(what follows is broad generalisations based on reading i have done, and from talking to a lot o aussies who have lived and worked in america. there will be exceptions to this but for the most part i feel it is accurate)
One thing to keep in mind when reading information about alcohol and ecstasy on this board is that the majority of threads you will find will be written by Americans, who have issues when it comes to alcohol.
You may come across threads that threaten all sorts of dire consequences if you drink and take e. These as bollocks. Aside from the issue of dehydration there is nothing in the combination of alcohol and MDMA that can do you any more harm than the individual substances taken seperately.
So why do some Americans get all strict about this? You have to look at Americas attitude towards alcohol in general. They are the only country that ever banned it, and this wasn't that long ago. There is a puritan streak in American culture that means that alcohol isn't intergrated into their society in the way that is in our country, or European countries.
Alcohol is still seen as an evil vice, rather than something that's a part of social life. It is wonderfully ironic that these same feelings can turn up in the middle of drug culture.
This isn't to say that Americans don't drink. It's just that drinking is usually done either to excess or not at all. You'll often find that as an Australian in America you'll get odd looks when you ask workmates out for a couple of beers after work. "But it's not Friday? they'll say.
But back on topic, I guess with this issue there is also a feeling that the "pure MDMA experience" should not be sullied and obscured by alcohol. I guess there is something to be said for that, in it's place, but the ultimate choice is always up to you. What sort of night do you want?
[ 08 July 2002: Message edited by: johnboy ]
