Some argue that the celebrations have become too commercialized and provide people with an excuse to go out and drink in excess and thus, that the celebration has strayed from its original purpose of honoring St Patrick and the Irish and instead has only served to foster demeaning stereotypes of both Ireland and Irish people alike, such as wearing leprechaun outfits, which are purportedly based on derogatory 19th century caricatures of the Irish.
Regardless of your position on the aforementioned, drinking is very much a large part of St. Patrick Day celebrations and often leads to incidents of drinking and driving, which should be avoided. While it is true that I defend those charged with the crime of DUI, I do not condone drunk driving. That said, I do sincerely believe that not all persons charged with the crime of DUI are in fact guilty of DUI – this is, in my humble opinion, an important distinction.
Nevertheless, if you are going to be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, or even over this St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, be mindful of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. If you have consumed too much alcohol, call a taxi, Uber or Lyft, or even a good sober friend, to drive you home from wherever you may be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!
