EQUAL A GOOD TIME, that's why alcoholics are always happy getting drunk by themselves, and I feel that is a point that is skipped over when talking to most kids about this stuff.
Aug 16 2012 12:35PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
I was in Belgium for 10 days this past june, and spent time in germany, netherlands, england, and amsterdam. From what I experienced, teenagers had a blast while being responsible. After dinner time they started to meet up at bars and have a few drinks ect.. no one seemed out of hand or in any way more dangerous/irresponsible than someone of "legal age."
Its a mental game. If the US makes a big deal out of how old you have to be to drink, of course people will abuse the system. I think its absolutely bogus that the drinking age hasnt been lowered yet. Get with the times America.


IMO: the drinking age should be lower than the driving age. This way people learn to properly handle alcohol and making the right decisions before having the chance to get behind the wheel.
Aug 16 2012 12:47PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
THIS.

sorry for double post, I didnt make time to read the whole thread.
Aug 16 2012 12:48PM
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thewhiteprophet
Posts: 692 - Karma: 33
maybe it's 21 in america because for whatever reason you guys still seem to think that drunk driving is okay.
Aug 16 2012 12:50PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
so every american has the same mentality towards driving drunk?
yeah.. likely.
Aug 16 2012 12:56PM
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thewhiteprophet
Posts: 692 - Karma: 33
I didn't say that.

you americans love to twist words. stanky mo fuckers
Aug 16 2012 1:02PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
"maybe it's 21 in america because for whatever reason you guys still seem to think that drunk driving is okay."

That's actually exactly what you said. Maybe not what you meant, but it is what you said.
Aug 16 2012 1:08PM
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ktd619
Posts: 927 - Karma: 96
A couple things:

You're saying that since you're 21 it's okay for you to drink and drive? No.

And I've always said for the drivers license, you shouldn't be able to get it at a certain age, but at a certain time. A 16 year old highschool freshmen isn't going to act like a 16 year old, he's going to act like a freshmen. The same goes for alcohol. The 21 year old working at McDonalds with a bunch of teenagers who graduated highschool a year ago, probably won't be the most mature person...
Aug 16 2012 1:09PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
so then who were you directing this towards..?

not to call you out, but nothing grinds my gears more than people from outside the US who group all americans into one category where we are all fat, ignorant, and in this case - poor decision makers.
Aug 16 2012 1:11PM
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thewhiteprophet
Posts: 692 - Karma: 33
well if you stop fucking up like most of the world you wouldn't have so many problems.

but then I guess you wouldn't have anything to talk about on ns and the freeskiing community would slowly decay and decompose.

so do whatever you want I guess
Aug 16 2012 1:11PM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
You're right, since 5 year olds have matured as much as 21 year olds (who are also of the same maturity level as 18 year olds), 5 year olds should be able to make that decision for them self. Right?

Your argument sucks man. And the US drinking age used to be 18. Wasn't much better. I think the logic should just be that if you are considered a legal adult (18 years), you should be able to take responsibility for your own actions and purchase alcohol.

That being said, at the age of 23 I am really glad I don't have 18 year old kids running around the bars I enjoy.
Aug 16 2012 1:13PM
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thewhiteprophet
Posts: 692 - Karma: 33
not to call you out, but I've been to new york and I met nothing but people who you just described.

not once, but twice.

that's just 1 state I guess.
Aug 16 2012 1:16PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
What the hell did any of that have to do with this thread? That's now two posts in a row you are making generalizations about a whole country.

Hey by the way, there was this foreign exchange student from Germany back when I was in high school and he was gay. So you and your whole country like it up the pooper.

