Discussion

Part of your assignment is to discuss why binge drinking seems to be socially acceptable even though we know that it has serious long-term effects and to include a comment on a quotation from Text I.

First, we will focus on the discussion, and then we will help you comment on the quotation.

Why binge drinking is socially acceptable despite serious long-term effects

Both texts in your assignment offer you some points that can help you discuss why binge drinking seems to be socially acceptable even though we know that it has serious long-term effects. Text I focuses on some of the causes behind why binge drinking seems socially acceptable. Text II focuses on the long-term negative effects of binge drinking.

Text I suggests that binge drinking seems socially acceptable because of the alcohol ads which are promoted on TV, on the Internet, and even by sportsmen and musicians (at competitions and concerts).

According to Text I, alcohol ads and affordable alcohol prices promote binge drinking as an everyday activity, as something casual and socially acceptable. Those in alcohol ads laugh, dance, and always seem to have fun while drinking. This, of course, influences the perspective that consumers have on alcohol. They associate alcohol with happy moments and with a socially acceptable behaviour.

The ads disregard the long term negative effects and indirectly encourage people to disregard these negative aspects as well.

...

Comment

The quotation from “Would an alcohol advertising ban work?” that you have to comment on is: “In other words we've got a situation where our young people are being encouraged and enjoined and thoroughly groomed into a behaviour that we know is extremely damaging to their health”.

The quotation is taken from a statement made by a spokesperson for the British Medical Association and it suggests that alcohol companies encourage young people to take to drinking through their adverts. These ads present drinking as a socially acceptable and even a desirable habit and make (young) people disregard the proven negative consequences that alcohol consumption has on their health.

Some of the scientific research that shows how binge drinking is “extremely damaging” to young people’s health is mentioned in Text II:

...