Age Old Debate | The Odyssey Online
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Politics and Activism

Age Old Debate

@kaitlyn-ventura
Mar 16, 2015
North Carolina State University
22
Age Old Debate

As one of the youngest in my friend groups there is always one thing that slightly holds me back: my age vs. their age.

At this point in my life, I'm used to the "wow you're not 21 yet?" line and all of the jokes asking if "I'm even old enough to drive." To be honest I never really thought I was young until I came to college. Having a late summer birthday is really great until your friends who are a grade ahead of you are almost two years older than you. Some of my friends who are a grade below me are barely two months younger than me. Being the youngest made me think: is the drinking age appropriate at 21?

I know there are a lot of proponents either way. Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the idea of a drinking age and making it a set limit that is an age of students that are definitely out of high school and in college. It has also helped out with drunk driving incidents. But it makes me think—every college student (especially freshmen) is drinking and sneaking around. At this point I'm sure even high school freshmen (and middle schoolers?) are sneaking alcohol and enjoying the thrill of breaking the law. I know that one cannot be responsible enough to drink at age 17 or 18, but what about when you're 19 or 20? I don't feel as though I will magically be able to conduct myself in any different way on the last day that I am 20 versus the first day of being 21. Also in the United States, you are a legal adult at 18 and can make your own legal decisions/choices. Some say the drinking age should be lowered to stop encouraging binge drinking. Some say lowering the drinking age will cause even younger kids to use fake ID's and get into bars. Who wants that?

It's a difficult situation either way, and it is hard to put an age on it. But think about Europe, drinking is not looked at in such a taboo way and it is basically normal to see younger high schoolers drinking wine and such at a much earlier age. There is no "right" answer as with many similar situations...so if you have a late birthday you're out of luck for now.

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