Alcoholic Pride

In one debate over the issue of homosexuality I was able to steer the conclusion to an identification of homosexuality as an "abnormality," whether biological or psychological in origin, all moral judgments aside. I then pointed out that the problem with this condition is that it offers its "sufferer" positive reinforcements; the indulgence of sexual desire, whatever its source or legitimacy, is a powerful motivator. This is not the kind of thing offered with something like a congenital ailment or a phobia. I doubt I'll ever witness a gout pride march or an arachnophobia rights protest in my lifetime.

The thing that seemed most equivalent to homosexuality for me to point out was alcoholism. The alcoholic is typically in denial that he has a problem, gains subjective benefits from indulging his condition, risks health issues in its pursuit, and can always blame it all on genetics or a bad childhood if he is taken to task. The advantage of this analogy is that the dangers and shortcomings of alcoholism are readily admitted by all people, no matter how pleasurable and legal drinking itself may happen to be. Even the alcoholic himself will tend to agree that alcoholism is a bad thing, he usually just denies that he qualifies as one.

Well, it appears that the alcoholism comparison may have less force than I once thought. According to this group of drinkers there is nothing wrong with inebriation as a lifestyle choice. Their spokesman, Frank Rich of Modern Drunkard magazine, says that "it's all about drinking without apology or remorse," and claims that "alcohol makes us better human beings." His magazine extols the [short-term] benefits and pleasures of alcohol consumption, offers community for those of like mind, and attempts to win credibility for their cause by pointing out all the respected and productive alcoholics of history.

Sound hauntingly familiar? But why not use the tactics of the gay activists, they've worked well so far.