Am I especially sensitive or is it the case that far too often when someone has something to celebrate there will be a reporter or an interviewer asking what he or she plans to drink, or what he or she did actually drink? Furthermore if they say they don’t drink then interviewer will probably challenge this, and say, “Well surely you’ll have a glass or two with such a lot to celebrate”. I know I mostly hear this on the BBC, but to be fair I mostly listen to the BBC so they may be no worse at it than anyone else.
The paradigm is that celebration means drink. I checked the definition of celebration in five online dictionaries and none mention alcohol.
In the interest of balance I acknowledge that there are other places where the assumption seems to be that thanks will be given to a God, though which one may depend where you are. I’ve noticed, for instance, American athletes who win something often thank God, so obviously a different paradigm is at work there. (None of the dictionaries mention Gods either).
What bothers me is that UK broadcasters seem far too often to link celebration with alcohol, and as long as they do, it makes it harder to tackle the problem that we in the UK clearly have with drink.
So here for all the UK broadcasters, is a possible new-year’s resolution.
“I promise to embrace the new decade with new ways of celebrating.”
Here are some suggestions for different questions to ask.
Who did you phone or what text message did you send?
What new clothes will you buy?
Where will you go to celebrate?
How soon will your life be back to normal?
Ah - I feel sure it is only a matter of time before interviewers ask, 'And what alcohol are you planning to enjoy responsibly to celebrate your win?'
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