There are a large number of mixed messages that we receive in our society today. Everything from what we eat, even to what we should wear changes from day to day in what is considered right or wrong. So why is it when a message giving warning of something being harmful, unhealthy and even illegal is not only dismissed, but the opposite message is promoted? The message in question is that of drinking alcohol and the issues that it creates.
Alcohol has made its way over time out from just the taverns and bars from coast to coast. Once you also factor in the number of restaurants, sporting events, fairs and festivals, hotels, and night clubs, just to name a few, alcoholic beverages have become a typical part of everyday choices. Liquor stores and package shops are not the exclusive venues any longer for purchases. Now with a simple trip to the grocery store, or at a stop to get gas at the local convenience store, an adult can make a legal purchase of anything from cans to bottles, cases and in some locations even kegs of whatever alcoholic beverages they may want.
The presence of alcohol is not just in its availability in where we shop or seek entertainment, but it is all around us in different forms. Unfortunately, many of these promote the idea the alcohol or drinking is "cool." Just turn on the television and watch for commercials. Beer companies spend huge amount in advertising, creating funny or sexy commercials that seem to be some of the most memorable. They do this not to entertain us, but to increase their sales. Think about the movie stars or professional athletes who lend their support by participating in advertising or even through their own actions. By casting alcohol as a glamorous or exciting lifestyle choice, we are sending out the wrong message that alcohol is "cool" or can make us "cool."
It becomes even more evident that alcohol has become a deep rooted aspect of our society looking at some of what we consider to be just a part of life. From religious rituals incorporating alcohol, cultural traditions encouraging the drinking of alcohol, special events and holidays that are associated with drinking alcohol, down to the use of alcohol in our food to enhance flavor, our lifestyle has slowly accepted the presence of alcohol as normal. These practices help to desensitize us to the negative side of alcohol use and instead send the message that drinking alcohol can help us to fit in to our society.
With all of the ways alcohol is positively promoted, what are the messages against its use? Alcohol is prevalent, accepted, and readily acceptable and at the same time potentially illegal, unhealthy and dangerous. Simply note the number of those against alcohol and listen to their messages. People from many different points of view all share the same message against alcohol abuse and drinking and driving. Medical professional, both local and federal governments, law enforcement, schools including colleges, and organizations such as MADD all have staggering statistics to the devastating effects of alcohol use.
Mixed Messages and Their Consequences. When something like alcohol use is so intimately ingrained in the fabric of our society, it becomes extremely difficult to significantly alter its use and abuse in a comprehensive and beneficial manner. I assert that one of the consequences of the mixed messages about alcohol use and abuse in our society it that it becomes extremely difficult for many individuals, especially our youth, to realistically see the destructive, unhealthy, and sometimes fatal aspects of alcohol abuse.
The Influence of the Judicial System. Unfortunately, the judicial system and the ways in which it has dealt with alcohol-related offenses is another example of the mixed messages in our society about alcohol. For instance, until very recently, people who have received multiple DUIs have, in many instances, simply received a "slap on the wrist" for their alcohol-related behavior.
Fortunately, some states are becoming more reality and accountability-based and are making it a felony when a person receives his or her 4th DUI within a ten-year period. In Minnesota, for instance, this sentence includes three years in prison and a fine of not less than $14,000.00.
Incarceration AND Treatment. Sending people to jail for alcohol-related offenses, however, is not a viable "solution" unless the person receives help for his or her alcohol problem while incarcerated. True, the offending person is "off the streets" while incarcerated. When the jail or prison sentence is completed, however, a person who has received alcoholism treatment while incarcerated is more likely to become a responsible person who doesn't continue to drink while driving and less likely to become a repeat offender.
Now there are those who will say that some consumption is alright so long as the individual practices "responsible behavior", but who defines what is responsible? One person may say that posting a sign at the beach warning of a strong undertow is practicing "responsible behavior." Another might argue that the sign is not enough, and that buoys should be put in place marking the furthest distance a swimmer should go out. Simply put, many believe that a warning is not enough, that actual deterrents must be enforced to practice "responsible behavior".
So why if as a whole, we say we know of the dangerous consequences of alcohol do we as a society have such an acceptance of it in our lives? Considering the health hazards and dangers including death, we should practice "responsible behavior" at the next level. Warnings have not stopped alcohol usage, so we need to create other deterrents in addition to the ones currently in place. We as a society can choose not to glamorize alcohol, in turn making it less "cool." We can say no to advertisements and commercials promoting alcohol usage. The message can be sent out emphasizing and supporting a healthy and safe lifestyle free from the use of alcohol.
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