Thursday, September 8, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Personal Analysis of Edger Allen Poe. Theories of Personality Class.
Abstract
This paper analysis’s the famous writer and poet, Edgar Allan Poe’s personality. Using the four major theoretical personality perspectives, psychoanalytic, trait/cognitive, humanistic/existential, and social/behavioral, I have concluded that due to Edgar Allan Poe was not able to fully meet his life’s potential. The main reasoning behind Poe not achieving success would be losing his parents at an early age and not having anyone to fulfill his needs for parental affection. In particular, I analyzed Poe based on Melanie Klein’s object of relations theory, Gordon Allport’s trait theory, H. S. Sullivan’s interpersonal theory, and Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization theory.
A great many of us have probably come along at least one Edgar Allen Poe piece sometime in their academic career. Poe is known internationally for writing eerie and suspenseful poems and short stories, including “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Many of us of know Poe as a madman, heavy drinker, and womanizer. The harsh critiques of Edgar Allan Poe are why I believe he would make an interesting and excellent character to undergo a personality analysis.
Edgar Allan Poe was born January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of David and Elizabeth Poe and brother to two other siblings. Both of Poe’s parents had died by the time he reached the age of three. Consequently, Poe and his siblings were split apart and went to live under different families. Poe was adopted by wealthy tobacco merchant John Allan, a wealthy tobacco merchant and his wife Frances Valentine Allan of Richmond, Virginia.
While in Richmond, Poe attended top notch schooling in Scotland, England, and in Richmond. In 1826 Poe attended the University of Virginia. Even though he did exceptionally well in his studies, he didn’t enjoy college because of his strong passion to become a writer. He only lasted 11 months. During his college years, Poe felt he was betrayed by John Allan because he was receiving no financial help for college despite Allan’s personal wealth. Not only did this conflict lead Poe to drop college but also his addictive gambling.
When Poe returned to Richmond, Virginia after leaving college he came back to find his girlfriend and according to some sources his finance, Sarah Elmira Royste, engaged to another man. He then left for Baltimore where he published a pamphlet of poems.
Poe was forced to enlist in the United States Army for a chance to escape poverty. Here, Poe gained recognition and even became a Sergeant Major. A turn of events in 1829 led Poe and Allan to rekindle a relationship after the death of Allan’s wife Frances. It was then that Allan helped Poe to get into West Point. It didn’t take long for Allan to stop supporting Poe financially and out of revenge; Poe purposely got himself expelled from the academy by skipping all drills and classes for one full week. Before leaving West Point John Allan had died, leaving nothing in his will for Poe.
Without anywhere to turn, Poe went to his father home place in Baltimore to live with his aunt, Marie Clemm and his cousin Virginia Clemm. While living under their roof Poe and Virginia created a romantic relationship together and the two were wed. Oddly enough, Virginia was only thirteen years old at the time of marriage. While in Baltimore, Poe had won a contest with one of his short stories which landed him a job at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond.
From there on, Poe continued to have short lived job positions for various literary companies throughout Virginia, New York, and Philadelphia. As time passed he began becoming more popular and kept publishing books of his work. Poe also went out on his own ventures, trying to establish journals, none of which were successful. It wasn’t until after “The Raven” was published that Poe became a household name. His popularity grew so much from this poem that he was able to draw big crowds to lectures he would give around the east coast.
After fighting five years for her health, Virginia died from tuberculosis. Poe was completely shattered by her death and stopped writing for several months. After her death Poe dated a few other women for a brief period time. Sarah Helen Whitman was a poet who he was briefly engaged to. Poe then went on to date Annie Richmond and Sarah Anna Lewis. All o f the women were subjects in Poe’s poetry. Poe found himself engaged yet again to a now widowed Sarah Elmira Royster, who he dated up until his death.
Many say that the Virginia Poe’s passing was the death of Poe. Only two years after her death Edger Allen Poe died at the age of 40 in Washington Hospital after being found in a bar room of a public house that was being used as a polling place for an election. To this day no one knows the exact cause of Poe’s death.
Using Object of Relations Theory to analyze Edgar Allan Poe, I believe that many of his later problems in life such as drinking and his disturbing stories come from the loss of his parents at an early age. According to the object of relations theory, an infant’s make external and internal representations of objects that provide needs and desires. The main object being a child’s mother, from her nurture and care, and infant receives his needs and desires and builds a trustful relationship with his mother before any other object. As an infant grows, this relationship extends to other objects and the infant learns to think for itself.
Since Poe’s mother was taken away from him at such a young age, this caused an incomplete relationship and ruined the process of object development within Poe. Although I had found nothing about how Poe’s mother treated him, I’m assuming that she was a caring mother. Not only did Poe loose his father but the rest of his family as well. His father passed away and he was separated from his siblings. This left a young Poe with no familiar relationships or care givers, leaving him on his own to adapt to new people. Poe had no idea where to get his needs and desires from because he had not yet fully capable of taking care of himself. Even though he was placed into a foster home, he had no trust for his foster parents, John and Francis Allan.
Throughout his life John Allan didn’t support Poe financially which led to further distrust in their relationship, adding salt to the wound. Poe continued to drink all of his life but I think the loss of his parents and being thrown into a brand new family, that did him wrong time and time again was the main source behind his drinking behavior and possibly the dark poems and stories.
Using Gordon Allport’s trait theory, I found that Edgar Allen Poe may have bypassed some stages within the theory including the role of religion and some stages within proprium. I also believe that some stages Poe went through at an earlier age than normal individuals do.
As for Allport’s role of religion unifying philosophy on life stage; Allport believes that religion molds and shapes who a person is (Lecture, 2011). However, Poe’s religious belief system seemed to change constantly throughout his life. According to the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore, Poe was baptized by the doings of his foster parents, John and Francis Allen, at the age of three. The Allan’s regularly attended church services and as a child Poe was taught religious lessons in school.
As an adult, Poe’s views changed. He didn’t attend mandatory church services while at West Point and occasionally went to them with friends or family. Religious references can be found a large selection of Poe’s work. Poe stated in a letter to Marie Louise Shew, “How can I believe in Providence when you look coldly upon me, was it not you who renewed my hopes and faith in God? . . . Why I was not a priest is a mystery, for I feel I am now a prophet. Poe wrote to Thomas Holley Chivers saying, “My own faith is indeed my own. You will find it, somewhat detailed, in a forthcoming number of the ‘Columbian Magazine”. The Edgar Allan Poe Society states on their webpage that, “The most realistic view is that Poe’s religious inclinations changed greatly back and forth during his lifetime, but were never seriously abandoned,’(Edgar, 2010).
I think that Poe was always uncertain and questioning religion throughout his adulthood. From Allport’s prospective, “He believed that commitment to religious beliefs can help organize and give constructive meaning to our lives,” (Ryckman, 2008, pg. 282). This statement coming from our textbook leads me to think that Allport would view Poe as someone immature and not fully developed because unsettled religious views.
