Collin Sarvis
Candace Wiley
February 25, 2009
Research Paper

Proposal
The media has a huge effect on and holds some responsibility for the amount of underage drinking and partying in teenagers today. Teenagers are exposed to alcohol in the media every day, whether it is through television, movies, advertisement, magazines, or the news. The image portrayed in television shows and movies is that drinking is the “cool” thing to do. The characters are always the popular crowd out partying. This makes teenagers think if they drink, they will “cool” and popular; however, television and movies does not show the negative effects of alcohol. They do not show the mistakes, bad decisions, accidents, life changing events, etc. It is also hard to flip through a magazine without seeing a print advertisement for beer, liquor, or wine. The advertisements always appeal to teenagers. Some include attractive models or celebrities. Celebrities dramatically affect teenagers consuming alcohol. There are celebrities in America that are out of control, such as the obvious Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, or Paris Hilton. These stars have so many young adults that look up to them. When teenagers or children see their favorite celebrity photographed or video-taped drinking and partying, that is what they are going to want to do to be like the celebrity. Once again, it’s the “cool” thing to do.

Introduction
The teenage years are a rite of passage to grow and develop into a mature adult ready to enter the real world and make decisions. There are reasons the United States has defined ages at which a child can vote, purchase tobacco, or consume alcohol. Although they seem minor, these are major decisions that could ultimately change one’s life. Drinking alcohol can be a very dramatic, life changing choice leading to accidents, addictions, death, health problems, and criminal issues. Teenagers are exposed to alcohol and the image portrayed that comes with alcohol in the media every day. Over the years, the media, through print, television, and movies, has drastically developed into means of affecting and influencing teens, at very young ages.

Main Points
-celebrities endorsing alcohol products
-television shows and movies portraying drinking and partying to be the “cool” thing to do
-examples: The O.C., One Tree Hill, Mean Girls, American Pie, and many more
-celebrities in the media and news for going out, drinking, and partying
-examples: Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, etc.
-how teenagers are influenced by celebrities
-how alcohol can effect one’s life and future
-print ads
-how drinking is overall portrayed
-the media doesn’t include the negative possible outcomes of alcohol

Conclusion
Illegal underage drinking has become a very common and too normal problem in America. There are reasons the United States has a defined age until a child can consume alcohol; however, the media heavily influences teenagers going against this law. The image in the media of consuming alcohol and the type of people who consume alcohol is positive and directed towards young adults. Teenagers want to be “cool” and therefore make stupid mistakes. Television, movies, advertisements, celebrities, and magazines persuade teenagers to make decisions that can dramatically change the rest of their life.