MADD is a world known organization made up of mothers around our country who would like to make a difference in the lives of our youth. Another well known organization is SADD [Students Against Drunk Driving]. This organization is in many high schools, junior high schools, and middle schools. These organizations have made a tremendous difference with today's youngsters, but I still don't think it's enough.
In my opinion, we seem to be a nation terrified by the thought that someone somewhere may be drinking too much and running amok. Underage drinking is, without a question, a serious problem. But we will never make real progress against that problem until we take a hard look at the approach taken by those cultures and nations that have established a kind of "truce" with alcohol. Living in Germany and touring many countries in Europe for three years, I have personally experienced these cultures and their perspective of underage drinking. My proposals will not be based on speculation but on proven example set by many societies and groups around the world that have long used alcohol extensively with very few problems.
What exactly is the approach these countries share? It can be defined on three levels. First there are the beliefs about the substance of alcohol. In these cultures the substance of alcohol is seen neutrally. It is neither a terrible poison nor a magic potion. Second is the act of drinking. The act of drinking is seen as natural and normal. At the same time, there is little or no social pressure to drink, and absolutely no tolerance for abusive drinking. The last approach is education about drinking. Education about drinking starts early and starts in the home. Young people are taught, under their parents" supervision and through their parents" example, that if they drink they should drink in moderation and responsibly. This three-part method has allowed many cultures to avoid the alcohol abuse problems that are currently affecting our society.