Using Allport’s theory, I also believe that Poe grew up and took on self responsibility earlier than most children. Allport’s functional autonomy stage is when individuals separate from their parents and come for independent. Since Poe’s parents both died at a young age and he didn’t have a good relationship with his John Allan, Poe had to be independent at a young age (Lecture, 2011).
Gordon Allport’s trait theory has left researchers unable to test the theory because it lacks specific propositions. However, Allport’s distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity has created a considerable amount of research of the past five decades (Ryckman, 2008, pg. 290).
H. S. Sullivan theorized that people are driven by two different concepts, the desire to be secure or the desire to be satisfied. He also believed that humans develop self mechanisms to reduce anxiety and stress. Over time, we as humans condition ourselves to positive and negative past experiences which helps us to abolish anxiety and stress. Sullivan suggested that people use security operations to help them manage relationships to protect themselves from abandonment (Online Lecture, 2011).
As stated in my biography, Edgar Allan Poe frequently lost jobs from drinking and not performing well. He dropped out of college and West Point military academy although he was a good student and did well in the military.
Using H. S. Sullivan’s theory, I believe that Poe was largely driven by the desire to be satisfied rather than the desire to be secure. I stated in the biography that Poe was constantly poor. This proves that financial secure and at some points, shelter, were not one of his main concerns. He had two huge opportunities (college and the military) that guaranteed he could have a successful and stable career and income but he willingly left those choices behind. Instead, he chose to take low paying, entry-level jobs to get him further into writing. He didn’t seem to care about the need for security but the need to be satisfied.
Using Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization theory to analyze Edgar Allan Poe, I believe that because Poe wasn’t able to meet his basic needs that he was never able to reach the top level of self-actualization.
According to Abraham Maslow an individual needs to meet basic needs before proceeding on to cognitive needs. Using a hierarchy pyramid, Maslow explains the steps in which a person meets basic needs to continue onto the next level. These steps from bottom up consist of physiological needs, safety, love/belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization (Lecture, 2011).
Physiological needs are defined as hunger, thirst and sex. Safety needs are defined as physical and financial security. Love/belongingness needs are defined as feeling wanted and accepted by friends, family, and others. Esteem needs are defined as having self-esteem and respect from others. These four are what Maslow considered basic needs and after these are fulfilled an individual can move on to the top need of self-actualization which is defined as realizing your full potential to lead a successful and prosperous life (Lecture, 2011).
As stated in my biography and previous analyzations, Poe’s parents died when he was still a toddler and he did not have a good relationship with his foster parent, John Allan. Poe and Allan’s main cause for controversy was when John Allan stopped funding Poe during his college years at the University of Virginia and when Poe got himself expelled from West Point. Because of the tattered relationship between John Allan and Edgar Poe, I believe that Poe never fully met his needs for love and belonging.
I also believe that from this same unhealthy relationship that Poe never fully met the level of esteem by gaining respect from John Allan. John Allan never accepted Poe’s desire to be a writer and never supported him. As a counteraction to Allan’s actions, Poe resorted in unacceptable behavior such as gambling, drinking, and purposely getting himself expelled from West Point which threw his life off course.
Applying Abraham Maslow’s theory, Poe’s failure to meet the needs of love/belongingness and esteem caused him to never meet self-actualization. Poe’s life was thrown off course in college by gambling and drinking leading him to make poor decisions and an unhealthy lifestyle. Poe was never able to meet his full potential because of these setbacks.
Abraham Maslow’s theory has found to be impossible to accurately test its validity. Researchers have used adequate measure of actualization to test the theory but the results have never been consistently supportive. For example, Richard Ryckman and several other psychologists preformed an independent study with undergraduate college students. Their results found no support that actualizers are physically strong, fit people. Despite the negative results, research on the validity of this theory continues today (Ryckman, 2008, pg. 444).
References
Edgar Allan Poe. (2011). Biography.com. Retrieved 08:30, May 11 2011 from http://www.biography.com/articles/Edgar-Allan-Poe-9443160
Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore. (2011, October 11). Edger Allan Poe and Religion. Retrieved from: http://www.eapoe.org/geninfo/poerelig.htm
Lecture. (2011). Theories of Personality PSY3020. Weekly Lectures. Retrieved from: http://myeclassonline.com/
Ryckman M. Richard. (2008). Theories of Personality. 10 Davis Drive Belmont, CA: Thompson Higher Education
This paper analysis’s the famous writer and poet, Edgar Allan Poe’s personality. Using the four major theoretical personality perspectives, psychoanalytic, trait/cognitive, humanistic/existential, and social/behavioral, I have concluded that due to Edgar Allan Poe was not able to fully meet his life’s potential. The main reasoning behind Poe not achieving success would be losing his parents at an early age and not having anyone to fulfill his needs for parental affection. In particular, I analyzed Poe based on Melanie Klein’s object of relations theory, Gordon Allport’s trait theory, H. S. Sullivan’s interpersonal theory, and Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization theory.
Personality Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe
A great many of us have probably come along at least one Edgar Allen Poe piece sometime in their academic career. Poe is known internationally for writing eerie and suspenseful poems and short stories, including “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Many of us of know Poe as a madman, heavy drinker, and womanizer. The harsh critiques of Edgar Allan Poe are why I believe he would make an interesting and excellent character to undergo a personality analysis.
Edgar Allan Poe was born January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of David and Elizabeth Poe and brother to two other siblings. Both of Poe’s parents had died by the time he reached the age of three. Consequently, Poe and his siblings were split apart and went to live under different families. Poe was adopted by wealthy tobacco merchant John Allan, a wealthy tobacco merchant and his wife Frances Valentine Allan of Richmond, Virginia.
While in Richmond, Poe attended top notch schooling in Scotland, England, and in Richmond. In 1826 Poe attended the University of Virginia. Even though he did exceptionally well in his studies, he didn’t enjoy college because of his strong passion to become a writer. He only lasted 11 months. During his college years, Poe felt he was betrayed by John Allan because he was receiving no financial help for college despite Allan’s personal wealth. Not only did this conflict lead Poe to drop college but also his addictive gambling.
When Poe returned to Richmond, Virginia after leaving college he came back to find his girlfriend and according to some sources his finance, Sarah Elmira Royste, engaged to another man. He then left for Baltimore where he published a pamphlet of poems.
Poe was forced to enlist in the United States Army for a chance to escape poverty. Here, Poe gained recognition and even became a Sergeant Major. A turn of events in 1829 led Poe and Allan to rekindle a relationship after the death of Allan’s wife Frances. It was then that Allan helped Poe to get into West Point. It didn’t take long for Allan to stop supporting Poe financially and out of revenge; Poe purposely got himself expelled from the academy by skipping all drills and classes for one full week. Before leaving West Point John Allan had died, leaving nothing in his will for Poe.
