Introduction
Throughout history, individuals in different cultures have used varying kinds of drugs to alter how they see or feel about the world. The different cultures in the world have continuously been developing various social rules and cultures regarding the use of drugs as a way of controlling the use of drugs as a way of controlling their societal impact.
Across the 20th Century up to today, the attitude of the society towards drugs has changed considerably. The public has essentially become more tolerant towards the use of drugs. For many years, the use of drugs was considered as an offensive act by many society members. However, recent times suggest that this attitude towards drug use has been changing and the public do not find certain drugs as offensive as before (Owens, 2011).
Alcohol, one of the most commonly used drugs was once an illegal drug. It was however legalized after federal enforcers realized that they could keep up with the public desire for the drug and their use of unorthodox means to acquire it. This has been the story of the drug culture. Some time back, the legalization of certain drugs was an unthinkable feature but due to changing public perceptions and trends, it seems that there is a high likelihood that the legalization of drugs will continue rising in many cultures across the world and not just in America
One of the drugs that have witnessed a radical shift in attitude towards its use is marijuana. For many years, America has been among some the fiercest practitioners and advocates of the prohibition of the drug in the world. Most of the public supported this prohibition of this drug. However in just a very few years, the public opinion towards the use of the drug has shifted dramatically that even some of the those who have been at the forefront of championing for the legalization of the drug have been surprised by this phenomenal attitude change and the high rate at which states are edging towards marijuana approval (Yahoo, 2009).
The changing attitude of the American public towards marijuana use can be traced to the changing American culture. To elaborate on this feature in better terms, it would be wise to first analyze the components of culture. A society’s culture essentially includes such institutions as family, religion, kinship, economy, religion, law, art, political organization amongst others. The role of culture in a society cannot be overemphasized. The American culture has over years gone through massive changes. The culture has essentially been liberalized and this has consequently led to drastic shifts in various society trends, attitudes and affiliations.
For instance over years, the family institution has become relatively unstable and religion has become obsolete. The implication of this is enormous because formerly, these two institutions have been among the most efficient and forceful traditional enculturation agents. If a society’s attitude towards a certain drug has for example been negative, these institutions have been the enforcers of this (Hunt & Bergeron, 2011)
With cultural changes and shifts like these, it is not surprising that the public’s attitude towards drugs such as marijuana has shifted. Another factor that can be inculcated into this equation is the age factor. Most of the America’s public is comprised of young people who have been brought up in a relatively drug tolerant culture.
Today, more than half of the American public supports the legalization of Marijuana. The use of the drug has already been legalized in three states for recreational purposes. Others are working to restructure the framework of the drug’s sale (Owens 2013). In spite of this radical shift in public attitude, the central government has reluctant in trying to alter the prohibition laws of the drug. It will indeed be very interesting to see how the future of this drug unfolds.
References
Hunt, G., Milhet, M., & Bergeron, H. (2011). Drugs and culture: Knowledge, consumption, and policy. Burlington, VT: Ashgate.
Yahoo Contributor Network (2009, January 19). Drug Use-Attitudes Are Changing - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com. Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/drug-attitudes-changing-2493985.html
Owens, J. (2013, April 9). Attitudes changing toward marijuana prohibition - Orlando Top News | Examiner.com. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/attitudes-changing-toward-marijuana-prohibition
