An Alcoholic Society
I grew up in a family of mixed drinkers, some abstained, some enjoyed responsibly and yet others over indulged. In my immediate family alcohol was never a big deal. There was no elephant in the room, I never witnessed either of my parents drunk, and when drinking my parents never drove. In my teen-aged years I met and fell in love with my ex husband. He enjoyed drinking beer, and in my youth and my love I failed to see how it could ever be a problem. Gradually over time I realised more and more that alcohol was his first and only love and despite my begging and pleading I could never compete. It was no surprise when I announced I was getting a divorce. Alcohol killed my marriage, and for all purposes my husband for he was not the man I married when we parted ways.
I often wondered how this could have happened, and why he failed to see and still does that alcohol is a real problem. I have friends who have battle alcohol and won, what was his problem? The problem is that he is a product of society. You can tune into any modern radio station and listen for yourself. Our culture now is an alcohol based culture. Our culture teaches us how to behave in society and the ads, songs, TV programs and movies teach us that it's okay to over indulge, but as an after though please enjoy responsibly. In social situations people assume you aren't having fun unless you are drinking. I usually walk around with a glass of cola and a lemon and avoid the situation all together. Most people in a social gathering are surprised when I don't drink. It's not that I have anything against alcohol per-say, just the culture of alcohol in of it's self. More importantly I want to teach my daughter that she doesn't have feel out of place when she gets older if she chooses not to drink, the opposite end of the spectrum from her father. I also don't want her to fear alcohol and make it known that I do in fact drink on occasion. I may have a glass of wine, or a bottle of beer I just don't enjoy being intoxicated.
Next time you turn on your favourite choice of media listen to the hidden message that we are being fed.
