Why does the U.S. have a drinking age of 21 when...?

Question

some European countries set it at 16 and there are no problems with the youth, at least compared to the U.S. Is there any reason in specific or is it just that the older generation feels too insecure and their control complex got the better of them?

Regardless of age people drink irresponsibly. If you are under 21 and want to drink then its going to happen, then only question is whether you are brought up by your parents to drink responsibly, or whether you learn by binge drinking at parties which are broken up by the police.

Answer 1

I am befuddled as to why 18 year olds in this country are old enough to vote and serve in the military but not drink. The drinking age being raised to 21 was caused by the bible belt prohibitionists that fear that drinking would cause binge drinking in 18 year olds. Amazingly, studies have shown the opposite to be true. 18 year olds that are able to drink become more responsible drinkers then those that have to wait until they are 21. Currently those under the age drink irresponsibly because they are not allowed to participate in legal, adult, responsible alcohol use. They have to drink in secret and, because they fear their beer will be taken away, make sure that they drink everything quickly.

Answer 2

Should be 30 for some>

Answer 3

Europeans,generally, don't have such a travel oriented society. We allow our children almost unlimited mobility in their autos and these along with their under-developed sense of responsibilty makes them many, many times more probable to have accidents.
We also make alcohol "TABOO" and then glamorize it in our popular media, add this to our societies lack of accountability for our immature parents and plastic morality, and you have a dangerous mix.
I feel this and our hypocrasy with drugs leads to our children (under 24yrs) experimenting with drugs(including alcohol) to fill a need not met by selfish parents.
The under-age youth are still developing their brains (literally still growing synapses inside the skull) and are not able to consume these toxins, alcohol or other drugs, without long term harm. We < the older adults 35+> neglect the children and lazily abuse them by letting them fend for themselves without guidance or comfort. They make mistakes and we either ignore or reward them and never let them learn by their own failures. failures are necessary, because we grow and learn when we make mistakes, it tempers and stengthens us, but it can destroy if we don't have affirmation when we try again and succeed.
The problem is not just the alcohol it is our society. Political correctness is much of the blame. Not everyone is going to be a champion. Brittany and Paris, Brad and Angelique, are just poor souls not role models. We should teach others more by example than by DEMAND. It doesn't take a village to raise a child, it simply takes an adult showing each special child that he is loved and safe, plus giving a GOOD EXAMPLE!

Answer 4

I lived in Germany for 3 years, and while the drinking age is lower, the driving age is higher. Hope that helps. That and MOST people in Europe do a ton of walking and there are alot more Taxi's so most people don't drive when they drink there, unlike here.

Answer 5

Before 1984 states were allowed to set their own minimum age. However during the Reagan administration a federal law was passed requiring all states to set it at 21 or risk loosing federal highway funding.

Answer 6

Personally I think 19 should be the age in the US. I also think 19 should be the age kids are allowed to join the military. Those are just my opinions though.

Answer 7

Because the existing evidence shows that people in the US under 21 do not drink responsibly.

Answer 8

Can we say fundementalists?? Decended from Puritans?? Americans blur out nakedness on the TV. They bleep out curse words also...laughable... until they invade you..

Answer 9

I want to see liquor taxed like cigarettes. Drink up then!

Answer 10

i dont even no my mom allows it on holidays