Generation+Why?


 * Name: Lauren King**
 * Student No.: n8281017**
 * Tutors Name: Colleen Niland**

== **BINGE DRINKING IN MEMBERS OF GENERATION Y- ** HOW THE YOUTH OF TODAY ARE BECOMING THE HEALTH BURDEN OF TOMORROW.

**CULTURAL ARTEFACT** The artefact that has been chosen to discuss is the song ‘Cheers (Drink to that)’ by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna. The song is categorised as a pop rock genre and was released on August 2nd 2011 to radio stations, and is off the fifth album //Loud// for Rihanna. The song and album has received mostly positive reviews for the pop singer who has been described as ‘one of the biggest pop stars in the world right now’, and has sold over 20 million albums worldwide (MTV US, 2011). media type="youtube" key="ZR0v0i63PQ4" height="315" width="560" align="center"

**"Cheers (Drink To That)"- Rhianna** (Chorus)  Cheers to the freaking weekend I drink to that, yeah yeah Oh let the Jameson sink in I drink to that, yeah yeah Don’t let the bastards get you down Turn it around with another round There’s a party at the bar everybody put your glasses up and I drink to that, I drink to that, I drink to that

**THE PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE** <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">The Public health issue this song represents is the increasingly prevalent concern of binge drinking. The focus will be on the statistical evidence of binge drinking, and the connection between binge drinking and lifestyle choices, consequences, and the rise of binge drinking in members of Generation Y. As well as focusing on the effects of binge drinking, analysis into the changes between generations and the motives for binge drinking will be discussed, as well as any myths surrounding the public health issue of binge drinking.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 24px; text-align: left;">**LITERATURE REVIEW** <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">For many, drinking alcohol is a part of the Australian culture used to celebrate, commiserate and relax, with evidence reflecting it is considered an enjoyable way of socializing and counter-balancing the demands of daily hassles and routines (Van Wersch & Walker, 2009). However, binge drinking has recently come to the forefront as a major Public Health issue in Australia. According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, four Australians under the age of twenty five die from alcohol related injuries every week, and one quarter of all hospitalisations of 15 -25 year olds results because of the harmful effects of alcohol (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2011). Worldwide, 2.5 million deaths can be attributed to alcohol use, making it the third leading risk factor to health (Saxena, 2011). Binge Drinking is particularly harmful, and can lead to a number of long term complications (Victorian Government, 2011). The risks of binge drinking to society and individuals is clear and well publicised, yet the continued increase has become a serious public health issue costing $15 billion per year (Department of Health and Ageing, 2011) The Australian Government has recognised this harmful practice increasing in prevalence, pledging $55 million in 2008 to tackle the youth binge drinking epidemic, however, the effects of binge drinking are still evident through the behaviour of young Australians (Act Now, 2008).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">Binge drinking can have several connotations, but for the purpose of this report is classified as ‘drinking heavily over a short period of time with the intention of becoming intoxicated, resulting in immediate and severe intoxication’ (Drug Info Clearinghouse, 2009 ). In the short term binge drinking can lead to nausea, vomiting, memory loss, aggression, assault, depression, and can also alter behaviour resulting in unsafe sexual encounters, violence and participation in dangerous behaviours. In the long term, binge drinking can result in alcohol dependence, some forms of cancer, and liver damage (Drug Info Clearinghouse, 2009 ). <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">According to the ABS ‘the proportion of people drinking at a risky/high risk level (seven or more standard drinks for males and five or more standard drinks for females on any single occasion) has increased over the past three National Health Surveys, from 8.2% in 1995 to 10.8% in 2001 and 13.4% in 2004-05’ (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006). Although this behaviour is evident across a number of survey respondents, a BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health ) study found the proportion of people who were binge drinkers decreased dramatically across age cohorts, and was highest in 18-24 year olds in which it was reported more than one third were regular binge drinkers (Charles, Valenti, & Miller, 2011). This was also confirmed in a comparison study between old drinkers vs. young drinkers, recognising that although older drinkers (aged between 50-65) binge drink on occasion, not nearly in as great amounts and as frequently as younger drinkers, confirming that this public health issue is age based (Wiscott, Kopera-Frye, & Begovic, 2002).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">Evidence has shown that of those affected by binge drinking, in adolescents it is more common and more harmful (Weitzman, Nelson, & Wechsler, 2003 and Wiscott, Kopera-Frye, & Begovic, 2002). According to Drinkwise “From the age of 12 or 13 through to the early twenties the brain is in a state of intense development, moulding and hard wiring in readiness for the challenges of adulthood. Through a process called ‘frontalisation’ the brain is growing and forming all the critical parts it needs for learning, memory, planning, emotional stability and thinking. The new science tells us that alcohol disrupts brain development during this critical phase of growth. Teenagers who drink alcohol risk their brains not reaching full capacity, which means they might never reach their full potential as an adult” (Drinkwise Australia, 2010)

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">Although binge drinking has become an issue with a primary focus on Generation Y, parents have a great deal of impact on influencing the age their children begin drinking alcohol. There is evidence to suggest that the later adolescents consume their first alcoholic drink, the less likely they are to become regular consumers, and are less likely to become binge drinkers (Hayes, Smart, Toumbourou, & Sanson, 2004). Early onset and exposure to alcohol substantially increases the risk of criminal conviction, alcohol disorders, low education, earning less, and attributed with an increase in mental health problems later in life (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2007).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">Although a large amount of speculation is available about possible interventions or ‘blame games’ for the prevalence of binge drinking, there is no evidence about how political and current health promotion interventions have affected binge drinking rates (Flegel, MacDonald, & Hébert, 2011). According toDempster, Newell, Cowan (2006) the most positive results have been from “trauma based interventions” in high school age students.The aim of this kind of interventions is to change attitudes towards binge drinking and reduce the amount of alcohol consumed, rather than stopping alcohol consumption altogether (Dempster, Newell, Cowan, & Marley, 2006). Evidence suggests that high school age ‘trauma based’ interventions delay the age youth begin to drink by 6 months, and in particular, delay the beginning of binge drinking occurrences (Conrod, Castellanos, & Mackie, 2007). However, longitudinal studies are needed to establish the most effective interventions for binge drinking. These studies would also be needed to evaluate the burden of the increase of binge drinking for the health system, and the implications of this trend on the Australian health system. According to Van Wersch & Walker (2009) ‘more research on the health consequences of binge-drinking is needed, which acknowledges psychosocial contextual factors, and which avoids generalizations made on isolated biomedical data…. When looking at other cultures, it must be remembered that drinking patterns are interwoven in a web of cultural and social meanings. More attention needs to be given to macro level conditions in explanations of, and interventions aimed at reducing, binge-drinking.’ In a country like Australia, in which the drinking culture is ingrained into every aspect of society, it seems that researches and public health workers have a long way to go until this detrimental trend becomes realised.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">** CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">To analyse and identify the reasons and causes behind binge drinking there are a number of social theories that feel they can explain the phenomenon, however, the two main theories have been applied in this essay- Social Learning Theory and Social Identity Theory. The first, Social Learning Theory, focuses on the learning that occurs in the social context, by observing, modelling, and reinforcing behaviour (Ormrod, 2005).According to Social Learning Theory ‘deviance’ is a learned behaviour, and when occurring in primary social groups, such as friends and family, has the biggest impact on individual’s behaviour (Durkin, Wolfe, & Clark, 2005). This is particularly useful when discussing the context and affect family and peers have on an individual’s decision to binge drink. For example, parents or groups of peers partaking in binge drinking without consequences models to the individual that the behaviour is desirable, and could also include the individual as a part of the group for remodelling the behaviour (Ormrod, 2005).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">Social identity theory could also be used in this context, identifying that group membership is affected by similar thoughts, feelings, actions and behaviours of the individual (University of Twente, 2010). This is reinforced through sociologist Irving Goffman’s Theory of symbolic interactions, claiming we were different ‘masks’ depending on the social group of the time (University of Hawaii, 2011). For Social Identity theory, the large amount of binge drinkers in certain settings or with certain people can be traced to how individuals identify themselves, and feel a sense of pride or belonging with certain groups based on their actions (Mcleod, 2008).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">The most common assumption made is that those of Indigenous descent are more susceptible to binge drinking however, the ABS has found the proportion of Indigenous Australians binge drinking is similar to that of non- Indigenous Australians (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006). In reality, according to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention highly educated 18- to 24-year- old males of Caucasian descent are the most likely to binge drink, and this figure rises substantially if the individual lives in a share house and attends university (Lopatto, 2011 &Almeida-Filho, et al., 2004).This reflects both Social Learning Theory and Social Identity theory, as the behaviour is observed and modelled, and is most common within a group setting.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">It has also been theorised that the reason for the rise in Binge Drinking in members of Generation Y is due to the change in parenting skills.According to Professor Mike Daube from the McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth "Young people have more freedom than ever before...They are more affluent, alcohol is more accessible, and it is heavily promoted..." (Lang, 2011). Generation Y were the first generation to receive a high level of permissive parenting in which parents have given their children more freedom at a younger age to assist them to become more mature and self-reliant (McCrindle, 2010). While possibly having the desired effect, this has also allowed Generation Y as children to discover an ‘adult world’ much more quickly (McCrindle, 2010). The effects of ‘permissive parenting’ are evident in research. Results from the Australian School Students' Alcohol and Drug Survey in 2002 found that 51% of children under the age of 18 are provided with alcohol by their parents, and alcohol is most likely to be consumed in the home (Hayes, Smart, Toumbourou, & Sanson, Parenting influences on adolescent alcohol use, 2011). According to Weitzman, Wetschler and Nelson (2003) young people who are exposed to “wet” environments were more likely to pick up binge drinking than their peers without similar exposures. Wet environments included family, friendship networks and affiliations in which binge drinking is common, endorsed, and easy to access (Weitzman, Nelson, & Wechsler, 2003).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">There are a number of social trends and changes associated with categorising people into Generations based on similar characteristics, including monitoring the patterns of consumption. According to Drug and Alcohol Rehab Asia (2011), generational trends are evident in the use of alcohol and other drugs, and among current living generations, baby boomers and generation X are the most likely to abuse alcohol, whereas Generation Y (those born from early 80’s to the late 90’s) has lower rates of alcohol abuse, but higher rates of binge drinking (DARA – Drug & Alcohol Rehab Asia, 2011). The primary reason for this was trend was that binge drinking for Generation Y members is more socially acceptable, and treatment is less likely to be sought because the effects of binge drinking have not yet generated health problems in the younger generation.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">In 1988 a report published by the Australian Commission for the Future outlined the effects of alcohol abuse and the consequent rise of the problem in youth if causes of the issue were not identified (Lang, 2011). Unfortunately, despite the increases in the federal budget for health, this problem has only substantiated in the years since the report was published (Lang, 2011).Unless treated, the widespread effects of binge drinking on the current generation will substantiate the burden of disease and long term side effects associated with binge drinking. This will include an increased burden on the already strained hospital system and emergency services due to an increase of alcohol related side effects, and if continued possibly have a detrimental effect on the life expectancy and health problems expected by Generation Y as they age. The government has identified binge drinking as a public health issue, commissioning a Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy to identify options to effectively reduce the prevalence of binge drinking in younger people, guided by the Centre for Applied Research Solutions, which identified through evidence four main focus areas to prevent binge drinking in adolescents: Strategic Use of Data, Community Organising, Policy Advocacy and Enforcement (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). Public Health experts should also use their knowledge in collaboration with the Australian and State and Territory Governments to identify the most effective options to stop the increase of binge drinking particularly in young people, in which it is most prevalent and harmful, and realistic interventions to stop this increasing trend. Without appropriate steps taken to protect the younger generation from the harmful effects of binge drinking, the next generation will face substantial health and health system problems.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 25.6px; text-align: left;">**ANALYSIS AND LEARNING REFLECTIONS** <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">The artefact that was chosen to represent the issue of youth binge drinking is the song “Cheers (Drink to that)” by pop singer, Rihanna. Since her debut in 2005, Rihanna has sold more than 20 million albums and 60 million singles, making her one of the bestselling musicartists of all time and securing her place as an international pop star (Billboard.com, 2011). Her song “Cheers (Drink to That)” was released on the 2nd of August 2011 has since reached Top Ten on the Billboard Charts in Australia and the United States, as well as a number of other countries (Billboard.com, 2011). The song was released as a ‘weekend drinking anthem’ in which Rihanna dedicated the song to “…all the semi alcoholics in the world” (Cheers (Drink to That):Rihanna releases a weekend drinking anthem, 2011).

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">The song “Cheers (Drink to That)” reflects a celebration at the end of the week, in particular using alcohol as a getaway. Through the chorus lyrics- “Don't let the bastards get ya down/Turn it around with another round…” the interpretation has been made that Rihanna believes enough alcohol can fix, and help forget all of life’s problems. The video clip of the song also depicts Rihanna drinking shots in front of a large audience cheering. This is a perfect example of the effect that influential media personalities can have on glamourizing binge drinking, while making it appear it is something ‘everyone is doing’. For a 23 year old platinum selling artist to release a top ten single glorifying binge drinking as a celebration, the message being sent to young people from someone they idolise, who is not much older than them, is potentially detrimental (Billboard.com, 2011). This song and video does not present the hazardous consequences that can come from binge drinking, instead presenting a glorified view of the fun and good times that can occur through the use of alcohol. Consequently, for younger children who idolise Rihanna as a role model this song also has the potential to seemingly ‘peer pressure’ children to begin drinking alcohol at a younger age.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: left;">Personally, before doing this assignment, I thought of this as just another pop song that would get stuck in my head. However, after reading the lyrics and analysing the song, I have come to realise the detrimental effects of the media on many public health issues. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">In particular, I have begun to listen to the meaning of songs and other media items, to findout the real message behind them, whereas previously I would have continued to sing loudand off-key. As a result of this assignment piece I have learnt to be more aware of social media and the messages that the articles may be trying to portray. Hopefully, the is a trait which will help me with my future studies, as I am becoming more aware of what is going on around me and the effects this could have. <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; text-align: center;">Rhianna during an onstage performance