See how ridiculous that sounds?
Aug 16 2012 1:19PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
thank you for trying to put the point across. +k.
Aug 16 2012 1:22PM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Most New Yorkers are foreign immigrants.
Aug 16 2012 1:24PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
Judging by your profile picture you're probably not much different.
Aug 16 2012 1:24PM
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thewhiteprophet
Posts: 692 - Karma: 33
fuck you cool runnings is amazing.

and yeah you caught me all germans like dick. don't get too close you might get the gay aids!
Aug 16 2012 1:27PM
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Hamster.
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 26
Many people have touched upon this point, I read about 75% of the thread and simply quoted this guy. I think Germany, where I'm living now is a perfect example. The fact that someone can maybe get wasted, experiment with alcohol for a while, even a year or two before getting behind the wheel of a car is fantastic, because by that time that will be over and they will understand the responsibility of alcohol before grabbing the wheel. It isnt about the actual "Age", its about what someone does at a certain time, and the expectations from our society of its people at a certain time. If time wasn't a factor, couldn't we still be in diapers when were 4 or 5? Yes, but were rushing into becoming an adult, so that we learn things faster. Yes people gain mature with age, but its these experiences, of learning to walk, to do homework on our own, to drink, to drive that make us more mature, and if you put forth a list of what is most dangerous and most important you can put that towards the end of the "when too" list. The build up to these events is important, its the events that shape your maturity, such as getting drunk for the first time. Make an ordered list of how things should be learned, and then execute like that, learning to drive before drinking will only bring problems. I know this argument is not very well organized, but hopefully people will see my point.
Aug 16 2012 1:29PM
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EmperorKuzco
Posts: 6660 - Karma: 254
Isn't the main reason why the drinking age 21 is because the National Highway Association or whatever gives grants to states to keep it at 21?
Aug 16 2012 1:30PM
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Hamster.
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 26
On a side note, OP's point is bad, maybe if he could reword it, it would make sense, especially because he is generalizing how maturity is gained, however this thread has turned into a nice discussion.
Aug 16 2012 1:31PM
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blackmamba.
Posts: 969 - Karma: 56
"I finally understand why the drinking age is 21."

The fact that you even draw upon your so-called "elevated" ability to subconsciously make the right decision weather to drink and drive and/or "handle it" as a solid argument clearly demonstrates that you don't quite fully understand...

For starters, it shouldn't be 21. You're just delaying the inevitable...21 year olds that can't handle their alcohol and fuck shit up as "mature" adults or break liquor laws for at least 2+ years. Secondly, driving drunk is pretty low (regardless if you're 18 or 38). Education goes along way. Besides, turning 21 doesn't make you all that much more enlightened in terms of sheer common sense. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Aug 16 2012 1:40PM
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Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
yes.

in reality, drinking laws are at a state level. Washington just says "hey! if you want this big chunk of money, make your drinking age 21 and speed limits 65.. ect."
Aug 16 2012 2:10PM
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pDails
Posts: 1238 - Karma: 75
A big part of issues with alcohol and other drugs in this country start with parents. Instead of just saying don't do it, like shibby said in his first post, educate the kid about it. I mean my parents and I know most of my friends parents, all just said "don't do it or else you'll get in trouble"...which is why we did it.

I really think if my parents would have sat down and talk with me about it, it coulda been a different story. Albeit I never really got caught, I started having my first experiences with alcohol at 14 years old. I don't think this is necessary a bad age, but the way drinking started for me was utterly, and completely unhealthy and unsafe.

Instead of dangerous situations, sit down with a kid, give him a beer, explain to him what can happen if you drink to much, teach him how to drink correctly.
Aug 16 2012 2:12PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
This past year we had some German exchange students at our school. Me and some buddies were hanging out with one of them and showed him where we had bonfires/parties a lot. He thought it was weird how we couldn't drink legally until 21. His reaction once we showed him our party spot was interesting though. The spot we use is a popular spot for target shooting as well as drinking, so he saw all of the shotgun shells and bullet casings on the ground mixed with the cans and bottles and was like "You Americans are fucking CRAZY". And then I taught him how to drive since he had never driven before. He was more stoked on driving than we ever were on drinking.
Aug 16 2012 2:26PM
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SlimDunkin.
Posts: 2065 - Karma: 361
The real reason the drinking is age isn't 18, is because, most kids are still 18 in highschool, and if a freshmen wants some booze, all he has to do is just walk down the hallway and ask one of the seniors.
Aug 16 2012 2:29PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51643 - Karma: 162,229
That was the worst reasoning I've ever heard for that topic.
Aug 16 2012 2:34PM
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Backyard.Skier
Posts: 5397 - Karma: 1,497
In Alberta it's 18.

