The German Honors Society recently organized a debate exploring how different countries approach alcohol consumption. While the discussion focused on Germany, students representing diverse cultural backgrounds, including Mexico, Chile, China, and the United States, shared in- sights into the practices and attitudes in their respective countries.
The debate began with a thought-provoking question posed to the audience: “Do you agree with the 21-year- old drinking age in the United States?”
International Insights on Drinking Age:
Carl-Ludwig, ’27, shared insights into Germany’s legal drinking age, which al- lows for the consumption of certain alcoholic beverages at 16 years old under supervision. He explained that early exposure to alcohol, guided by family, helps young people understand their personal limits and develop responsible habits. In Germany, this cultural approach emphasizes moderation and reduces the likelihood of excessive drinking later in life. He compared this to the United States, where many young adults encounter alcohol without similar guidance, which can lead to riskier behaviors in college settings.
Anwar Charvel, ’25, offered his perspective on Mexico’s legal drinking age of 18 years old. He noted that in Mexico, a person’s first experience with alcohol is often a celebrated milestone, reflecting a cultural view of drinking as a communal and family-oriented activity. In contrast, he observed that in the United States, drinking tends to be regarded as a more private activity reserved for adults.
Mr. Tirado’s Comparative Analysis:
Mr. Tirado, one of the moderators, contextualized drinking ages by examining societal infrastructure and responsibilities. For example, in the United States, teenagers can obtain a driver’s license at 16 years old, reflecting the country’s reliance on personal vehicles due to its vast geography. In Germany, the legal driving age is 18, and public transportation—such as trains, buses, and metros—is more commonly used. These societal differences influence when and how young people are entrusted with certain responsibilities, including both driving and alcohol consumption.
Key Takeaways:
The debate highlighted how drinking age laws reflect each country’s unique cultural and social expectations. These laws shape attitudes toward alcohol, personal responsibility, and community values. Participants gained valuable insights and enjoyed the respectful exchange of ideas, fostering a greater understanding of global perspectives. The German Honors Society plans to host more engaging and educational discus- sions in the future
