18 is too young

This blog entry is into response to my classmate, Mary’s “Why 21” blog entry.  I can understand the reasoning behind Mary’s argument and agree with the points that she made; however, I agree with the law.  Mary pointed out the fact that some of the reasons that it is illegal to drink before twenty-one years of age is because it is unhealthy and unacceptable.  Mary then states that it is not healthy at any age.  I agree it doesn’t matter what age you are drinking can be unhealthy, especially done in excess.  As for being unacceptable the only reason I can see that it is unacceptable is because you are breaking the law if you are under twenty-one.  Mary goes onto question why is a person that is eighteen able to vote, be in the armed forces, and be tried as an adult.  I can understand how it can be frustrating for a young adult that has just as many responsibilities, but not able to do everything legally a person can do that is over twenty-one. 

The reasoning behind why I feel twenty-one is an acceptable age has to do with the decision making processes.   According to the article on NPR, The Teen Brain: It's Just Not Grown Up Yet.  The article discusses how the frontal lobe is not yet full connected.  Some of the things the frontal lobe controls are emotional impulsivity and judgment.  Because of this I feel that a young adult’s judgment is not always the best and their decision processes may be impulsive, which is not a good mix with alcohol.   According to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services alcohol and drugs are a factor to 41% of motor vehicles  deaths for adolescents and young adults. . This is an example of the consequences of poor judgment.  Not only is judgment and impulsivity in question also the fact that young adults are more susceptible to addiction.  Essential the underage brain is more responsive to learning and addiction is a learned behavior. 

 

I am not saying you turn twenty-one and magically you do not have poor judgment and impulsivity.  In fact there is a chance your brain is still not fully developed, but with age you develop more insight which is connected with a fully functioning frontal lobe.