The Chimes

Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Opinion

I read a really interesting book recently. It wasn't all that well written, but it was very intriguing. It was called "Smashed" and it was the true story of a girl, now in her 20s, and her history with and abuse of alcohol. She was not an alcoholic, never was arrested for a DUI, or put in rehab. She drank about as much as many of my college friends. But she had some fascinating insight into the drinking culture.
When did it become so acceptable for binge drinking to be a part of college?
I don't want to preach, because my weekend habits usually include at least one night at the bar. And I don't want to imply that all college students drink. The book includes a statistic that about 40% of college students binge drink. And while this is less than half, it's problematic enough when every bar in Columbus is filled every weekend and you notice the dumpsters full of empty beer cans every Monday morning.
Somewhere along the line, after "Animal House" came out, college became synonymous with drinking. As an Orientation Leader, one of the first questions from first years is "Where can we party?" Even if you're not a big drinker, most people expect you to get pretty drunk on your 21st birthday.
There are fun and responsible ways to drink. A nice Guinness can relax you after a long day. A shot of Jameson can help you work up the courage to ask out the cute girl from Biology.
As Ash Wednesday was yesterday, I know people are discussing what to give up for Lent. Two years ago, I gave up all alcohol for Lent. It was a pretty good decision. I felt healthy, had a lot more spending money and my friends always had a safe drive home.
I don't want to warn you about all the bad stuff that can happen when you drink - you already know. I just want you to think about why it is presumed that enjoying the "college experience" means you are expected to drink until you black out most weekends.
I don't expect you to stop drinking because of what I say - nor do I really want you to. I just think you should have a decent reason for it - not just because everyone expects you to.
cplungas@capital.edu

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