THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE been noting over the holiday period and sometime before that, the various 'Smirnoff Ice Experience' parties taking place. I have also taken note of with great disdain the ad for this product 'Smirnoff Ice Intelligent Night Life.'
Dare I say that not only is there nothing ''intelligent' about drinking but that there is nothing 'intelligent' about drinking vodka. I myself like and on occasion, drink this product but believe me, the after effects of having too much (and this is relevant) was not too pleasing. These Smirnoff parties seem to be geared towards young adults, and young adults these days range from 14 years to 23 years old and maybe beyond.
It has been bugging me for a while now why would any parent of sound mind allow his/her child to go to these parties? Don't they know the danger of drinking and the danger of drinking vodka? Alcohol enthusiasts will tell you that vodka 'creeps' up on you as it is a smooth drink and one tends to drink it very fast.
A friend was in disbelief after having a conversation (which later turned out to be an argument) with a mother who saw nothing wrong in, not only allowing her 14-year-old daughter to attend these parties, but to partake in the drinking of Smirnoff Ice, because 'it's just five per cent alcohol'.
Parents, beware! Without knowing it, you are cultivating future alcoholics. Five per cent alcohol is a lot of alcohol! Although some of these promoters put up signs or advertise that patrons must be '18 years old and over' to drink, who is going to be walking around and checking that this warning is adhered to?
I suppose now that I am going to get a 'whipping' from the promoters/bottlers of this product, may I reiterate here that I do like and drink Smirnoff Ice on occasion, but I will never believe that it is okay to 'promote' this product to teenagers, five per cent alcohol or not! Parents and guardians, we need to pay more attention to the events/parties that we send our children to. Yes, we need to socialise our young adults and those of us who know better need to stop turning a blind eye, as we reap what we sow.
It's awesome to contemplate what can become of today's youth. If they are taught to walk according to God's wisdom, use the skills He has given them and follow His leading, they can make a huge difference as our future leaders. We shape tomorrow's world by what we teach our children today.
I am, etc.,
ANN PHILLPOTTS
Kingston 13
