"The whole world is about three drinks behind." -Humphrey Bogart

Two weeks ago I explored about how alcohol is embedded in American culture. This fueled my curiosity about how other cultures see and use alcohol. A really informative website on this topic is http://www.sirc.org/publik/drinking6.html , which gave a wide overview on multiple cultures and their different views on alcohol and where it fits into their lives. Though some cases are the same or very similar to how Americans view alcohol, I found some interesting differences.

One that I found very different was the “Statement of Affiliation” and if a native refuses what is viewed as a national drink and “to choose, serve - or indeed refuse - one’s national beverage can be a powerful expression of one’s loyalties and cultural identity.” This is very important in several cultures, like the Scottish Highlanders. By not accepting their national or local drink, they can be see as rejecting the values their culture holds. In America, generally we drink a particular drink based on the occasion or simply what one wants at the time rather than remaining loyal to a specific beverage. 

Some societies have an extremely open relationship with alcohol and it’s a part of their everyday lives. Places like Greece, Italy, and Spain have “uninhibited” and completely visible drinking areas because its socially acceptable whereas in other countries it’s the complete opposite and there are some “secretive” places to hide the consumption of alcohol. I feel that the US is in between these two extremes: we are generally accepting of alcohol, but only in the appropriate environment. For example, it’s acceptable to drink at a public restaurant or an outdoor event, but it’s not acceptable to walk downtown leisurely sipping a beverage.

A view that would be absolutely unacceptable in America is a belief in Peru in which alcohol should be “consumed before any work requiring strength or energy” is done. Frankly, if people drank before they went to work in America they’d likely be fired if discovered. Alcohol affects mental capacity and physical coordination, so I find this belief very odd to say the least. I’m sure they have more fun on the job than Americans do because they get to “liven up” before clocking in.

Despite the varying views on alcohol in different cultures, it’s become clear that alcohol is a part of most cultures, whether viewed as acceptable or not.

Teen drinking is very bad. Yo I got a fake ID though

I saw a very interesting story on the TODAY show last week that I found very relevant to my blog. The story was about whether or not parents allow their teenagers to drink alcohol at home to learn how to drink responsibly.  The best part to me was reading all the viewers responses online; clearly there is not an agreement between the two different sides.

The basis for the story is from a new study the government conducted which “found that nearly 6 percent of 12- to 14-year-olds said they had drunk alcohol in the past month – about 700,000 kids. Of those, 16 percent said they got it from a parent or guardian.” Personally, I feel that the children who were allowed to try it from their parents are not an issue compared to the other percentage of these young children who have consumed alcohol not provided by their parents. I can’t even imagine why children that young would drink or how they even go about getting any alcohol! I think those are the children that would end up with an alcohol abuse issue over the children that are given small amounts of alcohol so they can be educated about what it really is and how to enjoy it responsibly.

It’s fairly common for parents to tell or forbid their children to do something, so naturally they want to do whatever they aren’t allowed. I can see how completely forbidding a child to have any contact with alcohol before they turn 21 (or these days go away to college) can result in binge drinking habits because they are away from their parents and can go “crazy.” Either way, I definitely feel that the decision to expose teenagers to alcohol is the parent’s decision.

You had some of the best times you'll never remember with me

Culturally, alcohol is embedded in our lives. As Americans, we associate beer and football together and champagne and celebrations together. Alcohol is just something that goes hand in hand with anything we do it seems. In fact, alcohol has such a presence in our lives that it has overtaken some holidays! Time Magazine wrote an article compiling the "Top 10 Drunkest Holidays" with New Year's Eve topping the list. Holidays are portrayed as a chance to drink and its perfectly acceptable because we are celebrating! Right? Here’s a look at a few other cases of how we as Americans use alcohol:

Many drinks are symbolic:

The type of alcohol and the brand names says a great deal about a person on first impression. Regardless of what one may actually wish to drink, many choose to drink some in particular because it may raise their status. This is common in business settings especially. By ordering only the best, most expensive beverage of choice is a way to show power and money to prospective clients or potential business partners perhaps.

Drinks can also show class:

On a date, if a man knows what fine wine to order with each course, his date will most likely assume he has class and knowledge of some of the finer things in life which scores him serious points. If he were to order a Bud, she might think a little differently in that setting. 

Celebratory drinks/Losing drinks:

“If they win, we drink! If they lose…we still drink!” I know I’ve heard this multiple times in regards to our dear Aggies. Either way, everyone heads up to Northgate after a home game. Winning means partying, but so does losing! But people also may drink to celebrate a bonus or a promotion, while some might bust open the liquor cabinet after getting laid off. We also drink to celebrate the start of a weekend, or need a drink after Monday because the week got off to a good start. 

No matter what the reason, holiday, event, sport, TV show, etc., Americans sure know how to drink.