Recap from Week 1

It appears that someone is reading what we are saying, we have two posts, those of you who are not reading the comments I have contained them in their entirety in this post. The alcohol industry is becoming more and more aggressive in their marketing tactics to our children. It was not too long ago the distilled spirits industry did not advertise on television because of their self imposed ban in advertising in press that has the potential to reach children. The premise of this ban dates back to the repeal of prohibition. Their idea to change their marketing practice was in direct response to their continued loss of market share to beer. They came into our homes through our televisions by making promises that they would not advertise their primary products and not at times when young people are watching. How many of us have seen the advertisements for Bacardi, Captain Morgan and various gin and vodka products at times when our children are watching?

Changing this culture is incumbent upon us, community members, if we don't no one else will. We cannot expect our young people to have the ability to make the right decisions if all around them the media and advertising is telling them this is the right way to live their lives? This can be done by simply turning off the television and taking a stand when we can. There is so much to say on this issue, but this is enough for now. As always, Happy Reading!

Comments from last week
Thank you for this excellent opportunity to consider the questions. I am of the mindset that the advertising done by the alcohol industry is indeed so pervasive that it is actually an accepted norm among most people. The industry has been able to shift the burden of its product consequences and reap extraordinary wealth. I would like to pose another question. How many of our coalition members have viewed the web-based "games" the industry (alcohol and spirits) is putting online? How much more "normal" will alcohol be as a natural part of the next generations thinking and activity as these messages permeate the online environment too? -LaDonna

1. Yes the alcohol industry and how society reacts to the product definitely sends a negative message in our society. It has become so normal that now the industry is looked upon by most as being picked on by those who try to keep the community normal and well functioning. 2. The alternative products offered by the alcohol industry helps to build consumer loyally and name recognition. It seems to be especially influential to kids because of the taboo of what it is and how those products are otherwise forbidden to them. When young people see that the products like BBQ sauce does not hurt them they are more willing and curious to try the real alcohol products. It appears the industry has done good target marketing and found products that can be appealing to young people when they start to drink with more sweet taste.3. There are a number of things that average people can do to stop underage drinking. 1. Join your local community coalition, there is power in numbers and like minded people can help with strategies that will be very effective. 2. Don't buy products or from stores that seem to be predators to our young people. Most areas has a store that sales to young people or do other things that are harmful in our communities, it is our duty not to patronize these places. 3. Support elected officials that make a stand on prevention underage drinking. -Dannie