This weekend was the first of Winter Break. Having just completed my most stressful semester at Binghamton University, I couldn't wait to let loose and have a little fun with the guys. I spent Friday night hanging with the boys, drinking, being merry, and just enjoying being back home with my friends. The next morning, my mother picked me up from my friends house, and apparently, to my dismay, she was able to smell the liquor on me. Well, needless to say, the proverbial shit was flipped. The entire ordeal was actually pretty ridiculous in hindsight, but it has left me with the following thought: is drinking really such a bad thing?
What is it that send people into such a fervor over alcohol? For me, it is merely a form of entertainment. A common bond that people can gather around in times of celebration and merriment. More importantly, perhaps, it is a signifier of youth. I'm not saying that you have to drink if you are young, but rather that it is an activity to enjoy while young. When I graduate from college and get a real job, I'm going to settle down. There's no reason to go to house parties on weekends, or stay up late getting trashed when the real world sets in. Why not enjoy such luxuries now?
I don't believe that alcohol is some innocent pastime with a bad rep. In the hands of one who lacks self-control, it can lead to disaster. Homes can be broken, lives lost. However, why should those of us who do exhibit self-control be punished? I have never gotten into a fight, driven, gotten in trouble with authorities, or hurt myself while intoxicated. Why should I not be able to enjoy it then, so long as I keep up the good track record?
I write this both out of frustration with my parents, as well as a means of coming to terms with my feelings on the matting in a tangible way. I do not think that drinking alcohol is a sin, nor do I feel, as others have made clear to me, that I am going to hell for partaking in it. I'm still a good person, and still a good Christian. Well, I suppose that depends on whose definition of "Christian" you use, but that is another entry entirely.
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wrd man one of the more outspoken students (from italy) told me:
"the difference between Americans and Europeans is that when a 20 year old drinks in Europe he is responsible and knows his limits. You Americans know no limits and drink beyond your threshold and this is what causes problems"
So in one stance i can sympathize with your grievances against yer folks; but then on the other hand, i dont agree with your notions of youth and of a bygone much more carefree era, which can be conjured through the entertainment of alcohol.
The conception of religion as i see it with Islam and its role in shaping the individual, requires that the "adolescence stage" be conducted in a certain manner; that is its a phase of preparation of making you who you are as an adult. I beg to differ that once we settle down that its a fatalistic outlook on life until the grave.
Its difficult though, and by no means have i been successful in keeping optimistic thoughts as age brings added responsibilities and burdens.
haha but as you said bringing in philosophy of religion is an entirely different entry, and i'll be waitin for it;)
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