Adulthood (a controversy apparently)

Things Americans can do when they turn 18 (in no particular order):

• Buy and smoke tobacco
• Vote
• Get married
• Join the army 
• Get a loan under their own name
• Buy cough syrup, spray paint, and dry ice
• Go to adult stores and purchase pornography
• Get killed in the service
• Sign medical releases for themselves
• Run for most governmental offices
• Rent or buy a place to live
• Apply for credit in their own name
• Make a will and power of attorney
• Sign contracts and be personally sued if they are broken
• Be tried in adult criminal court

Things Americans can do when they turn 21:

• Buy and consume alcohol

I was told recently (by more than one person that have no relation to each other) that one does not become an adult until they turn twenty-one. This is, obviously, complete bullshit (excuse my French but I believe harsh wording is necessary here).I have also been told that turning 18 is simply a legal matter and that 18 year old's are still minors. This is also, bullshit. Unless dying to protect the freedom of arrogance is "just a legal matter" I will have to firmly disagree. 18 is "the age of majority" in this country (by law, which is pretty darned specific). This means, for anyone with half a brain and vocabulary can understand, that 18 year old's are not minors. For all legal and social purposes, anyone over the age of 18 is an adult, has the rights of an adult, and has the consequences of an adult. 

I had yet another person argue that one is not an adult until they can support themselves. This is the most legitimate of the arguments that I have had placed in front of me. It is true that (if for respect purposes even more than anything else) if one lives with their parents/guardians they must obey that persons rules (at least when they are in that home). This is somewhat insubstantial though, because 18 year old's can move away or simply leave the home and participate in any activities they wish (that are lawful). 

And the most legitimate argument: high school students can still be treated like children. Yes, they can. But only when they are one school grounds (and they can leave school grounds whenever they want!). So again, the point is moot. 

To be perfectly clear, I am offended when people say that 18 year old's are not adults because it is complete idiocy based in no part on any fact. Know what you're talking about before you open your big fat arrogant mouth, okay? 

For the irritated (from the irritated),

DWF

(Note: I think the drinking age thing is highly unproductive, but that is a topic for another day)