Draft of Position Paper APA style

Parental Influence in Underage Drinking

Emily Shaw

Salt Lake Community College

Professor Stokes

English 2010

Paper- Parental Influence in Teen Drinking

Alcoholism and drug addiction is a major problem in the United States. Blank people die every year of alcohol or drug related deaths. Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Chairman and President of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University issued a report stating, “Teen drinking is the number one source of adult alcoholism. Children who begin drinking before age 21 are more than twice as likely to develop alcohol-related problems. Those who begin drinking before age 15 are four times likelier to become alcoholics than those who do not drink before age 21 (Califano).” Parents who allow their teens to drink can increase the chances of their teen becoming an alcoholic/addict, thus contributing to a lifetime of addiction, misery and eventually death.

            Some parents feel that providing supervision and a safe place for teens to drink can prevent drinking and driving, and other incidents such as drug use, rape and overdose. (NEED RESEARCH TO BACK UP STATEMENT) They argue that thousands of teens die every year in drinking and driving related accidents. The numbers support their claim. On average BLANK teens die each year in drinking and driving accidents. Some believe that if they provide a safe place for their child to drink, lives could be saved. It is inevitable that most teens will drink, regardless of what their parents say or what they’ve heard about the risks. Therefore, some believe providing a safe environment for this activity is crucial. Some may also feel that allowing a teen to drink instead of being rigid may limit the teen’s rebellion and prevent them from hiding the amount they use so that a problem may be detected early.

While I agree that providing supervision to underage drinkers could save some lives, I believe it is unreasonable to think that it eliminates the high risks involved in using. Most teens that drink or use drugs do so often and do not want parental supervision. Therefore, it is illogical to think that a parent will be there to supervise and eliminate their child’s risk at all times. And what about the long-term effects of supporting their use? Only for so long will a parent be able to provide a safe environment for their teen to drink. Once they move out, who will keep them from drinking and driving, using drugs, engaging in dangerous behavior and overdosing then?

Another problem I see with allowing use is that not all teens drink merely for fun. If a parent allows their child or other underage individual to drink they may be neglecting to notice significant underlying reasons for their use. Some teens may be unable to reach out for help, or may not know how to handle a situation and therefore may choose to cope by using substances to mask their problems.

In a survey conducted by Califano, results showed that, “Seven out of 10 respondents (72.4 percent) agree that penalties should be imposed on parents whose children engage in underage drinking. However there was greater support for penalties for parents among respondents who seldom or never drink (77 percent) than among frequent drinkers (51.9 percent) (Califano).” Clearly, parents who drink themselves are more likely to allow underage kids to do it too. Unfortunately, many parents do not maintain appropriate boundaries nor are they being role models for their kids. I believe this is neglectful.

Underage drinking is a huge problem. A 2000 survey conducted found that, “almost one in five underage persons aged 12 to 20 was a binge drinker, drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days. The rate of binge drinking among underage persons was almost as high as among adults aged 21 or older (Adolescent).” For parents who support drinking and believe it is less catastrophic than other drugs, it is important to note that alcohol is a gateway drug. According to the 2000 NHSDA, “Underage persons who reported binge drinking were almost 9 times more likely to have used marijuana/hashish during the past month and were more than 6 times more likely to have used any illicit drug other than marijuana during the past month compared with underage persons who did not binge drink (Adolescent).” Therefore allowing a child to drink increases the chances of him or her heading down an even deadlier path of becoming a drug addict.

As a parent, I feel it is my responsibility to keep my child safe. If she chooses to drink I would love to be around to make sure she is not in any danger. Like all parents I fear that she could be raped, overdose or die in an accident related to drinking or using drugs. I also want to be close to her and have her like me during the years that she may choose to drink or use drugs. However, regardless of my fears, I will not support or enable my child in doing something that could compromise her health, happiness or eventually kill her. The research says it all. “The younger a person starts drinking the higher the chance he/she will develop a problem (Califano, 2003).” Parents should not contribute to this problem. Too many (BLANK) people die every year as a result of drugs and alcohol. The sad truth (I say sad because it would be great if everyone could just be casual drinkers) is that alcohol destroys lives.

