Hello all,
It’s been ages since I’ve made a post, I know, but I’ve only just found some material to write about. I should be more dedicated, and from now on will try to be.
I know a great deal of people that have chosen to abstain from any or all of our typical vices (drugs, alcohol, caffiene, promiscuous sex, meat etc), but I also know a great deal of people who are heavy abusers of these. Predictibly, these groups often clash in opinion (sometimes to the point of blows), but I often find that those that abstain have a sense of superiority (be it intentional or otherwise) over those who over indulge. The moral question I bring to the table tonight is, are those who find themselves uncontrollably addicted to what would be seen by many as “evil” vices people with less moral fibre, or merely those with less willpower?
Certainly, it is difficult to be a modern teenager (or a teenager in most other periods, really) that isn’t tempted to drink, smoke or consume drugs. This is increased tenfold when living in a “party city” such as Brighton, and I know numerous people who are unwillingly forced into the drug culture of this city. Literally, people are being forced to have “fun”.
I do not want people to think I am going down the puritan line of enforced decency, if anything, I am to be considered one of the over indulgers (in many, but not all of the aforementioned vices), I’m just trying to point out that peer pressure is a powerful thing.
I must apologize, I’ve somewhat lost track of where this post was supposed to be heading, so to conclude I will repeat my question word-for-word (partially because copying and pasting is easier than typing) – Are those who find themselves uncontrollably addicted to what would be seen by many as “evil” vices people with less moral fibre, or merely those with less willpower?
- Tom
October 21, 2008 at 8:00 am |
Interesting question, Tom. My view is that we can’t help being influenced by peer pressure – it’s part of the ’socialising’ process. When people object to peer pressure it’s because in their view it is the ‘wrong’ group that teenagers are being pressured by. The key thing is to be in control of what you’re doing and know the consequences. Of course, most of the so called vices are fun – but if you are going to indulge them you need to know what you are doing and not indulge just because of peer pressure.
Having said that, I tend to be slightly detached from any group that I’m with – this can give a sense of independence and control. And it’s linked to the greatest skill that anyone can learn – that is knowing when to leave. Knowing when to leave a party (ie while it’s still fun, before the glasses smash, the fights start and the tears fall). Knowing when to leave a job (before it gets boring and you become a moaner). When to leave a relationship (before the arguments, resentment and bitterness starts). When to leave the country etc.
More to say but no more time…..
October 23, 2008 at 12:35 am |
That’s a very good point, Andy. From a personal standpoint, I feel that there is nothing wrong with indulgence in alcohol or lower level recreational drugs (namely cannabis) as long as it is done in moderation and with a degree of consideration for those around you (and yourself).
If you will allow me to be slightly corny, I believe Colin Hay summed it up well with the line “leave the party early at least with no regrets
I watch the sun as it comes up I watch it as it sets
Yeah this is as good as it gets.”
Okay, that *was* corny…
- Tom
October 23, 2008 at 8:18 pm |
hmmm, u guys sure you’re leaving the party early out of noble choice, or becuase you weren’t “cool” enough to be invited in the first place and the host has noticed you there?
im not sure about the anwer to your question Tom but i don’t think that these indulgers have less moral fibre that the abstainers. in my own experience the abstainers are not always saying “no” out moral choice. i don’t think teenagers think that much about the consequences of their actions although i do appreciate there are some that do. i’ve lost the point im trying to make here sorry. but yeah i agree, peer pressure plays a huge role for indulgers but i also think that fear plays an equal role for abstainers. obviously some teenages make the concious decision that they won’t indulge in said vices but i think often teenage awkwardness/fear stand in the way more than a moral obligation to be good. sorry this was in incredibly inarticulate post. and im not sure i even made any points there. hmmm my poor befuddled over-indulged brain isn’t doing its job clearly.
Sara xx
October 25, 2008 at 10:13 pm |
With my collection of restraining orders and potential assassins, I’ve learnt to be very elusive in a crowd, so that’s rarely a problem Sara
You raise some very valuable concepts, and don’t worry, you didn’t lose the point, and made it very intelligently (you actually picked up on pretty much everything I’d missed). Come to think of it, some of the people I know have abstained either out of primal fear or a bad experience with vices, so that deeply embedded cautiousness does remain an ever present bung to our over indulgence.
As I say, very good points, thanks a lot for the comment
- Tom xxx
October 30, 2008 at 10:24 pm |
any time tom, any time.
October 30, 2008 at 10:27 pm |
The way I’m going with this blog, I may need to take you up on that Sara