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.
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