Italians drink because they enjoy the taste of alcohol. Americans drink because they enjoy the feeling of being drunk. This is the best way to describe the difference between stereotypical American vs. Italian drinking culture. When we were on the train to Cinque Terre, my friend Alexa said out loud, “let’s get drunk! I mean, let’s drink for enjoyment and taste!” after receiving a couple of weird looks from Italians.
In Italy there is no:
- Legal drinking age
- Open carry/container rule
- Such thing as “too early” to introduce wine to a child
In America, the high binge drinking and drunkenness rates can be attributed to its late introduction and legality. To put it simply, children go their entire adolescence and early adulthood being told they can not drink. So, when they are finally allowed to, they usually fully indulge.
In Italy, alcohol is introduced much earlier and casually. This takes much of the importance and excitement off of the concept of drinking alcohol. It is often only seen as an addition to social activities.
While I feel that alcohol should be legalized earlier than 21 in America, I do think that it makes it more exciting and rewarding once you reach that age. But, of course, this is coming from a 21-year-old. I’m sure my opinion would have been slightly different if I had written this a few months back when I never left the house without my fake ID.
Also, the drinking culture is consistent throughout all Italy. Whereas each state has its own drinking culture. Drinking “wisconsibly” has a reputation of its own. Indeed the drunkest state in America. For better or worse? That’s up to your own opinion.
As a “Wisconsinite,” I was introduced to bars and alcohol as early as I can remember. It is what people do in Wisconsin. In this way, I had a more comfortable and casual relationship with alcohol growing up. It was nothing “taboo.” When I did start drinking (of which that age will not be disclosed, hi mom & dad!), I felt that I was more responsible than some of my friends who were completely restricted from the sight of alcohol.
My Wisconsin reputation and college status lead me to enjoy drinking more than the average person. However, I ultimately feel that my experiences with alcohol are safer and more open because I grew up surrounded by the activity.
With this perspective, I agree that introducing alcohol at an earlier age does have its benefits. But it does have its consequences as well. The earlier the age, the less the brain is developed; thus, more dependencies are created. Ironically enough, Italians actually have a higher alcoholism rate than Americans. Though I can’t say I’m confident that statistics would be the same when comparing Italy to Wisconsin.
Regardless of your stance on drinking culture, it is always interesting to learn and experience it in different areas throughout the world. So if you’re reading this, grab a drink and enjoy the taste because it is probably 5:00 in Italy!
sent with emphasis 