In almost any scenario, an argument can arise over whether something is good or bad, helpful or harmful. Some debates are simple, without major side effects, such as whether drinking gatorade or water would better maximize athletes' performance. Other debates regarding alcohol consumption are not as straightforward; these debates concern the age of drinking. The two arguments may have different points of view, the difference lies in the meaning of the argument. What should the legal drinking age be in the United States? Alcohol consumption has been going on for many years. Unlike a typical drink that hydrates the body, alcohol is consumed for its positive side effects, but the negative effects are forgotten. Often, these so-called positive side effects are glorified by the public, making alcohol consumption more popular, especially among the younger population. When deciding whether to drink or not, the pleasant side effects are ingrained in the mind rather than the side effects that should be focused on, these are often forgotten. This is why a drinking age limit is currently in effect, but the debates come from the age trying to solve the next problem, at what age are the least harmful effects on the body and young adults are- they able to make intelligent and safe decisions for themselves and those around them. In recent years, the legal age for consuming or purchasing alcohol has been set at twenty-one. Before the age was raised to twenty-one, it was previously eighteen. This law was not amended to annoy those who were then between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one or to restrict their freedom. The law was put in place to protect the people of the United States from the dangers of alcohol at an age considered too young to deal with the consequences...... middle of paper ......Degutis, Linda. “Choose responsibility: Keep the legal drinking age in the United States at 21.” » The Health of the Nation, VITAL SIGNS: 3. ProQuest Discovery. Internet. December 1, 2013. .Kowalski, Kathiann M. “The Dangers of Alcohol.” Current Health February 2, 1998: 6-12. ProQuest Discovery. Internet. December 1, 2013. Wechsler, Henry, PhD; Nelson, Toben F, ScD. “Will increasing the availability of alcohol by lowering the legal drinking age reduce alcohol consumption and its consequences among young people? American Public Health Association 100.6 (2010): 986-92. ProQuest Discovery. Internet. November 25, 2013. This article shows the reasons why the drinking age should be lowered