Normalizing Alcohol
'Normalizing Alcohol' is an illustration which plays with symbols, in a dystopian atmosphere. The young boy surrounded by flowers and butterflies portrays an untainted psyche, a pure mind bathing in innocence. The old dirty man with a cigarette in his mouth, is pouring a glass of vodka to give to the child. The poison barrels represents alcohol. The robotic machines which serve to supply the alcohol to population, is symbolizing the government.
Of course, we see an old man trying to get a child drunk, but this is not what happens. This is only what the eye can see. Here, the old man represents society. The most precious thing about humanity is our intelligence and our rationality, and yet we see that being destroyed and glorified as a form of entertainment by using alcohol.
Alcohol is a drug like any other, but not everybody sees it this way, especially our society where alcohol is viewed as a normal and socially acceptable pastime. Of course it becomes acceptable when everyone is doing it. If everyone is sick with a flu and you are not, surely there is something "wrong" with you. Growing up and seeking role models in a world full of anti-models is quite a challenge.
Alcohol however, for many people, is fine, but not for the addicted person because this encourages a normalizing and minimising of their alcohol use, and can prevent or delay someone from seeking help. However the addicted, rarely admits to himself/herself that he or she is addicted indeed.
Addiction as a subject is huge, and is full of controversies. Different people have different views on what addiction is and how to treat it, but regardless of these views, the reality of how this affects people’s lives is really quite frightening. Addiction often comes in a subtle and it is in denial even by those who call themselves casual drinkers. Normalizing binge drinking is also a matter of a greater concern.
"Oh, but I only use it as a social tool to relax" - well, if you actively need to harm your brain to make you more passive, agreeable, sociable, etc. shouldn't you be re-evaluating your forms of entertainment and the people you hang out with? If you're not comfortable enough or sufficiently entertained that you need to drink to feel better, then find better things to do, period. Find better people. Life is filled with infinite possibilities, all of humanity's knowledge available at your fingertips, millions of hobbies, different people to meet, and so on.
Drinking as a "hobby" points to represent a boring person who enjoys lowering their intellect for fun, and "rationalizing" the problems which arise from this, into causes and faults other than their own. At its very core, this principle is repugnant.
Anyway, a little bit of hypocrisy is always healthy. Cheers! ;)
(size: 9273 x 7986)
