2007-02-03 05:54:30 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Old enough to drink in the US. Legally.
And it just seems like a landmark. You're in college (hopefully) and you're on your way to bigger and better things. Almost a graduate and ready to take on the world.
2007-02-03 05:58:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In time gone by, it was the age at which it was deemed that a child, became an adult in terms of law and parental responsibility. Of course most people thought of it as "freedom", because they could buy a drink in a pub, vote, get married without their parents permission, inherit money and property, to mention just a few things! Now of course the `age of consent` has been lowered to 18 years. The reason for this was to make the social system fairer for young people( for example a boy aged 18 could be called upon to join the army and go to war, even although he had no right to vote for the government who could send him there.) Also young people were better educated and more mature than they had often been in the past. I agree an 18th. birthday party does not seem as special as a 21st, and I think many young people still have a 21st special celebration even now.
2007-02-03 14:14:48 · answer #2 · answered by Social Science Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
21 is special for many reasons as seen in the other answers. All good by the way. In the U S it has remained the legal drinking limit for one very specific reason. The humane liver does not stop developing until age 21.
2007-02-03 14:23:22 · answer #3 · answered by hurst3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a person reaches the age of 21, they are considered an adult. In some countries 18 is considered an adult ... which I think is too young to take on such enormous responsibilities. Children just aren't allowed to be children for very long now-a-days. :(
2007-02-03 14:03:49 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Carol♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Originally it was the beginning of adulthood when you could finally vote legally, obviously this has changed now and 21 has lost is significance except as another excuse for a party- nothing wrong with that!
2007-02-03 13:59:54 · answer #5 · answered by emily_jane2379 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because you are able to legally drink and its the last think you have to have a birthday to do. 16 you can drive, 18 you can vote, 21 you can drink.
2007-02-03 13:58:38 · answer #6 · answered by Laura 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It used to be when you came of age in the U.K., that meant, you could marry without your fathers consent, vote in elections, lend money to buy a house or a Hire purchase agreement. In fact that's when you became an adult, the law changed in the 70's I think, anyway it's now eighteen!
2007-02-03 14:00:27 · answer #7 · answered by Greybeard 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it was coming of age now they have made that 18/16 and no one takes much notice 21 still seems better
2007-02-03 13:57:27 · answer #8 · answered by Mim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cos its your last birthday before you become 22.
2007-02-03 14:12:47 · answer #9 · answered by stevewiseman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It use to be now its 18.
2007-02-07 09:29:42 · answer #10 · answered by Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