Without anywhere to turn, Poe went to his father home place in Baltimore to live with his aunt, Marie Clemm and his cousin Virginia Clemm. While living under their roof Poe and Virginia created a romantic relationship together and the two were wed. Oddly enough, Virginia was only thirteen years old at the time of marriage. While in Baltimore, Poe had won a contest with one of his short stories which landed him a job at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond.
From there on, Poe continued to have short lived job positions for various literary companies throughout Virginia, New York, and Philadelphia. As time passed he began becoming more popular and kept publishing books of his work. Poe also went out on his own ventures, trying to establish journals, none of which were successful. It wasn’t until after “The Raven” was published that Poe became a household name. His popularity grew so much from this poem that he was able to draw big crowds to lectures he would give around the east coast.
After fighting five years for her health, Virginia died from tuberculosis. Poe was completely shattered by her death and stopped writing for several months. After her death Poe dated a few other women for a brief period time. Sarah Helen Whitman was a poet who he was briefly engaged to. Poe then went on to date Annie Richmond and Sarah Anna Lewis. All o f the women were subjects in Poe’s poetry. Poe found himself engaged yet again to a now widowed Sarah Elmira Royster, who he dated up until his death.
Many say that the Virginia Poe’s passing was the death of Poe. Only two years after her death Edger Allen Poe died at the age of 40 in Washington Hospital after being found in a bar room of a public house that was being used as a polling place for an election. To this day no one knows the exact cause of Poe’s death.
Using Object of Relations Theory to analyze Edgar Allan Poe, I believe that many of his later problems in life such as drinking and his disturbing stories come from the loss of his parents at an early age. According to the object of relations theory, an infant’s make external and internal representations of objects that provide needs and desires. The main object being a child’s mother, from her nurture and care, and infant receives his needs and desires and builds a trustful relationship with his mother before any other object. As an infant grows, this relationship extends to other objects and the infant learns to think for itself.
Since Poe’s mother was taken away from him at such a young age, this caused an incomplete relationship and ruined the process of object development within Poe. Although I had found nothing about how Poe’s mother treated him, I’m assuming that she was a caring mother. Not only did Poe loose his father but the rest of his family as well. His father passed away and he was separated from his siblings. This left a young Poe with no familiar relationships or care givers, leaving him on his own to adapt to new people. Poe had no idea where to get his needs and desires from because he had not yet fully capable of taking care of himself. Even though he was placed into a foster home, he had no trust for his foster parents, John and Francis Allan.
Throughout his life John Allan didn’t support Poe financially which led to further distrust in their relationship, adding salt to the wound. Poe continued to drink all of his life but I think the loss of his parents and being thrown into a brand new family, that did him wrong time and time again was the main source behind his drinking behavior and possibly the dark poems and stories.
Using Gordon Allport’s trait theory, I found that Edgar Allen Poe may have bypassed some stages within the theory including the role of religion and some stages within proprium. I also believe that some stages Poe went through at an earlier age than normal individuals do.
As for Allport’s role of religion unifying philosophy on life stage; Allport believes that religion molds and shapes who a person is (Lecture, 2011). However, Poe’s religious belief system seemed to change constantly throughout his life. According to the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore, Poe was baptized by the doings of his foster parents, John and Francis Allen, at the age of three. The Allan’s regularly attended church services and as a child Poe was taught religious lessons in school.
As an adult, Poe’s views changed. He didn’t attend mandatory church services while at West Point and occasionally went to them with friends or family. Religious references can be found a large selection of Poe’s work. Poe stated in a letter to Marie Louise Shew, “How can I believe in Providence when you look coldly upon me, was it not you who renewed my hopes and faith in God? . . . Why I was not a priest is a mystery, for I feel I am now a prophet. Poe wrote to Thomas Holley Chivers saying, “My own faith is indeed my own. You will find it, somewhat detailed, in a forthcoming number of the ‘Columbian Magazine”. The Edgar Allan Poe Society states on their webpage that, “The most realistic view is that Poe’s religious inclinations changed greatly back and forth during his lifetime, but were never seriously abandoned,’(Edgar, 2010).
I think that Poe was always uncertain and questioning religion throughout his adulthood. From Allport’s prospective, “He believed that commitment to religious beliefs can help organize and give constructive meaning to our lives,” (Ryckman, 2008, pg. 282). This statement coming from our textbook leads me to think that Allport would view Poe as someone immature and not fully developed because unsettled religious views.
Using Allport’s theory, I also believe that Poe grew up and took on self responsibility earlier than most children. Allport’s functional autonomy stage is when individuals separate from their parents and come for independent. Since Poe’s parents both died at a young age and he didn’t have a good relationship with his John Allan, Poe had to be independent at a young age (Lecture, 2011).
Gordon Allport’s trait theory has left researchers unable to test the theory because it lacks specific propositions. However, Allport’s distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity has created a considerable amount of research of the past five decades (Ryckman, 2008, pg. 290).
H. S. Sullivan theorized that people are driven by two different concepts, the desire to be secure or the desire to be satisfied. He also believed that humans develop self mechanisms to reduce anxiety and stress. Over time, we as humans condition ourselves to positive and negative past experiences which helps us to abolish anxiety and stress. Sullivan suggested that people use security operations to help them manage relationships to protect themselves from abandonment (Online Lecture, 2011).
As stated in my biography, Edgar Allan Poe frequently lost jobs from drinking and not performing well. He dropped out of college and West Point military academy although he was a good student and did well in the military.
Using H. S. Sullivan’s theory, I believe that Poe was largely driven by the desire to be satisfied rather than the desire to be secure. I stated in the biography that Poe was constantly poor. This proves that financial secure and at some points, shelter, were not one of his main concerns. He had two huge opportunities (college and the military) that guaranteed he could have a successful and stable career and income but he willingly left those choices behind. Instead, he chose to take low paying, entry-level jobs to get him further into writing. He didn’t seem to care about the need for security but the need to be satisfied.
Using Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization theory to analyze Edgar Allan Poe, I believe that because Poe wasn’t able to meet his basic needs that he was never able to reach the top level of self-actualization.
According to Abraham Maslow an individual needs to meet basic needs before proceeding on to cognitive needs. Using a hierarchy pyramid, Maslow explains the steps in which a person meets basic needs to continue onto the next level. These steps from bottom up consist of physiological needs, safety, love/belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization (Lecture, 2011).
Physiological needs are defined as hunger, thirst and sex. Safety needs are defined as physical and financial security. Love/belongingness needs are defined as feeling wanted and accepted by friends, family, and others. Esteem needs are defined as having self-esteem and respect from others. These four are what Maslow considered basic needs and after these are fulfilled an individual can move on to the top need of self-actualization which is defined as realizing your full potential to lead a successful and prosperous life (Lecture, 2011).
As stated in my biography and previous analyzations, Poe’s parents died when he was still a toddler and he did not have a good relationship with his foster parent, John Allan. Poe and Allan’s main cause for controversy was when John Allan stopped funding Poe during his college years at the University of Virginia and when Poe got himself expelled from West Point. Because of the tattered relationship between John Allan and Edgar Poe, I believe that Poe never fully met his needs for love and belonging.