You're old enough to vote and have sex, then you should be able to drink. Only dipshits drink and drive anyways.
Aug 16 2012 2:48PM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
I hope you're not serious.
Aug 16 2012 2:48PM
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JIB_WALRUS
Posts: 671 - Karma: 130
In america we can die for our country before we can legally drink a beer, now thats logic
Aug 16 2012 2:53PM
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Backyard.Skier
Posts: 5397 - Karma: 1,497
'Murica!
Aug 16 2012 2:56PM
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JIB_WALRUS
Posts: 671 - Karma: 130
in america you can legally consent to sex or legally decide to have a kid before you can legally drink a beer. Yes.
Aug 16 2012 2:59PM
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skifoo
Posts: 1396 - Karma: 45
in america you get to drive at 16. Thats just pure stupidity. I dont know how it works, but i can imagine all the dumb 16 year old guys and girls behind the wheel.
Aug 16 2012 3:13PM
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SlimDunkin.
Posts: 2065 - Karma: 361
I am completely, I mean that certainly isn't the only reason, but I believe that's certainly a contributing factor, there are plenty of other reasons, maybe it's just because of the small town that I live in, but highschoolers don't know any 21 year olds, unless they're related to you or some special relationship. Maybe that's why I'm in that state of mind.
Aug 16 2012 3:37PM
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ski-swagga
Posts: 5276 - Karma: 219
IMO if america had better public transportation there would be much less drunk driving. I've seen way to many people drive home drunk because public transportation was too much of a hassle for them. (at least in their eyes)
Aug 16 2012 3:43PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
I've walked up to 10 miles home when drunk. I'd never think about driving a vehicle. Hell I don't even like riding my bike drunk.
Aug 16 2012 3:49PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
americans just can't handle their liquor because their blood is too thin
Aug 16 2012 3:51PM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
If a freshman, or even someone in junior high, wants to score booze they can do it by asking around, this is not limited to the hallways of a high school and I doubt it would tip the scales very much if the drinking age was lowered.

In Finland it's 18 for beer and wine and 20 for spirits (18 is go for everything in bars), yet we got our hands on spirits easily even in junior high through complete strangers.
Aug 16 2012 3:52PM
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JIB_WALRUS
Posts: 671 - Karma: 130
You can get a dui for rideing a bike drunk and you can get public intoxication for walking home drunk. America hates alcohol
Aug 16 2012 3:52PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
Thats exactly why I don't like riding my bike haha. And for the most part, you have to be doing something pretty stupid or be passed out on the sidewalk to get public intoxication.
Aug 16 2012 3:53PM
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jeR.
Posts: 1325 - Karma: 58
americans act differently than canadians at age 18-19 because the drinking age is lower (read: more immature about partying)... 18 is fine.
Aug 16 2012 3:54PM
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JIB_WALRUS
Posts: 671 - Karma: 130
true true still a dumb law tho
Aug 16 2012 3:54PM
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Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
I like this
Aug 16 2012 4:22PM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,014
drinking age should be 19. keep it out of highschool, but in college everyone drinks anyway
Aug 16 2012 4:28PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
21 is the perfect age. your all forgetting that your brain is still growing at age 18 and could easily be damaged by excessive alcohol comsumption.
Aug 16 2012 5:05PM
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SlimDunkin.
Posts: 2065 - Karma: 361
Maybe not where your from but again, there aren't many 21 year olds kicking around where I live on the street willing to buy you booze, then again I live in a somewhat wealthy town, I'm just saying from my perspective growing up in a small town, it would be far easier to ask a classmate then find a 21 year old.
Aug 16 2012 5:40PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51643 - Karma: 162,229
Make it 18 along with all drugs. You're an adult. You should be able to decide what to put in your body at that age.
Aug 16 2012 5:45PM
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K-Dot.
Posts: 3739 - Karma: 7,737
.
Aug 16 2012 5:47PM
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Gypsy_Skier
Posts: 2666 - Karma: 5,237

I can drink legally at 16 here and i have yet to see a downside to our law... People are gonna do dumb shit whether its legal or not. If anything, making drinking legal earlier would make it less popular, just like weed in holland. just a thought

Aug 16 2012 5:52PM
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