Making fun of people who don't drink
In our society we usually talk about two choices when it comes to alcohol – responsible drinking or risky drinking. There is another option that is not often spoken about – no drinking at all.
Abstainers don’t have to justify, rationalise or make excuses for their choices and they’re certainly none the worse off for their decision not to drink. Maybe, in our society the people who have resisted social pressures need to be admired and that might be the message we give to our friends and family.
It can be difficult for an adult to choose not to drink in Australia. All of the advertising and marketing that exists tells us that drinking alcohol is the ‘normal’ thing to do. Our sporting stars, music stars and other celebrities reinforce this belief. If it is difficult for an adult, how difficult must it be for an adolescent who is far more easily influenced by these social pressures? Making fun of people who choose not to drink is the last thing they need.
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