Drink

People in Taiwan like to drink. Maybe not all of them, but most of the men and the younger generations. Beer sales top the sales of all other beverages, especially during summer. And news reports of drunk driving and alcohol-related accidents are common everyday ‘theme’ here. Yet even with these horrifying fatalities and costly damages, people here still drink and drive.

Similar to their Japanese counterparts, people here often go out for a drink after work. And many will not stop until they are drunk. Maybe they are really stressed out and drinking (till they are drunk) is their way of de-stressing. Other than this after-work drinking, there is another very disturbing phenomenon of ‘corpse-picking’, where men will wait outside bars and pubs to pick up girls, who were so drunk that they were practically non-responsive, and take them back for sex.

Unfortunately, these working folks are not the only ones drinking to their early graves. The younger generations, like those in high schools and tertiary institutions are also doing their best in boosting alcohol sales. Here, it is rare to have social gatherings that are alcohol-free.

Personally, I think that one can drink and have fun, without causing trouble for others or problem for oneself. It is just a matter of taking personal responsibility for one’s action and behavior.