Posted on 02/25/2002 9:00:22 AM PST by The American
I don't have any hilarious or ridiculous stories about things I've done while being drunk. Truth be told, I don't have any stories about drunken shenanigans, period. And I never will. I know this because I am part of the small minority of college students who don't drink alcohol. That's right, I'm one of "those" -- and I'm not afraid to admit it.
Out of all the people I've met on campus, I can only name three other students who share this quality. They are all fairly quiet about their decision, but I'm not. Being open about my choice often makes me an object of ridicule, but that's alright, I can take it. And I'll continue to take it, because I'm not about to change.
Whenever people learn that I do not drink alcohol, they rarely say, "That's great, I respect your decision." Rather, the common response is, "Why?" Well, let me first say that I am over 21, so it's not due to fear of the law. My religion does not restrict me from drinking alcohol either, nor am I a recovering alcoholic. I decided on my own accord to refrain from drinking, and the decision wasn't even that difficult to make.
There are many reasons why I don't drink. Maybe it's a subconscious reaction to what happened to one of my relatives. Granted, I never met the man; he wasn't exactly close to me on the family tree. He was an alcoholic, but he turned his life around and even helped others overcome their alcohol addictions. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, my completely-sober relative was killed by a drunk driver. This story has affected me in ways I only now realize.
Then there was the day in chemistry class when the substitute teacher split us into teams to complete a worksheet. A few minutes before the bell rang, I noticed a crowd gathering around the group next to mine. One of my "friends" was impersonating my father as a drunk. I sat and watched in disbelief, a deer caught in the headlights. My dad never had a drinking problem -- heck, he hardly ever touches the stuff -- but since my dad's family is Irish, that was apparently reason enough to characterize him as an alcoholic. I was extremely hurt. To this day, I've never felt lower than I did during that class.
The biggest reason I don't drink alcohol has to do with control. I don't want any drug to change the way I act. The Matt you see at Monday's lecture will be the same Matt you see on Friday night. So what if I'll never be the life of the party? Surprise surprise, I can have a good time without drinking. True, it won't be nearly as wild or crazy as the experiences of somebody who tossed back a few beers, but I'm okay with that.
But don't assume that, because I don't drink alcohol, I despise everyone who does. Not the case. I don't run home to hide under my bedcovers when my friends order a beer or two. When my friends decide to go to Mardi Gras or a drinking contest, I don't hate or disown them. I usually suggest an activity where the center of attention isn't a keg, but if that doesn't work, I tell them to be careful. We sober people aren't the party-poopers we're made out to be.
Some people might wonder why I'm writing about my choice to abstain from alcohol. This column obviously is not a veiled attempt to convince drinkers that liquor is evil. No, I'm telling my story to show that there are students who choose to be sober, that you can enjoy college without drinking. And I'm telling my story so that those who choose to drink will respect the decisions of those who choose not to.
The last few times I dared suggest the lives of college students should not revolve around alcohol, I got hammered ... by swarms of vulgar emails and nasty phone messages. It wouldn't surprise me if the same thing happens again this time. If you want act like a child, calling me names or threatening to beat me up, go ahead. I'm proud of my decision, and there's nothing anybody can say or do to make me feel otherwise.
I think he explained his position well. He "believes" not drinking to be an important decision in his life; one of his reasons for publicizing his decision appears to be to encourage other students who might also be so inclined to realize they are not alone.
I always respect people who swim against the tide and REALLY don't care what anybody else thinks. Extremely unusual.
I 'believe in' not wearing underwear. I'm not going to write an opinion piece about it...
I believe in your not wearing underwear, too. Therefore, no controversy.
It is sad.
One of the above replies places "drinking" in the same sentence with "responsibly". When describing the behavior of those college age and younger, these terms are never associated.
Me, too, but you still gotta buy a round when it's your turn, pledge.
OK, I'll go with you on that.
I'm just gun-shy because of all the militant vegetarians and PETA weirdos pestering us all about eating meat and drinking milk.
I'm in no mood to hear another's orthorexic beliefs in food and drink.
It seems lately that we are awash in a tide of folks smimming against the tide.
Had a similiar experience with tequila myself (it involved a frat party and a pizza). I have been unable to even stand the smell of any hard liquor since. Thank God for small favors.
Oh, I'll ditto that. And the minute this kid starts wearing placards in front of bars or throwing alcohol on people or employing other PETA-esque tactics, I'm with you. But frankly I don't think he's gone anywhere near that route.
I'm in no mood to hear another's...beliefs
I don't mind. As long as it's an opinion piece in his local paper, what the hey.
Shall we nip out and have a pint to celebrate our agreement?
Tom, is that you????
You are truly evil, you know that , don't ya? :-)
It works both ways, you know. The above article, a perfect, self-rightous example.
You're extremely insulting and obnoxious reaction to this article makes me think you might have a drinking problem.
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