Read other letters about this article

• Saturday, April 4, 2009 08:40 AM

  macgupta

  What cultural differences do you think account for the fact that 13 US states have enacted marijuana decriminalization laws?

  More than 30 percent of the U.S. population lives under some form of marijuana decriminalization, and according to government and academic studies, these laws have not contributed to an increase in marijuana consumption nor negatively impacted adolescent attitudes toward drug use.

  http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5442

  My previous post does not demonstrate that what works in another country cannot work here. It was meant to suggest that by looking at cultural similarities and differences, we may be able to learn how to influence policies in this country. The cultural value of individualism is just one small measure of a society (as a whole) and it's not enough to know what might or might not work in this country.

  The story of India and alcohol is not over, btw. Prohibition has been withdrawn in several states and

  Indian society is currently undergoing another tectonic shift in its socio-economic fabric. The impact of globalisation and economic liberalization (exposure to satellite television, rapid socioeconomic transition and growing disposable incomes) appears to have influenced a widespread attitudinal shift to greater normalization of alcohol use.

  http://www.ias.org.uk/resources/publications/theglobe/globe200502/gl200502_p7.html

  —EJ Read EJ's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel