What’s the Drinking Age, Again?

Is there really a teenager in America who is not aware of the fact that 21 is the legal drinking age? I ask because it seems like every so-called underage-drinking prevention campaign involving the alcohol industry is some variation on the theme of, “Hey kids, remember, if you’re not 21, you can’t drink.” You know, the kind of message that’s always effective with kids — telling them they’re not old enough to do something.

The It’s 21, Just Pass campaign from the National Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), and Discovery Education is just the latest example. Check out the childlike winner of the program’s video contest — does this seem age-appropriate for 13- to 19-year-olds to you? It also employs the always popular “Think Before You Drink” slogan — doubtless a post-production add-on from the sponsors — which, to say the least, contradicts the campaign’s other message, that underage drinking is illegal.

Big fumble by the NFLPA to be involved in this …