I also believe that from this same unhealthy relationship that Poe never fully met the level of esteem by gaining respect from John Allan. John Allan never accepted Poe’s desire to be a writer and never supported him. As a counteraction to Allan’s actions, Poe resorted in unacceptable behavior such as gambling, drinking, and purposely getting himself expelled from West Point which threw his life off course.
Applying Abraham Maslow’s theory, Poe’s failure to meet the needs of love/belongingness and esteem caused him to never meet self-actualization. Poe’s life was thrown off course in college by gambling and drinking leading him to make poor decisions and an unhealthy lifestyle. Poe was never able to meet his full potential because of these setbacks.
Abraham Maslow’s theory has found to be impossible to accurately test its validity. Researchers have used adequate measure of actualization to test the theory but the results have never been consistently supportive. For example, Richard Ryckman and several other psychologists preformed an independent study with undergraduate college students. Their results found no support that actualizers are physically strong, fit people. Despite the negative results, research on the validity of this theory continues today (Ryckman, 2008, pg. 444).
References
Edgar Allan Poe. (2011). Biography.com. Retrieved 08:30, May 11 2011 from http://www.biography.com/articles/Edgar-Allan-Poe-9443160
Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore. (2011, October 11). Edger Allan Poe and Religion. Retrieved from: http://www.eapoe.org/geninfo/poerelig.htm
Lecture. (2011). Theories of Personality PSY3020. Weekly Lectures. Retrieved from: http://myeclassonline.com/
Ryckman M. Richard. (2008). Theories of Personality. 10 Davis Drive Belmont, CA: Thompson Higher Education
Friday, August 19, 2011
New Blog
I barely ever use this account or my tumblr account for that matter. Until a few weeks ago I never was a serious blogger and never really knew what to blog about till an idea popped into my head. Since I am transferring into a totally new school this fall and going to a legit University instead of an Art Institute I should blog about my college experiences. Then it also hit me that my best friend is in the same situation as me and ironically at the exact opposite end of Pennsylvania. So from there her and I made a shared blog about our new college experiences. It also features advice and tips on college life, beauty, fashion, dorm decorating, food, health, career, etc. The list can only broaden from there. Please check it out and let us know what you think! http://xxsplitendsxx.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Scriptwriting One: Scene: Five Dollar Problem
FADE IN:
EXT. PASSIVE PARK-DUSK
JACK SMITH, early twenties, is walking from Shannon Hall
through Passive Park at a fast rate. He starts fumbling
around with his coat pockets and then his jean pockets while
his fast pace starts to slow down.
JACK
(frustrated, concerned)
Man! Where did it go? Where the
hell did I put that it was just in
my pocket?!
RICK STEWART, late teens, walks in from opposite direction as
Jack. RICK sees Jack fumbling around along the pathway.
RICK
(enthusiastic)
Hey Jack! What's going on man? How
are you doing?
JACK
(distraught)
Oh, hey Rick. Not much just trying
to find something.
RICK
(upbeat)
Well man what are you looking for?
Maybe I can help ya out?
JACK
(Distraught)
I'm trying to look for my five
dollars. I was gonna run to the
Corner Store and get a pop. I swear
dude I just had it in my pocket!
Ugh.
RICK
(confused)
Um, its just five dollars. No big
D. I'm sure you have other cash to
get a soda.
JACK
(irritated, kicks dirt
after saying last lines)
No dude, that's the only cash I
have left until my next paycheck.
God, this day sucks. (kicks at
dirt)
RICK
Calm down man. I'll help you out.
We'll find your money. Don't worry.
JACK
(depressed)
Alright, thanks. This has really
been a shitty day.
RICK
First things first. Where do you
last remember having it? Your room
maybe or (Cuts off)
JACK
(cuts off Rick,puts hands
on forehead, stressed)
No, no, no. I had it in my hand
when I left Shannon. It was in my
pocket when I walked out the door I
checked.
RICK
(slightly irritated)
OK, ok! No reason to be hostile
here. I'm just trying to help.
JACK
(still stressed)
Sorry. Ugh. It's just been a rough
day. All I want is a bottle of pop.
RICK
Alright, we just need to think
rationally here and retrace your
steps. Ok, so you had it outside of
Shannon, so it was in your pocket,
did you reach inside your pocket at
all since you got to the park?
JACK
No, not till I get to the park to
take it out and it wasn't there. I
didn't touch it since I left
Shannon.
RICK
(walks over to a table and
sits down)
Hmm. Let me think.
JACK
(follows Rick, starts
pacing while Rick sits at
the table and thinks,
getting to a breaking
point with stress)
Dude! We're never going to find it.
This is impossible how are we going
to find a little piece of paper?
(yelling)
Huh? How are we going to find it
genius?! God I just wanted a bottle
of pop, just a simple freakin
bottle.
RICK
(irritated, annoyed,
yelling)
Seriously! Calm the hell down!
Jesus dude get a hold of yourself.
JACK
(calming down, agreeing
with Rick)
Yeah. Your right. I need to calm
down.
RICK
(calmer)
Exactly, just relax. Sit down.
We'll find it.
JACK
(starts to sit down at the
table)
I need to relax. We'll find it.
We're gonna find.
RICK
(looking away from Jack,
shaking his head in
annoyance)
That's right were going to find it
man.
JACK
(sitting at table, props
feet up on table and
looks around)
Ahh. Wow...man it's a really nice
day out. I didn't really get a
chance to notice how nice it is out
here with all this shit going on.
Wow.
RICK
(looks over at Jack in
disbelief of his 180
degree mood change,
sarcastic chuckle)
Yeah its a beautiful frickin...
(trails off, takes a closer look at
Jacks shoes on the table)
You gotta be frickin kidding me
JACK
(curious)
What?
(Rick stares at Jacks
shoes and remains
speechless)
What man?
RICK
(reaches over the table
and smacks Jack in the
head)
You idiot!
JACK
(confused)
What the hell was that for?!
RICK
(reaches to Jacks left
shoe and pulls out a
crumbled five dollar
bill)
Would this be your five dollars?
JACK
(amazed, confused,
excited)
Wow. How the hell did that get in
there? No way! Yes!
RICK
(disbelief)
I cant believe you man. It was in
your shoe the whole time. Ugh.
JACK
(happy, jumps up from
table with five dollars
in hand)
Thank god man! Aren't you glad we
didn't have to search the whole
area to find this?! Wow this is
great. Thanks man.
I owe you big time.
(to himself, jumping up
and down)
God this is awesome.
RICK
(irritated, disbelief,
sarcastic)
Yeah man, that's great that's just
awesome.
JACK
(happy, eustatic)
Wow man. Thanks so much. Your the
best dude! You know what how bout
you come with me to get a pop.