Rather than supporting or allowing underage drinking to occur parents should be educating their children about the risks they are taking if they decide to use. Trying to control or monitor their drinking may save their lives today but could be sentencing them to death eventually. The fact remains that if a teen decides to drink, he/she is taking a risk of encountering multitudes of problems that may come along with it. Because of all the risks involved I believe that parents who allow or support underage kids in drinking are setting their children up to fail. They are opening the doors for their child to a lifetime of addiction. Ultimately, it is each parent’s choice to make, but I, personally, do not want to be held liable for contributing to a lifetime of misery for my child.

References

Califano, Joseph, Jr. (2003, February). Name of Text. Retrieved from http://www.ccage.org/images/UnderageDrinkingEpidemic.pdf

Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base (2007). Retrieved from http://www.adolescent-substance-abuse.com/binge-drinking-underage.html

Research Plan

Hi Haley,
My research plan is to use Elie, our school database to access online research databases. I think these sources will be dependable because many of them are journals and based on research and/or peer reviewed. I will look for sources that discuss both my opinion and the opposition. I'll look for studies to back up my viewpoint. Sources that would not be helpful would be articles or blogs that discuss opinions but do not back up their views with facts. I'll avoid anything that is overly opinionated and edgy. This topic is a sensitive one, because it deals with parenting so I need to be aware that I need to find ways to validate my opponents beliefs.
Emily Shaw

Layout for Position Paper

Layout for Position Paper

Introduction:

Topic-Parents Involvement in Teen Drinking and Drug Use
Purpose- To persuade readers (who are not sure whether or not to allow their teens to drink) that it is not a good idea.
Claim or Thesis- Parents who allow their teens to drink or use drugs can increase the chances of their teen becoming an alcoholic/addict, thus contributing to a lifetime of addiction, misery and even death.

Summary of Opponents Position: Providing supervision and a safe place for teens to drink can prevent drinking and driving, drug use, rape and overdose.

·         Thousands of teens die every year in drinking and driving related accidents because they have been told drinking is against the rules. If they have a safe place to drink, where they are not allowed to leave, lives could be saved.

·         It is inevitable that most teens will drink, regardless of what their parents say or what they’ve heard about the risks. Therefore, providing a safe environment is crucial.

·         Allowing a teen to drink instead of being rigid may limit the teen’s rebellion and prevent them from hiding the amount they use so that a problem may be detected early.

Limitations of Opponents Position:

·         Only for so long will a parent be able to provide a safe environment for their teen to drink. Once they move out, who will keep them from drinking and driving, using drugs, being raped and overdosing then?

·         Most teens that party do so often and do not want parental supervision. Therefore, it is illogical to think that a parent will be there to supervise and eliminate their child’s risk at all times.

·         Teen alcohol use can cause problems in the still developing brain, and parents who allow drinking are not preventing this.

·         Not all teens drink merely for fun, it is important to find out the underlying reason to make sure there are not more significant issues to deal with.

·         It is against the law, and allowing other teens to drink in your home could create major problems for you, the teens and their parents.

My Understanding of the Issue:

·         The younger a person starts drinking the higher the chance he/she will develop a problem.

·         Because alcohol is legal people tend to justify drinking and deny the significance and multitude of problems created by drinking.

·         Drinking is a gateway drug, and supporting it could be starting a teen down an even deadlier path.

·         Thousands of people die and suffer extreme consequences due to drinking and drug addiction every year.

·         Parents should not support their child in something that could eventually kill them.

·         Parents who drink/use drugs with teens are often not maintaining appropriate boundaries nor are they being role models for their kids. I believe this is neglectful.

Reasons Why My Understanding is Better than Opponent’s Understanding: Holding firm boundaries while maintaining a close, supportive relationship and educating about the risks involved with drinking/using drugs will offer more long term protection to teens than allowing and trying to monitor their use.

