Gemma Hunt

Most newcomers to the UK unfamiliar with the country may make note of a few things. One is the undeniable friendliness of the British people as an overall rule, although particular minorities may not always enjoy such an enthused welcome. A deep-founded love for arts, science and innovation is another, but this often has to be sought out as they become more niches than components of mainstream culture. And despite several pubs closing per week, another aspect of British life – which is often carried overseas in the acts of ex-pats as well as at home – is the heavy drinking culture. While this drinking culture is “disapproved” of to a certain degree and taking its toll on the NHS, it is a culture which enables the elite to assign particular stereotypes to the public. Ironically, addictions such as smoking continue to be increasingly demonized while alcoholism is virtually promoted.[I]

By no means is this stating that smoking is not a harmful action. Tobacco is now well-known for its harmful properties, particularly when mingled with toxic chemicals in the guise of cigarettes.[ii] But many individuals also question why alcohol – even more harmful, in some contexts – continues to be promoted on such a large commercial scale, whether it is through the sponsorship of huge sports events or other high-profile marketing schemes. Drinking in itself is not a traditional pastime which the country needs to do away with completely, but health stats – especially related to binge drinking – have revealed some troubling numbers.[iii]

Facing Stereotypes

There is no denying that Britain has a troubling drinking culture. Being able to “put away” the pints is considered a rite of passage for many youths and the measure of one’s substance, while irresponsible behaviour which is alcohol-related is more often celebrated humorously than criticised. Antisocial behaviour which arises from this is prevalent. Yet politicians are seemingly eager to take this common occurrence and use it as a sweeping generalization of the entire population, with the “beer and bingo” making huge controversy last year when a Tory minister believed he was summing up the core of working class pastimes.[iv]

This is a culture which is perpetuated by the increasingly troubling “scapegoat” voices of the UK. While people from a wide range of demographics drink healthy and unhealthy levels of alcohol, it is minorities, the working class and the unemployed who face the greatest scrutiny and discrimination not only by politicians but by people who are not so far removed from being in that position themselves. The unemployed who “should be able to get a job without a problem, instead of drinking cider and living off the state” is a popular trope which finds its way into the top stories of tabloids and in popular reality TV shows. And because the mainstream public needs a target with which to direct their anger in times of austerity, these people are chosen to “represent” different demographics and are virtually eaten alive by those who watch the programs simply to enrage themselves. By all accounts, the media feeding these stereotypes function in favour of a Government which does not wish to become a target and answer for its mistakes. Alcohol is but one of many useful propaganda tools.

No Solid Solutions

As for the working people who drink, there is a strong culture which is appropriated, and making alcohol more expensive, as some politicians have proposed, is not going to remedy it. People are lured into a social environment where hangovers and excessive drinking are points of pride, making alcoholism an even more difficult challenge for some to isolate and respond to. And for those who are making legitimate efforts to combat their addiction, they still face the stigma and discrimination of being social outcasts, as if their addiction is a moral failing and their presence suddenly becomes shameful. This increases feelings of guilt and shame already prevalent in the addict, driving them back to coping methods which often involve their addiction. Cuts are constantly being made to rehabilitation programs, and rather than being met with compassion and the right resources to help people, instead addiction is a social evil to be scorned despite funding and promoting the very environment which encourages it. And for those in prison who are especially vulnerable, the attitude that inmates are undeserving of rehabilitation prevails and seemingly “justifies” some of these cuts.[v] Addicts are fortunately able to access other resources via the web and private treatment,[vi] but for those who are unable to find these resources and are left vulnerable – as well as without the support of loved ones – the struggle can become insurmountable.

Like those who are unable to find employment or make the basic cost of living on what little wages they do earn, the Government approaches people who are suffering from addiction in the same way – an inconvenience worthy of punishment, which usually takes the form of administrative fright tactics (taking away benefits) and neglect. At the same time, the very culture which leads to this exists at every turn, whether it is popular culture, college and university life, and adulthood.[vii] Britain’s drinking culture – often humorously alluded to – is exactly what some politicians want to maintain their preconceptions about the public and justify their patronising attitudes towards it.