RICK
(stares without speaking
for a few minutes, sighs
and gives in)
Yeah, why the hell not.
(Two characters walk off
together to corner store)
FADE OUT.
EXT. PASSIVE PARK-DUSK
JACK SMITH, early twenties, is walking from Shannon Hall
through Passive Park at a fast rate. He starts fumbling
around with his coat pockets and then his jean pockets while
his fast pace starts to slow down.
JACK
(frustrated, concerned)
Man! Where did it go? Where the
hell did I put that it was just in
my pocket?!
RICK STEWART, late teens, walks in from opposite direction as
Jack. RICK sees Jack fumbling around along the pathway.
RICK
(enthusiastic)
Hey Jack! What's going on man? How
are you doing?
JACK
(distraught)
Oh, hey Rick. Not much just trying
to find something.
RICK
(upbeat)
Well man what are you looking for?
Maybe I can help ya out?
JACK
(Distraught)
I'm trying to look for my five
dollars. I was gonna run to the
Corner Store and get a pop. I swear
dude I just had it in my pocket!
Ugh.
RICK
(confused)
Um, its just five dollars. No big
D. I'm sure you have other cash to
get a soda.
JACK
(irritated, kicks dirt
after saying last lines)
No dude, that's the only cash I
have left until my next paycheck.
God, this day sucks. (kicks at
dirt)
RICK
Calm down man. I'll help you out.
We'll find your money. Don't worry.
JACK
(depressed)
Alright, thanks. This has really
been a shitty day.
RICK
First things first. Where do you
last remember having it? Your room
maybe or (Cuts off)
JACK
(cuts off Rick,puts hands
on forehead, stressed)
No, no, no. I had it in my hand
when I left Shannon. It was in my
pocket when I walked out the door I
checked.
RICK
(slightly irritated)
OK, ok! No reason to be hostile
here. I'm just trying to help.
JACK
(still stressed)
Sorry. Ugh. It's just been a rough
day. All I want is a bottle of pop.
RICK
Alright, we just need to think
rationally here and retrace your
steps. Ok, so you had it outside of
Shannon, so it was in your pocket,
did you reach inside your pocket at
all since you got to the park?
JACK
No, not till I get to the park to
take it out and it wasn't there. I
didn't touch it since I left
Shannon.
RICK
(walks over to a table and
sits down)
Hmm. Let me think.
JACK
(follows Rick, starts
pacing while Rick sits at
the table and thinks,
getting to a breaking
point with stress)
Dude! We're never going to find it.
This is impossible how are we going
to find a little piece of paper?
(yelling)
Huh? How are we going to find it
genius?! God I just wanted a bottle
of pop, just a simple freakin
bottle.
RICK
(irritated, annoyed,
yelling)
Seriously! Calm the hell down!
Jesus dude get a hold of yourself.
JACK
(calming down, agreeing
with Rick)
Yeah. Your right. I need to calm
down.
RICK
(calmer)
Exactly, just relax. Sit down.
We'll find it.
JACK
(starts to sit down at the
table)
I need to relax. We'll find it.
We're gonna find.
RICK
(looking away from Jack,
shaking his head in
annoyance)
That's right were going to find it
man.
JACK
(sitting at table, props
feet up on table and
looks around)
Ahh. Wow...man it's a really nice
day out. I didn't really get a
chance to notice how nice it is out
here with all this shit going on.
Wow.
RICK
(looks over at Jack in
disbelief of his 180
degree mood change,
sarcastic chuckle)
Yeah its a beautiful frickin...
(trails off, takes a closer look at
Jacks shoes on the table)
You gotta be frickin kidding me
JACK
(curious)
What?
(Rick stares at Jacks
shoes and remains
speechless)
What man?
RICK
(reaches over the table
and smacks Jack in the
head)
You idiot!
JACK
(confused)
What the hell was that for?!
RICK
(reaches to Jacks left
shoe and pulls out a
crumbled five dollar
bill)
Would this be your five dollars?
JACK
(amazed, confused,
excited)
Wow. How the hell did that get in
there? No way! Yes!
RICK
(disbelief)
I cant believe you man. It was in
your shoe the whole time. Ugh.
JACK
(happy, jumps up from
table with five dollars
in hand)
Thank god man! Aren't you glad we
didn't have to search the whole
area to find this?! Wow this is
great. Thanks man.
I owe you big time.
(to himself, jumping up
and down)
God this is awesome.
RICK
(irritated, disbelief,
sarcastic)
Yeah man, that's great that's just
awesome.
JACK
(happy, eustatic)
Wow man. Thanks so much. Your the
best dude! You know what how bout
you come with me to get a pop.
RICK
(stares without speaking
for a few minutes, sighs
and gives in)
Yeah, why the hell not.
(Two characters walk off
together to corner store)
FADE OUT.
Scriptwriting One: Scene Writing: Passive Park
It’s a warm summer night sitting at my usual table in the park. The sun is starting to come down and a light evening breeze is beginning to pick up. Sitting at the table the breeze brings the ashy smell from my cigarette to my nose. The three other seats at the table are filled with my close friends. They are all laughing and joking with each other. Long conversations of past humorous stories, opinions on religion, society and popular culture will all be talked about as we sit here till the wee hours of the morning.
Traffic is slow and only a few cars go by. Each passing car driver stares directly at our table as if unknown thing is drawing their attention towards us. The majority of vehicles being limousines and I swear I’ve seen the same one go around the square of the park at least ten times now.
As I look to my right I see the sun going down across the river and a bright orange and pink tint hitting the tips of Mount Washington. Only a few clouds linger in the sky. Behind me, are strangers walking through the park. Some are familiar faces I’ve seen on campus or at Shannon Hall. Some wave and say hi because they know my friends, others walk past by themselves, MP3 players blasting, tuning out reality, while some walk past in groups yelling and laughing loudly and carrying on like third graders at recess.
While the night lurks on, the breeze becomes heavier and it starts to get chilly. Sweatshirts and jackets that were thrown on the table now have found the bodies they belong on. The metal seats we’ve been sitting on for hours become uncomfortable and cold. The orange and pink highlight on Mount Washington has disappeared and the only remaining lights come from cars and streetlights. If look directly up you just might be able to see a few stars in a blanket of black. Pleasant conversation and laughter still surround the table while we are bathed in an aroma of cigarettes.
As time continues to pass on, the city unwinds itself and goes into sleep mode. I look at my cell and see that it reads 3:41 AM. The only people walking through the park now are either drunk or homeless. An old homeless man comes up to us asks if he can bum a cigarette and I hand him one of mine. He thanks me and walks on his way. It’s pretty chilly now and we are all shaking and huddling our bodies together to try to get warm. Only every so often we see a car go by. We get up from the table to venture to the warmth of our beds to join in with the rest of Pittsburgh in sleep.
Traffic is slow and only a few cars go by. Each passing car driver stares directly at our table as if unknown thing is drawing their attention towards us. The majority of vehicles being limousines and I swear I’ve seen the same one go around the square of the park at least ten times now.
