To The Editor:
I am writing this letter partially in response to Matt Albert's opinion piece "Blame the Greeks" (The Spectrum, Feb. 20), but mostly because, like many UB students, I am saddened by the death of Travis Hennigar. Albert was quite right when he pointed out that it is not certain whether or not alcohol caused Mr. Hennigar's death. The more responsible news organizations have made this point and any further speculation and rumor on the part of the media is unnecessary (and disrespectful toward his grieving family, in my opinion).
What I have noticed is that this young man's death has resulted in some discussion of drinking at UB, and binge drinking among college students in general. I agree with Albert that it is unfair to blame the Greek system for drinking among college students. If we want to play the blame game, there are certainly others to blame. Binge drinking among college students has been a problem for years, and is not one that can be solved easily. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either a fool or running for political office.
If you watched the Super Bowl, you probably remember the anti-drug advertisement that aired, making the point that terrorist organizations often use illegal drug sales as a source of funding. Of course, you probably also saw more beer commercials than you could count. There are many who feel quite comfortable sneering at someone who uses illegal drugs, while they continue to drink to excess on a regular basis. I am talking about drinking to get drunk, or "drinking as an extreme sport," as one cynic described it. I am in no way advocating the use of illegal recreational drugs. My point is that alcohol is also a drug, but a legal and socially acceptable one.
I have a modest proposal for my fellow students who are reading this: I challenge you to give up drugs and alcohol for two weeks. I encourage you to go to parties and bars with friends. The only difference will be that you will not drink or get high. Why should you listen to me? Do I think I am any better than anyone else? I am simply suggesting that you might like to try living without drugs or alcohol for two weeks. I have lived this way for years and I can already hear the objections and possible scenarios, so please allow me to respond to some of the most obvious ones.
"Why should I? I don't have a drinking problem." Great. Then giving up alcohol for two weeks should not be difficult for you. There is absolutely no reason for you to take my advice. I freely offer it as a friendly suggestion, nothing more.
"Two weeks is a long time for me to go without alcohol." If you physically are unable to go without drugs and alcohol for such a short period of time, please stop reading this letter and seek medical help. You are already in a supportive environment where such help is readily available. Please take advantage of it.
"Won't I sound moralistic or self-righteous when I refuse a drink?" We all want to be liked, and I am not suggesting that you deliver a sermon to the others at the party. You have my full permission to lie if it makes you more comfortable. Tell them that you are in training. Tell them that you are the designated driver. Better yet, be the designated driver. Let your friends buy you soda all night in exchange for getting home safely. Don't have a car? Tell them you are on medication.
In general, I have found that people will accept the fact that you are not drinking if you smile and are good-natured about it. Politely refuse and change the subject. "No thanks, I'm driving tonight. So what did you think of that bio exam?" If you find there is an awkward silence, fill it quickly. Tell Suzy how great her hair looks or ask Bobby how things are going with his new girlfriend. Most people have a million other things to worry about and will barely notice that you are not drinking.
Do I think that my idea will sweep UB and change the world, ending the problem of binge drinking among college students? No. It is, as I pointed out, a modest proposal. If I have made a few people think about their habits enough to give it a try, then I will be quite pleased.
