On my mind this a.m. is all the “humor” around alcohol. For example, remember this t-shirt? “Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I’ll have another beer.” As a long-time abuser of substances and alcohol, it’s now seems weird to me that alcohol “gets a pass” in popular culture. Even between parents and kids (!!) The exact same jokes about meth would definitely not be considered funny.
Your comments are appreciated as always!!
My best friend growing up whose parents were functioning alcoholics has a dog named ‘Tipsy’. I’m not kidding. Like naming your dog ‘kinda drunk’. But people thought it funny. His dad died before 60 of liver disease.
I think the humor is just that… humor. I found that if I can look at my past and not get so down on myself it helps. I mean I look at some of my old experiences and just shake my head and laugh. People who work in hospitals have a pretty dark sense of humor, they have to to get through all the bad stuff they see and are around. For instance I have three teen girls. I make the joke that “I picked a he!! of a time to quit drinkin” it’s a joke, not true at all. If we can’t laugh at things, we relate to and find ironic, goofy, or just wrong I think it is sad. Just my two cents
After working as a chef for 20 years I couldn't agree more. It is so common in the culinary community to come to work with a hang over that jokes are made that the best chefs are drunk. I have had coworkers come in with polar pop cups full of taquilla. We knew they were drinking, but no one cared. At the same time meth, heroine, coke, and weed flowed freely; but we didn't joke about that and if someone was caught they were fired.
Fyi - I too am the dad of three teen (and recently post-teen) girls. I appreciate your perspective!!
I remember humor around early graves and new livers in college. Those exact jokes and I didn't bat an eye then. We were invincible as clique as that sounds.
My dad passed at 61 from cirrhosis and I needed and thankfully received liver and kidney transplant at 32. It's a joke until it's a reality.
REALLY appreciate that perspective- thank you Melissa!
I agree alcohol gets a pass in society. I used to think only the worst of the worst alcoholics, nobody in my circle of friends or even anyone I knew of personally had liver problems from drinking. The only people that died were like Nic Cage in Leaving Las Vegas. Women and Wine was all fun and games, drinking daily, no problem. I never missed work or anything. Until I found out I, me, suburban mom and legal professional, had liver problems and was dam near cirrhosis. Shi+ got real in a hurry. I’m 5 months sober now after 3 years of the relapse merry go round. It’s a silent killer.
Your perspective is MOST appreciated!
Yep, that was my point with my post about my childhood friend. I used to make jokes about the only firm part of my body being my liver, not so funny now.