<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">**<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: center;">LINKS ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">** Current advertising strategies to stop the rise of binge drinking: ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">[] <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">[]

<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 19.2px; text-align: left;">Current affairs reports into the rise of young women binge drinking: <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">[] <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">[]

<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">** Current Australian Advertising: ** <span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">[] <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: left;">[]

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 25.6px; text-align: left;">**BIBLIOGRAPHY** <span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. (2011). //Teacher notes - National Binge Drinking Campaign//. Retrieved September 22, 2011, from Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing : []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). //MAKING PROGRESS: THE HEALTH, DEVELOPMENT AND WELLBEING OF AUSTRALIA’S CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE: Adolescence (13–19 years).// Retrieved October 9, 2011, from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare : www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442459898

<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Billboard.com. (2011). //Rihanna- Biography//. Retrieved October 14, 2011, from Billboard.com: http://www.billboard.com/song/rihanna/cheers-drink-to-that/23241716#/artist/rihanna/bio/658897

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Charles, J., Valenti, L., & Miller, G. (2011). Binge Drinking. //Australian Family Physician//, 569.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Conrod, P. J., Castellanos, N., & Mackie, C. (2007). Personality-targeted interventions delay the growth of adolescent drinking and binge drinking. //Journal of child Psychology and Psychiatry//, //49// (2), 181-191.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">DARA – Drug & Alcohol Rehab Asia. (2011). //Generational Trends in Substance Abuse//. Retrieved September 27, 2011, from DARA – Drug & Alcohol Rehab Asia: []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Dempster, M., Newell, G., Cowan, G., & Marley, J. (2006). Reducing binge drinking in adolescent males. //British Dental Journal//, 587-590.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Department of Health and Ageing. (2011). //Changing the Drinking Culture in Australia.// Retrieved September 23, 2011, from Department of Health and Ageing : []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Drinkwise Australia. (2010). //Kids and Alcohol don’t mix.// Retrieved October 4, 2011, from Drinkwise Australia: []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Drug Info Clearinghouse. (2009, June). //The facts about binge drinking//. Retrieved September 23, 2011, from Drug Info Clearinghouse : []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Durkin, K. F., Wolfe, T. W., & Clark, G. A. (2005). COLLEGE STUDENTS AND BINGE DRINKING: AN EVALUATION OF SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY. //Sociological Spectrum//, //25// (3), 255-272.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Flegel, K., MacDonald, N., & Hébert, P. C. (2011). Binge drinking: all too prevalent and hazardous. //Canadian Medical Association Journal//, //183// (4), 146.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Hayes, L., Smart, D., Toumbourou, J. W., & Sanson, A. (2004). //Parenting influences on adolescent alcohol use.// Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Hayes, L., Smart, D., Toumbourou, J. W., & Sanson, A. (2011). //Parenting influences on adolescent alcohol use.// Canberra: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Lang, K. (2011, October 30). Sober Facts of Life. The Sunday Mail, p. 8.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Lopatto, E. (2011, January 14). Binge Drinking More Common Among Wealthier Americans, CDC Study Says. //Bloomberg//.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">McCrindle, M. (2010, February 5). Many ingredients make this gen Y cocktail of violence. //The Age//.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Mcleod, S. (2008). //Social Identity Theory//. Retrieved October 5, 2011, from Simply Pshychology:Psychology Academic Articles for students: []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">MTV US. (2011). //Rihanna//. Retrieved October 11, 2011, from MTV: []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Ormrod, J. (2005). //Social Learning Theory//. Retrieved October 6, 2011, from The University of Texas at Austin : [|http://teachnet.edb.utexas.edu/~Lynda_abbot/Social.html]

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Saxena, S. (2011, March 15). Worldwide alcohol trends. (V. Riemer, Interviewer)

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">University of Hawaii. (2011, August 25). //Irving Goffman//. Retrieved October 5, 2011, from University of Hawaii: [|http://www2.hawaii.edu/~fm/goffman.html]

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">University of Twente. (2010, September 7). //Social Identity Theory//. Retrieved October 6, 2011, from University of Twente: []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Van Wersch, A., & Walker, W. (2009). Binge-drinking in Britain as a Social and Cultural Phenomenon : The Development of a Grounded Theoretical Model. //Journal of Health Psychology//, //14// (1), 124-134.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Victorian Government. (2011, August 19). //Youth Central//. Retrieved October 4, 2011, from Binge Drinking : []

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Weitzman, E. R., Nelson, T. F., & Wechsler, H. (2003). Taking up binge drinking in college: the influences of person, social group, and environment. //Journal of Adolescent Health//, 26-35.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;">Wiscott, R., Kopera-Frye, K., & Begovic, A. (2002). Binge Drinking in Later Life : Comparing Young-Old and Old-Old Social Drinkers. //Psychology of Addictive Behaviors//, 252-255.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;">**COMMENTS ON THE WORK OF OTHERS** **PAGE:** Women talking sport?! Get back to the Kitchen! **COMMENT:** A very empowering artefact I really enjoyed reading your article, and in particular watching your artefact video, and i feel like it is a perfect advertisement to recognise the strength of women in competitive sports, and probably a very smart move for Nike! You mentioned in your article that historically in sport women have been used a sex symbols rather than for their sporting prowess. However, on the flip side, do you think that this is a tactic for very smart advertisers using women’s appeal to separate themselves from men to generate more interest to a different audience? I definitely agree with your article; anyone who has been to a football game and been distracted by pom-pom toting cheerleaders in tight skirts definitely would. It has made me reconsider the way in which I view women sports players and coverage on their sport and to pay particular attention to what they are wearing.

**PAGE** : Homos and Promos; Health Promotion for Sexual Minorities **COMMENT:** Really enjoyed reading your wiki- made me think! You raised some very interesting points throughout your wiki, which made it really enjoyable and engaging for me to read! Some of the points you raised are quite upsetting to reveal that such modern societies can still have laws in place to limit who a person can be attracted to, and that in some societies being a homosexual is labelled as a ‘mental disorder’. I agree with your statement that not allowing this poster to be displayed and the message of safe sex are contradictory in a society in which STi’s are becoming more and more common, leading to an increasing burden on the health system. However, do you think that the negative publicity the poster got from Christian lobbyist groups actually raised the profile of the STI issue at hand? I really enjoyed reading your article, and it bought to the forefront some really important issues that shouldn’t be a problem in the modern day Australian Health care system.