Drinking Games Analysis

Analysis of Drinking Games Drinking games are a staple in the college and high school party scenes. According to The Study of American Folklore: An Introduction, folklore differentiates among each culture and even from person to person (33). This is absolutely found true when considering the passing of drinking games. Drinking games are preformed folklore and the passing of rules is almost always oral leaving room for interpretation and change. It is rare that two different folk groups will adhere to the exact same rules for each drinking game. Folk groups that may participate in drinking games could be those in sororities and fraternities, those on an athletic team, and those who enjoy going to parties. In high school and into college, my

There is variation in the game depending on what group it is played with. My mother and her friends have a set of rules that have slight differences as well. It is continuously being passed on in different forms. Almost every person who plays this game has come into contact with different rules. It could be that the alcohol increases the possibility for variation. It is also interesting that this is a game of rule following while participating in disorderly conduct. Perhaps it is the inherent unpredictability of drinking that stimulates the development of a set of rules for action, in the form of a game. Looking at Ring of Fire specifically is intriguing to me because it is an extremely popular drinking game among certain folk groups of my generation. There are specific rules and actions associated with every card that someone pulls, and that these are strictly followed once the game begins. In addition to this game being entertaining and a reason for a group of people to get drunk together, it also acts as a way of dividing up the group and defining the people playing it. Many of the cards pulled mean only a part of the group drinks, for example the girls or the guys present. The frequent involvement of other games such as “Never Have I Ever” happens to reveal embarrassing or “secret” information about the players to the rest of the group. This creates bonds to one another or

However, drinking games may pertain aspects from one or multiple of the other categories. As stated previously, drinking games are most popular among high school and college party groups. While those who participate in drinking games may take pride and wear clothing similar to the “Olympic Drinking Team” shirt referenced in our text, drinking games are not recognized by the public (491). Most people participate in drinking games as an excuse to get drunk quickly. While every group has a “right” way to play drinking games, without written rules, there really is no right or wrong way of