·         1 in 8 people in America suffer a significant problem with alcohol or drugs. Therefore, teaching teens not to play with fire in the first place appears a better solution than “trying” to control the fire.  

·         Too many people die from alcoholism. No one can predict who will become an alcoholic, so parents should not take the risk of allowing their teen to drink.

·          Children learn what they live. If they live with drinking or drug use, if it is allowed, they’ll be more likely to drink or use drugs.

·         Regardless of how afraid a parent is, by holding firm boundaries, loving them and refusing to enable them in doing something destructive is the only way they can truly help them.

·         Parents can still protect their kids without supporting their drinking by letting them know that regardless of their choices they will always love them and will be available for them if they ever need help.  

Conclusion: Allowing teens to drink or use drugs is a very serious risk. The earlier they use, the greater the chances of the teen becoming an alcoholic/addict. Regardless of the parent’s intention, if a parent enables his or her child to use alcohol or drugs he/she may mistakenly be paving a straight path for the child into addiction, jail and even death.

Teenage Drinking Inquiry

Claim: A parent who drinks with or allows his/her teen to drink can increase the chances of the child becoming an alcoholic, thus contributing to a lifetime of misery, loss and even death.

1) Parents examples make a significant influence on their children/teens choices.

2) Educating a child about the risks and consequences of drinking and using drugs teaches them that they are not all fun. Drinking with them, on the other hand, supports it, making it okay.

3) Alcohol use can also lead to drug use.

4) Overdosing from drugs and alcohol kills thousands of teens and young adults every year.

5) Allowing children to drink sends the message that they are allowed to break the law.

6) If parents don’t take their child’s life serious, why should they?

7) Regardless of how afraid or codependent a parent is for their teen, the only way they can truly help them is to hold firm boundaries and refuse to allow them to do something that is destructive.

8) Most teenagers who party, party often, and do not want parent supervision. Therefore, it is illogical to think that a parent holding parties will eliminate the risk of their teen drinking and driving, using drugs or overdosing if they use.

9) Only for so long will a parent be able to provide “safe” places for their teen to drink. Once they move out, who will keep them from drinking and driving, using drugs and overdosing then?

10) Holding parties does not prevent drug use. Drugs are easily hidden and dispersed.

Counterclaim: A parent who drinks with their child or allows it is protecting them from the hazards of drinking and driving and can save their child’s life by doing so.

1)     Thousands of teens die every year in drinking and driving accidents.

2)     Providing a safe place for teens to drink can prevent drinking and driving, drug use and overdose.

3)     It is worth going to jail to save a child’s life.

4)     It is inevitable that most teenagers will drink, regardless of what they’ve heard about the risks. Therefore, providing a safe environment is crucial.

5)     Many parents have lost a son or daughter who may have been able to save their life had they allowed them to drink at home instead of go out to a party.

6)     Allowing a teen to drink instead of being rigid may limit the teen’s rebellion and prevent them from hiding the amount they use and therefore a problem can be detected early.   

2010-62 Chapter 22 Assignment

Emily Shaw


Professor Stokes

English 2010

September 12, 2010

Claims and Counterclaims

Topic: Teen Drug Use

Issues of Definition

Claim: The younger a person starts drinking, the higher the chances are that they will become an alcoholic, therefore it is neglectful for parents to allow drinking in the home.

Counterclaim: Parents who allow drinking in the home have teens who are more willing to be honest and therefore will seek help if they need it.

Issues of Causation

Claim: A parent drinking with his/her teen can increase the chances of the child becoming an alcoholic, thus contributing to a lifetime of misery, loss and even death.

Counterclaim: A parent who drinks with their child is protecting them from the hazards of drinking and driving and can save their child’s life by doing so.

Issues of Evaluation

Claim: Alcohol is just as bad as any other drug, thus if parents don’t think it’s a good idea to smoke crack with their teens, they should also abstain from drinking with them.

Counterclaim: Alcohol is legal and should not be viewed as a drug. It is better to allow your teens to drink in your own home than hide it and drive home after drinking.

