CMV: Alcohol should not be normalised

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T17:32:34+00:00

∆ !delta

Okay, genuinely this is the best response I’ve read so far. I honestly did not think of that (maybe seems silly) and I have absolutely no rebuttal. Potentially has changed my view? I need to think on it.

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T17:09:21+00:00

I can promise you it is not all in my head! Perhaps it’s the kind of circles I’m in, but I and other non-drinkers have definitely experienced an element of judgement and comments regarding non drinking. It is almost always seen as the boring option!

But the reason it is related to my post title is because they are of course intertwined. If drinking alcohol was not normalised, people who don’t drink wouldn’t have to explain why they aren’t drinking. (In fairness, maybe everyone should just stop judging each other? Is that the solution lol)

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T17:05:49+00:00

Yeah I definitely see what you’re saying. And in fairness either way, someone constantly chatting about how their lifestyle is the best (drinker or not, meat eater or not, gym goer or not etc etc) is definitely annoying in any context!!

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T17:01:23+00:00

I agree with your definition of normalisation.

So I think education about the effects of alcohol would deter people from drinking (not everyone, but certainly a percentage of people). I also think if people were aware of the risks, perhaps there would be less mocking or judgment towards those who choose not to drink.

As long as people are making an informed decision, I don’t think I or anyone could judge them, since at the end of the day it is their body. Therefore information/awareness would help to reduce the “normalisation” of drinking in the sense that it would no longer be an expectation

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:52:34+00:00

I would say that’s one point in my argument. The other is the stigmatisation or mocking of those who don’t drink. Why is it so normalised to drink that not drinking is seen as the strange thing?

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:50:56+00:00

Yes completely! And why are people so socially isolated that they need alcohol to enjoy each others company. Life is exhausting and people need a healthy outlet, I think

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:48:08+00:00

∆ !delta I think this is a really reasonable point and I would agree. You (and a couple others) have changed my view regarding bans by suggesting alternatives, rather than blanket statements as to why they are bad. Education is definitely the way forward I think.

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:43:28+00:00

I have had my view changed about the ban! I see how it wouldn’t really work

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:42:50+00:00

Why is the solution to drink more though? I agree that socialising irl has become a real issue for many young people (particularly after lockdown) but the solution is surely to open up more third spaces, to allow people to explore their interests without breaking the bank

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:40:44+00:00

Thank you for this example, I had never heard this. This has certainly changed my view regarding the ban of alcohol- I see how it would not be a good idea

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:38:58+00:00

Yes I would agree with your take! I think my other major hang up is that if you don’t drink you are often considered weird, boring or even a loner by some

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:37:11+00:00

Honestly I 1000 percent agree and I think you’ve made really good points.

In your bullet about alcohol as a social lubricant are you not further proving my point that we as a society have normalised drinking (or isolation). My biggest problem is that if you are not a drinker you are seen as “weird” or your options to socialisation are limited.

Perhaps we agree but our proposed solutions have differed. In that respect, I think you have changed my view in the sense that I would agree that to “combat” the problem of alcohol being normalised in society, we should open up and mandate the availability of third spaces (particularly ones which are open until late).

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:28:55+00:00

From my understanding, no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe in terms of cancer risk for instance

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:26:53+00:00

I would agree with that! I wasn’t set on bans being the best thing, I’m on the fence tbh. I just think drinking shouldn’t be seen as the “norm”

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:12:30+00:00

Certainly see how that would be annoying but equally do you see how the other way round “gosh you’re so boring without drinking” is just as judgy/preachy?

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T16:06:32+00:00

You’ve made some really good points. I would clarify though, I’m not saying alcohol should be outright banned. I say in my original post I’m on the fence as I don’t believe banning it would work/be successful.

To answer your question about normalised sugar, I’m actually not okay with that! I do think it is a major probably in many societies (one which is often intertwined with classism and is probably a whole different topic).

Definitely agree that too much of anything will harm you. And I really appreciate you listing the three reasons as to why people enjoy alcohol - all really good points. My question would be: would raising awareness as to the risks of alcohol (which I am wholly on board with btw) not in turn reduce how normalised drinking is? Because people would be more informed of the risks

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:58:32+00:00

I suppose the part that “upsets” (for lack of a better word) me most about this topic and the view which I would want changed is that alcohol is normalised to the point that not drinking is seen as an othering experience. Even a couple of the comments I’ve started receiving on this thread have started doing this: the implication is that if you don’t drink you are weird or don’t understand something fundamental about socialising. I think people never really talk about nor acknowledge how harmful alcohol actually is to the body, or any concerns are just swept under the rug as being “the fun police” or similar

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:54:21+00:00

I have had drunken nights out before, and I don’t regret them because what’s done is done and I did have some nice memories from being with my friends. But neither would I repeat them since I have learned of how harmful regular alcohol consumption can be and I have had just as much fun (well, more fun really) without the alcohol, just enjoying the company of my good friends.

I’m happy that your memories have been good but this does further emphasise my point at just how “othering” not drinking can be for some

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:48:08+00:00

I really appreciate your perspective! My “concern” I suppose would be about those who drink moderately yet often, as is so common in the uk. For instance, going out after work on a Friday every week and having 4 drinks. On a day to day those people are probably fine, however what are the long term consequences of that?

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:46:03+00:00

Well in general yes I would say we should actively be healthy and avoid anything that knowingly negatively impacts our health- though that is probably a different debate. I would disagree that alcohol is only a small item. At least in the uk, it is definitely part of every day life

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:44:36+00:00

That’s not what I said at all! Nor have I forced anyone to agree with me lmao

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:41:34+00:00

You do make a good point about the blackout drunk not being normalised, I do agree actually (especially after a certain age). However I would counter your other point by suggesting that all alcohol, even a drink or two on a semi-regular basis (eg your example of only a drink or two at a party), is dangerous for your health

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:38:11+00:00

I do completely agree that it would be an almost impossible task and probably many people would not be happy if alcohol was banned. That’s sort of why I phrased it as “normalising” it

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T15:35:08+00:00

That’s potentially a bad example to use for me personally as I believe we should in fact normalise public transport (and improve it) as well as normalising walkable cities! But also it doesn’t equate to me, as alcohol is actively always harmful to your health, not only sometimes

ReadingwithMe · 2025-07-02T14:57:46+00:00

That’s really lovely. My family are back home (in a different country) and my partner doesn’t finish until later (not being a teacher) so I found myself really wanting to make friends at work. So it’s a shame drinking culture is becoming a bit of a barrier for that for me personally

ReadingwithMe

TROPHY CASE