Legal Drinking Age Analysis

The minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol is debated since its official change to 21 years old, but even more so now because of the fact that alcohol-related accidents are the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Before the initial change in 1984, states had a variety of drinking ages, usually being 18 years old, but this proved to be dangerous (“Minimum Drinking Age,” 2015, p.11). The organization Mother’s Against Drunk Driving formed after members noticed an increase in alcohol-related accidents especially in young people, thus leading them to petition the government to raise the minimum age (Cary, 2014, para. 4-5). President Reagan agreed with the organization and made the national drinking
7-9). These voters may see the age of 18 as a suitable time for young adults to start making decisions on their own, including when it comes to alcoholic substances. Starting the day of an American citizen’s 18th birthday, they are allowed to vote, decide to join the military, and marry. These are all large decisions; some even argue more extreme than drinking alcohol. Others look to different countries to defend lowering the age. As reported by Paglia (2014) the European countries generally have a lower drinking age compared to America, with France, Italy, and the United Kingdom all having a minimum drinking age of 18 and Germany enforcing an even lower minimum drinking age of 16 (p. 22). These countries offer an example of where a lower drinking age succeeds, however, comparing these small areas of land to a larger land mass such as America, can be difficult because of the different population sizes. These population sizes can affect whether or not a rate for alcohol-related injuries/fatalities are normal or
75% of Americans oppose the thought of lowering the age to 18, however, it still leaves 25% of those who would favor it (Jones, 2014, para. 12). Even though some young adults believe lowering the minimum legal drinking age will cause no harm, they have not fully considered the consequences alcohol has on the body, economy, and society, therefore, maintaining the age of 21 is a priority because of its proven positive contribution to America’s youth. To support the 21 age minimum, the young adults of America need to consider their actions when being around alcohol and continue to educate themselves and others of the dangers involved with alcoholic substances. Parents of adolescents should also be encouraged to become involved with their teens drinking and monitor any illegal alcohol purchases and consumptions. Increase of law enforcement would be desirable, but the expenses it requires in unfavorable, therefore, it is up to the youth of America to support the 21 minimum