Why is cutting yourself any different than having a beer?

Question

Just wondering--alcohol is so accepted in our society, but it is harmful to both the user and impacts those around the user as well.
The self-injury is harmful by design, it does not change the behavior of the person who does it, and it essentially victimless if the self-injurer keeps his actions concealed. Why is this then more stigmatized than alcohol?

Answer 1

Actually they are finding that alcohol in moderation has wonderful healthy impacts.
Cutting on the other hand, well, it's not good to bleed.

Answer 2

Good question! And I think you already answered it!

Yes, alcohol is accepted in our society. To the extent that most people think that having a beer is a positive friendly, sociable thing to do. People ignore the fact that it can also do you harm.

Cutting however is not seen in a positive light. It is seen as shocking - a sign of a sick mind (I'm generalising reactions here, not giving my own feelings). They consider it painful and humans are quite well conditioned to avoid pain. People therefore find it upsetting.

Remember that in some cultures cutting/ tattooing/ piercing is a 'rite of passage' and has a different significance. Just not in 'our' society.

Would I be more upset if my daughter cut herself than went out and got drunk on cheap cider? I'd like to think not. I'd be bothered that she was unhappy either way.

Answer 3

I would disagree with the above comment & say that having a beer would do you more damage than a small cut. That small cut doesn't kill brain cells & will be gone in a week or so. Alcohol consuption has permanent damage.

Because it is not socially acceptable, because people don't understand it & because it damages you from the outside.

People seem very afraid of any outside damage. It is "mutilation" where as damaging your insides like with drinking beer or smoking is seen as okay. Also because the above are socially acceptable damage.

Answer 4

Well, the biggest difference is there is no blood involved with drinking a beer. Drinking on beer is not gonna ruin your life or in most cases kill you. Cutting is dangerous because, first off it opens the skins which allows bacteria to enter. Secondly, it exposes your blood and looses needed blood cells. And it only causes a rush that only grows. Next time you'll want to cut yourself deeper, longer, or in more places.

Answer 5

It is not DIFFERENT! But whatever the self torture, it all amounts to the same thing, "we are putting other things above ourselves. We must live to further our own existence....because once we are gone, we are forgotten. Other people have obligations to no one other than themselves. We should feel the same. If someone doesn't care for us, we should forget them and find someone who does. The world is full of billions of people who are desparate and need love. Why should we harm ourselves when they have not met us yet?

Answer 6

I think it might be because something like alchohol is so popularized through the eyes of out society.

I believe that most with anyone they end up looking down upon for things like cutting because they believe it to be an attention getter. either way i don't see how its any different.

me myself resorted to cutting for a while. My friends all got mad at me and i chose another alternative, smoke so much pot i can't remember any hurting thoughts.

Answer 7

Having a beer will cause less harm to you than cutting your self.

Just don't have too many beers, & you will be oaky.

Answer 8

I don't know?? Why is having a beer better than taking a razor and slicing your skin like a hot pizza? Figure it out on your own, weirdo!

Answer 9

Because it is misunderstood and feared....much like anorexia and bulimia were in the 80's.