As I look to my right I see the sun going down across the river and a bright orange and pink tint hitting the tips of Mount Washington. Only a few clouds linger in the sky. Behind me, are strangers walking through the park. Some are familiar faces I’ve seen on campus or at Shannon Hall. Some wave and say hi because they know my friends, others walk past by themselves, MP3 players blasting, tuning out reality, while some walk past in groups yelling and laughing loudly and carrying on like third graders at recess.
While the night lurks on, the breeze becomes heavier and it starts to get chilly. Sweatshirts and jackets that were thrown on the table now have found the bodies they belong on. The metal seats we’ve been sitting on for hours become uncomfortable and cold. The orange and pink highlight on Mount Washington has disappeared and the only remaining lights come from cars and streetlights. If look directly up you just might be able to see a few stars in a blanket of black. Pleasant conversation and laughter still surround the table while we are bathed in an aroma of cigarettes.
As time continues to pass on, the city unwinds itself and goes into sleep mode. I look at my cell and see that it reads 3:41 AM. The only people walking through the park now are either drunk or homeless. An old homeless man comes up to us asks if he can bum a cigarette and I hand him one of mine. He thanks me and walks on his way. It’s pretty chilly now and we are all shaking and huddling our bodies together to try to get warm. Only every so often we see a car go by. We get up from the table to venture to the warmth of our beds to join in with the rest of Pittsburgh in sleep.
Scriptwriting One: Memory Writing: Beach
Looking out the car window I see flat land straight ahead of us. The mountainous and hill covered land that I know as home is gone, but it’s a warm embrace for the new environment were driving to. I roll the window down and in comes a gust of air. I breathe in the sweet smell of salt. My eyes stayed glued to the window as I impatiently wait for my family and I to arrive at our destination.
When we finally make it I jump out of the car and turn in a full circle to take in the sights around me. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, shops and so much more. Palm trees line the parking lot and the only thing I want to do is run to the beach. My mom snaps me back into reality by giving me a playful smack in the head. We start unloading the car and make our way for the hotel room.
As soon as we get inside the room I run to the balcony to take a glance at the view. The waves crash onto one another, the sun is set high in the sky, and a cool breeze carries the smell of the ocean against my nose. Hundreds of people line the beach grazing in the sun or taking a dip in the water.
I beg my parents to take us to the beach and after unpacking we make our way down to the shore. I step onto the warm sand and feel its softness between my toes. We keep walking to find an open spot to set our blanket down for the afternoon. We lay down the blanket and I apply sunscreen so the hot sun doesn’t burn me. I grab my little brother and take him to the water with me. I slowly make my way to the edge of the crash waves. The water is cold against my feet and ankles but I slowly make my way into the water. After awhile my body gets used to the cold temperatures of the water and I’m waist deep in the ocean. Feeling brave, I dunk under the water and submerge my body. I pop up from the window for hair. I can taste the salt on my lips and look over at my brother and give him a splash.
After cooling off in the water, we decide to head back up to the beach to build sandcastles. We run to our parents sitting on our blanket to grab shovels and beach toys. Then we found a good spot on the beach and began digging. My brother and I race against the tide to get our sandcastle complete before its too late. Within a few hours we have about a foot deep trench built, surrounded by a huge wall. The tide is coming close to our fort and it’s almost time to see our hard work paid off.
Finally the tide hits our sand wall, some water spills over the sides. My brother and I start frantically scooping the water with our buckets and shovel more to reinforce our wall. In a few minutes our castle is completely wiped out. The trench is halfway full of water and the wall is barely visible. We retreat back to the blanket where mom and dad tell us were heading in for the day. By then the sun is starting to go down and streaks of orange and pink start to fill the sky. The wind is picking up and it’s a chilly walk back to the hotel. I stop for a moment and gaze back at the ocean in its serene beauty and smile knowing I’ll be back on the sandy beaches again tomorrow.
When we finally make it I jump out of the car and turn in a full circle to take in the sights around me. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, shops and so much more. Palm trees line the parking lot and the only thing I want to do is run to the beach. My mom snaps me back into reality by giving me a playful smack in the head. We start unloading the car and make our way for the hotel room.
As soon as we get inside the room I run to the balcony to take a glance at the view. The waves crash onto one another, the sun is set high in the sky, and a cool breeze carries the smell of the ocean against my nose. Hundreds of people line the beach grazing in the sun or taking a dip in the water.
I beg my parents to take us to the beach and after unpacking we make our way down to the shore. I step onto the warm sand and feel its softness between my toes. We keep walking to find an open spot to set our blanket down for the afternoon. We lay down the blanket and I apply sunscreen so the hot sun doesn’t burn me. I grab my little brother and take him to the water with me. I slowly make my way to the edge of the crash waves. The water is cold against my feet and ankles but I slowly make my way into the water. After awhile my body gets used to the cold temperatures of the water and I’m waist deep in the ocean. Feeling brave, I dunk under the water and submerge my body. I pop up from the window for hair. I can taste the salt on my lips and look over at my brother and give him a splash.
After cooling off in the water, we decide to head back up to the beach to build sandcastles. We run to our parents sitting on our blanket to grab shovels and beach toys. Then we found a good spot on the beach and began digging. My brother and I race against the tide to get our sandcastle complete before its too late. Within a few hours we have about a foot deep trench built, surrounded by a huge wall. The tide is coming close to our fort and it’s almost time to see our hard work paid off.
Finally the tide hits our sand wall, some water spills over the sides. My brother and I start frantically scooping the water with our buckets and shovel more to reinforce our wall. In a few minutes our castle is completely wiped out. The trench is halfway full of water and the wall is barely visible. We retreat back to the blanket where mom and dad tell us were heading in for the day. By then the sun is starting to go down and streaks of orange and pink start to fill the sky. The wind is picking up and it’s a chilly walk back to the hotel. I stop for a moment and gaze back at the ocean in its serene beauty and smile knowing I’ll be back on the sandy beaches again tomorrow.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Opposition of Lowering the Drinking Age
For over hundreds of years the United States has fought a long, vicious war on attempting to control alcohol consumption among citizens. The United States had lost the first battle when the Prohibition that restricted the manufacturing and sale of alcoholic beverages had failed and caused a backlash from the American people. From there on the United States has struggled with alcohol consumption and a fluctuating minimum legal drinking age. After a few struggles with finding an appropriate drinking age; the country settled with the minimum legal drinking age at 21. However, it appears that another storm is on the horizon; within the past three years authority figures have resurfaced a controversial debate on lowering the legal minimum drinking age. The minimum legal drinking age should not be lowered because it decreases alcohol related health problems, driving accidents, and fatalities in young adults.
