Lowering the Drinking Age in the United States
Lisa Hornef
Instructor Waltman
HUM200 A06
Argosy University
September 8, 2013
In generating reasons for and against lowering the legal drinking age in the United States I brainstormed for a few minutes (Missimer, 2005). I then winnowed out what I thought were the most convincing reasons for factors in favor of and factors against (Missimer, 2005). In my opinion, the greatest factors in support of lowering the drinking age will be reported below in order of their significance. 1. There will be less underage drinking. 18 year olds will be permitted to drink freely and openly and there will be less of a need for this age group to sneak and connive drinking alcohol. I think this is the strongest argument because we all know that this younger age group participates in the illegal consumption and purchase of alcohol. More than not, college age teens look to party and that mostly includes alcohol. In my opinion, it is a given that there is a high percentage of 18-20 year olds that will partake in the frequent partying that will include alcohol and at least by lowering the drinking age this age group will partake with much more ease. They are doing it anyway so why not legalize a lower drinking age? 2. More employment will be created for 18 year olds. If the drinking age is lowered then the ability for 18 year olds to serve and sell alcohol will also be lowered. This will create more job opportunities for 18-20 year olds. 3. More revenue will be offered to local businesses. If the drinking age is lowered then there will be a greater ability for businesses to make more money on the lesser generation. 4. If one can go to war at 18 years of age, one should be able to drink at 18 years of age. It is only fair to treat 18 year olds like adults all the way around. At 18, one has the right to enlist in any one of our military forces. With the ability to make such a commitment one should also be able to decide when and if he wants an alcoholic beverage. 5. There will be less of a need for fake identifications. 18 year olds will no longer have to purchase or create fake identifications in order to be able to consume alcohol. 6. A greater responsibility will be afforded to 18 year olds. Consuming alcohol brings with it a greater sense of responsibility with that being said a more responsible younger generation is sure to be yielded. I think that this is the weakest reason because teenagers always believe that they are responsible even when their actions and behaviors do not support the belief. I know that my two stepchildren (17 year olds) think that they are responsible adults and from where I stand they do not know the meaning of the word responsible. They rely on us for EVERYTHING and when things do not go their way they blame me and their mom for it, and I mean EVERYTHING.
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In my opinion, the greatest factors against lowering the drinking age will be reported below in order of their significance. 1. More people are at risk of DWI’s and DUI’s if the drinking age is lowered. The number of DWI’s and DUI’s will definitely increase if the drinking age is lowered. This will affect the safety of many drivers and pedestrians. I think that this is the strongest reason because the safety of many
