The Legal Drinking Age of 21 in the United States: Addressing the Root of Youth Drinking Issues

Why is the legal drinking age in the United States set at 21 instead of 18? This question has sparked significant debate. Just as smoking is now legal at 21, the idea of raising the drinking age was to minimize the exposure of potentially harmful substances during a critical period of growth. The body, while done growing, continues to evolve mentally and emotionally into the early 20s.

The Historical Context and Reasons for the 21-Year-Old Drinking Age

The reasons behind the 21-year-old drinking age are deeply rooted in historical and societal norms. One of the key reasons is the connection between the drinking age and the enlistment age, which is 18 in the United States. This juxtaposition raises questions about the rationale behind such a significant age gap, especially considering the increasing awareness of young adults' complex cognitive development.

The Influence of Puritan Ideology

The idea that someone old enough to enlist and serve in the military cannot be trusted to have a few drinks in public reflects a long-standing Puritan influence on American society. This ideology perpetuates the notion that 18 is too young for drinking, despite the fact that it is considered adequate for military service. This disconnect highlights the need to re-evaluate our understanding of responsible adulthood.

The National Minimum Drinking Act of 1984

The National Minimum Drinking Act of 1984 required states to enforce a minimum drinking age of 21 or face losing federal highway funding. This move by the federal government effectively overrode state rights, standardizing the drinking age across the country. Prior to this act, states had the freedom to set their own drinking ages, but this change created a uniform legal framework.

This legislation introduced a unique method for the federal government to influence state policies. For states with a drinking age below 21, it meant a significant loss of federal funding for highway projects. This punitive measure was aimed at incentivizing states to adopt the 21-year-old drinking age, effectively standardizing a rule that severely affected young people's lives.

The Case of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Despite the nationwide implementation of the 21-year-old drinking age, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have maintained an 18-year-old drinking age. These territories are considered U.S. citizens and territories, but they are not states. Therefore, they do not receive federal highway funds, making the financial leverage of the National Minimum Drinking Act inapplicable to them.

How These Laws Contribute to Youth Drinking Issues

The very laws intended to combat youth drinking have paradoxically created a set of problems that are even more insidious. By prohibiting young adults from practicing responsible drinking habits, these strict laws inadvertently place them in situations where they are ill-prepared to handle alcohol. This lack of preparation can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including binge drinking and risky behavior.

The root role of parents in all matters is to teach their children how to engage in potentially dangerous activities reasonably safely. However, by enforcing a hard-line law that bans alcohol until the age of 21, parents are deprived of the opportunity to supervise and guide their children in responsible drinking behavior. This education and practice process is crucial for ensuring that young adults develop the appropriate skills for dealing with alcohol.

Conclusion

The 21-year-old drinking age in the United States is a complex issue with deep historical roots and significant implications for youth. While the intention behind raising the drinking age was noble, the implementation has led to unintended consequences that may exacerbate the very problems it was meant to address. A reevaluation of the societal norms surrounding alcohol and responsible adulthood is essential to find a more balanced approach.