In 1917, Congress approved the 18th Amendment that prohibited the manufacture, sale, transportation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the United States (McGrew). Before the 18th Amendment was ratified over half of the states were banning alcohol and by January 16, 1920 the entire country was dry (Prohibition). The leaders of prohibition, including the Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, pressured the ban of alcoholic beverages because they were outraged by the drinking behavior of American and frustrated with Saloon owners who were bringing in gambling and prostitution into their establishments to create more business (Why Prohibition?). Enforcing the law on Prohibition was the most difficult task that the country faced. Crimes such as smuggling, bootlegging, and homemade alcohol concoctions increased. The enforcement of the prohibition soon proved to be impossible. On December 5, 1933 the prohibition ended (Prohibition).
After prohibition, the Federal Alcohol Control Administrations was established. The FACA was given power to grant and revoke alcoholic beverage industry permits, plant capacity and production, and prohibit false advertising of alcoholic beverages (McGrew). A minimum legal drinking age of 21 was also established at this time the legal drinking age remained at 21 until the 1970’s when 29 states lowered their drinking age to18, 19, and 20. Young adults were now being able to participate in voting, thus giving a reason why they should also be able to drink alcohol. After studies from the 1970’s showed significant evidence that after lowering the drinking age that there was a huge increase in alcohol related accident and fatalities, citizens urged that the legal drinking age be moved back up to 21. From 1976 and 1983, 16 states changed the drinking age to 21 (Minimum Legal). Finally in 1984, the Federal Union Drinking Age was signed into law. This law withholds 10 percent of Federal highway funds from any state that allows the purchase and possession of any alcohol beverage to an individual under the age of 21. All the states complied (Research Findings). Since 1984 the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) has stayed the same. In 2007 college presidents began speaking out and opening the debate on reducing the MLDA. College presidents, politicians, and supporters began organizations to support their claims.
In 2007 John M. McCardell Jr., former President of Middlebury College, founded a nonprofit organization called Choose Responsibility. This group was formed after McCardell was approached by the Robertson Foundation (A foundation that investigates consequence of the 21 year-old drinking age) to research and write a report on the 21 year-old drinking age. After the report received positive reviews McCardell received funds to start Choose Responsibility (About Choose Responsibility). Choose Responsibility believes that once the MLDA is lowered, individuals should be required to have alcohol education classes and a permit for drinking (Our Proposal Choose Responsibility).
In June 2008, McCardell was invited to speak at a meeting for the Annapolis Group, a group of 120 liberal colleges. While preparing for the presentation, McCardell contacted several long-time friends that were Annapolis Presidents and asked them about their thought on the 21 year-old drinking age. McCardell and his friends discovered they all had a common interest in reopening the debate to the public on lowering the drinking age. The group discussed the possibility of other college presidents supporting their opinions. They concluded that any college president agreeing with lowering the drinking can join their cause. Thus they created the Amethyst Initiative. To this day, 135 individuals have signed the Amethyst Initiative supporting lowering the drinking age (About Amethyst Initiative).
The Amethyst Initiative states that the twenty one is not working because “Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer.” And that “A culture of dangerous, clandestine “binge-drinking”-often conducted off- campus –has developed.”
Amongst college presidents, several state politicians are urging the lowering of the drinking age. Seven states including Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Vermont are considering taking their own measures on the drinking age. Kentucky, Wisconsin, and South Carolina legislation introduced the idea of lowering the drinking age for military members only. While Vermont’s legislature is taking a task force to study the issue under consideration. Minnesota is considering a bill that would allow any individual 18 and older to purchase alcohol in bars and restaurants but not at liquor stores until they are 21 (Keen).
While several states and many college presidents are encouraging the lowering of the MLDA more than half of American citizens think otherwise. According to a 2007 Gallup Poll, “77 percent of Americans oppose of lowering the drinking age to 18.” (Keen). Amongst those opposed to the idea are large organizations such as Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the American Medical Association (Parker). All three groups believe that the current MLDA has done exactly what it was established to do and should not be lowered.
“The 21 limit has been shown time and time again that it saves lives. I hope it doesn’t go anywhere,” says Jean Mulvey, the executive director of MADD (Henry). According to a 2008 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the MLDA laws have saved more than 26,000 lives since 1975. They also stated that the current drinking age law saves around 900 lives in traffic fatalities per year (Henry). If the drinking age was reduced, the number of motor vehicle injuries and fatalities would increase. “Twenty-eight percent of 15-20 year old drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2005 had been drinking” (Impaired Driving SADD). Young drivers have very little experience as it while driving and cause a high number of accidents every year, adding the alcohol would be a highly dangerous mix.
Along with traffic safety, alcohol at a young age can cause severe health problems. During adolescence the body goes through many changes such as hormonal alterations and brain development. Exposing the brain to alcohol during this transition can interrupt the brains developmental process. The U.S. Government publication, Prevention Alert, confronted teen alcohol abuse and the negative side effects attached to it. The study stated that small doses of alcohol in teens can lead to learning impairments that could affect academic and occupational achievement. In one experiment between alcohol-dependent and nondependent teens from ages 15-16 showed that alcohol-dependent teens had a greater difficulty remembering works and simple geometric designs. Other studies showed that alcohol interacted with conditions such as depression and stress that contributed to suicide. Alcohol poisoning is a major health concern for drinkers. In 1995, 318 people from the ages of 15-24 died from alcohol poisoning (The Health Effects Teen Drug Abuse). Drinking alcohol at an early age can lead to alcohol dependence later in life. Over forty percent of youth who start drinking before age 13 develop alcohol abuse later in life (Wechsler Wuethrich 72).
With the current drinking age many minors still have the capability of getting alcohol. Fifty eight percent of 12th grade students have reported being drunk at least once in their life. While twenty percent of 8th graders reported being drunk at least once in their life (Underage Drinking SADD). Underage drinking is a huge problem in the United States and no one seems to have answers to solve it. With lowering the drinking age to 18 we are allowing individuals who have broken and disrespected our current laws the right to drink. Lowering the drinking age will give youth ages under the age of 18 easier access to alcohol.
An argument for supports of lowering the drinking is that in European countries many legal drinking ages are at 16 years and they have no problem with drinking; they are wrong. Binge drinking is an increasing and deadly fad in Europe. In 1999, 55,000 youths aged 15-21 died from alcohol. In a study of thirty European countries, binge drinking in 15-17 year olds increased in all 30 countries (Wechsler Wuethrich 81).In 1999, New Zealand lowered the drinking age from 20 to 18. Since the decrease traffic crashes and injuries have increased twelve percent for 18-19 year old males and fourteen percent for 18-19 year old females (Lowering the Drinking Age Join Together).
The minimum legal drinking age has set out and fulfilled its purpose from that start. It saves hundreds of lives every year. It decreases health problems, injuries and driving accidents in young adults. If the drinking age was lowered in all areas would we see a decrease in negative effects from alcohol consumption. In no way would lowering the drinking age have any positive effects on young adults and their futures.
