What does one think of when they hear the word “beer” or “wine”? Is their first instinct children partying after a long day of school whom quench their thirst with a Budweiser? Or is it a group of preteens sipping Champagne at a dance club? Turns out, most would not even fathom those possibilities, and with fair reasons too: in order to drink alcohol in the U.S., one has to be at least twenty one years old. I am 16 years old, and do not plan on drinking alcohol for obvious legal reasons, but also a disinterest (disclosure: my opinion does not represent the average teen’s outlook on alcohol). Yet, when I log on to my Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram I am bereted with ads practically forcing the giggle water down my throat. Along with that, …show more content…
Firstly, there are many types of alcohol: methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol. For the sake of what humans’ consume on a daily basis, ethanol, is what makes popular drinks like beer or wine intoxicating. Ethanol’s molecules are extremely miniscule, enabling movement between gaps within brain cells. When this happens, neurotransmitters are hindered, in turn hindering all of the brain’s functions. But besides that, alcohol is created when fermentation occurs. Fermentation is a very natural occurrence, but can be done artificially. For the sake of drinks, along with sugar substitutes and sweeteners found in candies, the process requires yeast and some form of glucose. For example, wine is made from fermented grapes, while beer requires fermented barley or other grains. That all said, it is very important for Americans to understand alcohol, its forms, and properties. There is no fault in educating the masses, and that is exactly the kind of alcohol promotion this country needs. Instead of selling alcohol with scantily clad women, promoting alcohol to be the ultimate party starter, or the happy serum, the nation should rather hear facts about alcohol in preparation to when they can actually drink it at age 21. Alcohol commercials promoting alcohol consumption should be banned, not promotion of alcohol. I in no way want to restrict alcohol enjoyment or knowledge, rather lower the amount of people under the legal age are drinking