Issues of Recommendation

Claim: Parents must recognize the risks involved in allowing their teens to drink.

Counterclaim: Parents must provide a safe place for their teens to drink because they are going to do it anyway.

English2010-062 Fallacy Analysis of Old Spice Ad

Emily Shaw


Professor Stokes

English 2010

September 12, 2010

Logical Fallacies in an Old Spice Ad

The advertisement I selected is for Old Spice body wash for men. The target audience is clearly female consumers, or men who want to impress their ladies. The ad is an NFL star speaking to women, asking them if their man smells like a man. The commercial shows the NFL star describe the “ideal” image of a man who smells good. The main point throughout the ad is that if men smell good by washing with Old Spice body wash they will smell and become more appealing to women. This ad, while catchy, had a few logical fallacies.

The first fallacy I noted was a bandwagon fallacy. Using a young, attractive NFL star with his shirt off to sell the product suggests to me and probably other consumers that since the NFL player is popular, the product must be popular and well liked also. In fact, in the beginning he asks, “Does your man look like me? No. Can he smell like me? Yes (Unknown ).” The bandwagon fallacy is definitely used here because he is suggesting that men should smell like he does, because he is an NFL player, I guess.

Another fallacy I noticed was the slippery slope fallacy. As the actor asks women if they want a man who smells good, he dramatically appears in different scenes; in the wilderness, in the kitchen, in a hot tub and on a motorcycle. He makes an inaccurate claim that a man who smells good will be a man who is good in many other areas in life. It is a slippery slope because using Old Spice Body Wash does not create a man who bakes, builds, and becomes essentially a dream man.

A similar fallacy is making a hasty generalization. Sure, there will be women who smell Old Spice Body Wash and think it is a very appealing, “manly” smell. However, at the end of the ad are the words, “Smell like a man, man. (Unknown )” This, to me, seems like too big of a generalization to say that anyone who uses the product will smell like a man. As if using other products makes them smell like less of a man?





Works Cited

Unknown Old Spice Ad. U Tube. 12 9 2010 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLTIowBF0kE>.

English 2010-62 Advertisement Old Spice | Questions

"Death Inc."

Emily Shaw


Professor Stokes

English 2010

September 8, 2010



Penn & Teller: BullShit!

“Death, Inc.” is the ninth episode of the second season of a Showtime series called “Penn & Teller: BullShit!” It is produced by Mark Wolper and Star Price. In this episode Penn and Teller discuss the topic of how bodies are dealt with after death. The purpose of this film seems to be to convince their audience that it is ridiculous and illogical to make death such a big deal and to throw away outrageous amounts of money disposing of bodies. They make a strong statement that, “living is what matters and the rest is bullshit (9).” Penn and Teller address this topic from several angles to get their point across.

One angle they take is exposing the way the funeral industry is making huge profits by charging ridiculous amounts of money for their services. They used logos to persuade the audience by giving examples of how funeral homes are ripping off consumers. Some examples given were; selling coffins with huge mark-ups, using lighting to make the expensive coffins look nicer, charging up to hundreds of dollars for boxes to place bodies in for cremation (only to be burned), charging extra for coffins with good seals which only cause gases to build up and the body to liquefy and having cremation costs range from $339 to $3800 for the same process.

Penn and Teller used ethos and pathos to persuade their audience that the funeral industry is unethical. They discussed how morticians are taking advantage of emotionally vulnerable people by over-charging for services when the last thing people dealing with death want to do is worry about price shopping. They revealed how the funeral industry manipulates its consumers by using more appealing names for the higher priced caskets. This takes advantage of emotionally vulnerable people who want to get the best for their loved one.

Another angle Penn and Teller take to get their point across that people make too big of a deal out of death is using humor to make fun of people who try to deny death. They made fun of a man they interviewed whom runs workshops telling people that if you don’t believe in death you won’t die. Another example was Penn and Teller mocking a couple who claim to be vampires but believe in reincarnation. They believe that because they are energy and energy does not die they will never die. To emphasize how far-fetched this couple is Penn and Teller used pathos and ethos to disgust the audience and display something not “normal” in our society by filming the woman slitting her husband’s wrist and sucking his blood.