In 1917, Congress approved the 18th Amendment that prohibited the manufacture, sale, transportation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the United States (McGrew). Before the 18th Amendment was ratified over half of the states were banning alcohol and by January 16, 1920 the entire country was dry (Prohibition). The leaders of prohibition, including the Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, pressured the ban of alcoholic beverages because they were outraged by the drinking behavior of American and frustrated with Saloon owners who were bringing in gambling and prostitution into their establishments to create more business (Why Prohibition?). Enforcing the law on Prohibition was the most difficult task that the country faced. Crimes such as smuggling, bootlegging, and homemade alcohol concoctions increased. The enforcement of the prohibition soon proved to be impossible. On December 5, 1933 the prohibition ended (Prohibition).
After prohibition, the Federal Alcohol Control Administrations was established. The FACA was given power to grant and revoke alcoholic beverage industry permits, plant capacity and production, and prohibit false advertising of alcoholic beverages (McGrew). A minimum legal drinking age of 21 was also established at this time the legal drinking age remained at 21 until the 1970’s when 29 states lowered their drinking age to18, 19, and 20. Young adults were now being able to participate in voting, thus giving a reason why they should also be able to drink alcohol. After studies from the 1970’s showed significant evidence that after lowering the drinking age that there was a huge increase in alcohol related accident and fatalities, citizens urged that the legal drinking age be moved back up to 21. From 1976 and 1983, 16 states changed the drinking age to 21 (Minimum Legal). Finally in 1984, the Federal Union Drinking Age was signed into law. This law withholds 10 percent of Federal highway funds from any state that allows the purchase and possession of any alcohol beverage to an individual under the age of 21. All the states complied (Research Findings). Since 1984 the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) has stayed the same. In 2007 college presidents began speaking out and opening the debate on reducing the MLDA. College presidents, politicians, and supporters began organizations to support their claims.
In 2007 John M. McCardell Jr., former President of Middlebury College, founded a nonprofit organization called Choose Responsibility. This group was formed after McCardell was approached by the Robertson Foundation (A foundation that investigates consequence of the 21 year-old drinking age) to research and write a report on the 21 year-old drinking age. After the report received positive reviews McCardell received funds to start Choose Responsibility (About Choose Responsibility). Choose Responsibility believes that once the MLDA is lowered, individuals should be required to have alcohol education classes and a permit for drinking (Our Proposal Choose Responsibility).
In June 2008, McCardell was invited to speak at a meeting for the Annapolis Group, a group of 120 liberal colleges. While preparing for the presentation, McCardell contacted several long-time friends that were Annapolis Presidents and asked them about their thought on the 21 year-old drinking age. McCardell and his friends discovered they all had a common interest in reopening the debate to the public on lowering the drinking age. The group discussed the possibility of other college presidents supporting their opinions. They concluded that any college president agreeing with lowering the drinking can join their cause. Thus they created the Amethyst Initiative. To this day, 135 individuals have signed the Amethyst Initiative supporting lowering the drinking age (About Amethyst Initiative).
The Amethyst Initiative states that the twenty one is not working because “Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer.” And that “A culture of dangerous, clandestine “binge-drinking”-often conducted off- campus –has developed.”
Amongst college presidents, several state politicians are urging the lowering of the drinking age. Seven states including Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Vermont are considering taking their own measures on the drinking age. Kentucky, Wisconsin, and South Carolina legislation introduced the idea of lowering the drinking age for military members only. While Vermont’s legislature is taking a task force to study the issue under consideration. Minnesota is considering a bill that would allow any individual 18 and older to purchase alcohol in bars and restaurants but not at liquor stores until they are 21 (Keen).
While several states and many college presidents are encouraging the lowering of the MLDA more than half of American citizens think otherwise. According to a 2007 Gallup Poll, “77 percent of Americans oppose of lowering the drinking age to 18.” (Keen). Amongst those opposed to the idea are large organizations such as Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD), The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the American Medical Association (Parker). All three groups believe that the current MLDA has done exactly what it was established to do and should not be lowered.
“The 21 limit has been shown time and time again that it saves lives. I hope it doesn’t go anywhere,” says Jean Mulvey, the executive director of MADD (Henry). According to a 2008 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the MLDA laws have saved more than 26,000 lives since 1975. They also stated that the current drinking age law saves around 900 lives in traffic fatalities per year (Henry). If the drinking age was reduced, the number of motor vehicle injuries and fatalities would increase. “Twenty-eight percent of 15-20 year old drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2005 had been drinking” (Impaired Driving SADD). Young drivers have very little experience as it while driving and cause a high number of accidents every year, adding the alcohol would be a highly dangerous mix.
Along with traffic safety, alcohol at a young age can cause severe health problems. During adolescence the body goes through many changes such as hormonal alterations and brain development. Exposing the brain to alcohol during this transition can interrupt the brains developmental process. The U.S. Government publication, Prevention Alert, confronted teen alcohol abuse and the negative side effects attached to it. The study stated that small doses of alcohol in teens can lead to learning impairments that could affect academic and occupational achievement. In one experiment between alcohol-dependent and nondependent teens from ages 15-16 showed that alcohol-dependent teens had a greater difficulty remembering works and simple geometric designs. Other studies showed that alcohol interacted with conditions such as depression and stress that contributed to suicide. Alcohol poisoning is a major health concern for drinkers. In 1995, 318 people from the ages of 15-24 died from alcohol poisoning (The Health Effects Teen Drug Abuse). Drinking alcohol at an early age can lead to alcohol dependence later in life. Over forty percent of youth who start drinking before age 13 develop alcohol abuse later in life (Wechsler Wuethrich 72).
With the current drinking age many minors still have the capability of getting alcohol. Fifty eight percent of 12th grade students have reported being drunk at least once in their life. While twenty percent of 8th graders reported being drunk at least once in their life (Underage Drinking SADD). Underage drinking is a huge problem in the United States and no one seems to have answers to solve it. With lowering the drinking age to 18 we are allowing individuals who have broken and disrespected our current laws the right to drink. Lowering the drinking age will give youth ages under the age of 18 easier access to alcohol.
An argument for supports of lowering the drinking is that in European countries many legal drinking ages are at 16 years and they have no problem with drinking; they are wrong. Binge drinking is an increasing and deadly fad in Europe. In 1999, 55,000 youths aged 15-21 died from alcohol. In a study of thirty European countries, binge drinking in 15-17 year olds increased in all 30 countries (Wechsler Wuethrich 81).In 1999, New Zealand lowered the drinking age from 20 to 18. Since the decrease traffic crashes and injuries have increased twelve percent for 18-19 year old males and fourteen percent for 18-19 year old females (Lowering the Drinking Age Join Together).
The minimum legal drinking age has set out and fulfilled its purpose from that start. It saves hundreds of lives every year. It decreases health problems, injuries and driving accidents in young adults. If the drinking age was lowered in all areas would we see a decrease in negative effects from alcohol consumption. In no way would lowering the drinking age have any positive effects on young adults and their futures.
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