Another angle taken was to mock cryogenics, the freezing of bodies so that people can come back to life. They used logos saying that there is no scientific proof that cryogenics could be successful and that they are relying on future scientists to find a way to fix the degeneration of proteins which will cause bodies to turn to mush. They discussed how only two clients have ever been frozen, the owner’s brother and his dog and yet the cost is outrageous. Penn and Teller made it clear that this idea is absurd.

For this episode of Bullshit, I think the most important audience is consumers because Penn and Teller thoroughly discuss the financial scams and unnecessary costs involved in burials. They probably have the expectation that these consumers will be interested to learn about the death process. They also might acknowledge the values of most consumers as being agreeable while wanting something affordable and of good quality. Consumers usually have an attitude that is receptive to learning so this film will most likely intrigue their interest in finding out how they can avoid being ripped off or scammed by the funeral industry. The second most important audience will probably be regular viewers. I’m sure Penn and Teller expect that their regular viewers enjoy the humor, vulgarity, and controversial information they present and so they will want to appeal to them as they have done in the past. The values of their regular viewers are probably people who are opinionated and blunt and perhaps they have attitudes that are easily persuaded. I think the third most important audience is the funeral industry. I’m sure Penn and Teller expect that the funeral industry will be insulted by their film. I’m sure these companies value success and take pride in their achievements so I’m sure they will feel disrespected. Their attitudes will probably be defensive and fearful of this negative exposure.

Overall, this film is very persuasive in convincing the audience that it is irrational to make such a big deal out of death and waste money on unnecessary disposal of bodies. However, it’s important to note that Penn and Teller are magicians, comedians and skeptics so they probably do not have explicit knowledge or time to do intensive research on this topic. It appears they are merely expressing their opinions and viewpoints. Further, the series “Penn & Teller: Bull Shit!” covers a wide variety of controversial issues and is aired on Showtime which is a movie channel. Therefore the information may be unfounded and used merely for entertainment purposes. Regardless, as a consumer, the film was effective in making me be weary of potential ways I could be scammed when the occasion of death arises. And I, for one, will most definitely go cheap on burial expenses. I’d rather spend money on living.



Works Cited

"Death, Inc." . Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Season 2 Episode 9. 2004 .

Page 32 #3 Assignment 2010-62

5 Things That Motivate People to Agree With Others or Take Action
Meeting basic human needs:

1) Food/water
2) Shelter/Safety
3) Love/Respect
4) Health
5) Fun/Enjoyment

People are motivated to take action when the basic needs of themselves or others are not met. Our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being depend upon these things. People make decisions daily about addressing these needs. Therefore, as a social work major who likes to discuss human behavior, it will be useful for me to discuss/utilize these needs to persuade my readers to agree with me, be motivated to take action, or simply to make people aware of an issue that I feel strongly about.

2010-62 Chapter 2 Assignment- Topics to Write About

1) Teenage Drug Use
a: Is there an increase in heroin use and other illegal drugs and why?
b: Are certain parenting styles related to higher rates of addiction problems in children?
c: Should parents drink with their teens?

2) Camping with dogs
a: Dogs should be allowed on trails in National Parks.
b: Dog owners should be more responsible in keeping their pets quiet and cleaning up after them.

3) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
a: How the high percentage of soldiers coming home from war with PTSD will affect society.
b: What are the similarities and differences between chronic PTSD symptoms and borderline personality disorder? Are they the same disorder?
c: Why do some people develop PTSD and some do not?

4) Addiction
a: What are the most effective treatment modalities?
b: How enabling keeps addicts in active addiction.
c: Interviews of addicts in recovery; what they do to stay clean and sober.  

5) Sexual Violence in Movies
a: Why do so many movies display extreme sexual violence and who is this appealing to/target audience?
b: The impact of sexual violence in movies.