If I have one drug-related pet peeve, it’s when people casually but not so casually bring up drugs constantly in conversation. You’ll be discussing something uncontroversial like tractors, or the weather, when next thing you know, the un-subtle drug taker drops their drug consumption habits into the conversation with poorly faked nonchalance. You’ll be talking about your recent essay, and the un-subtle drug taker will hijack the conversation, and begin talking emphatically about how WASTED they were, and how they were “far too high” to even begin the essay. You nod along, because that’s what social etiquette tells us is required, but inside, you weigh up escape route options and fantasise about telling old un-subtle drug taker to shut up.
Some people take drugs; each to their own. But, in my book at least, constant drug references aren’t going to make me like a person more. If anything, the un-subtle drug takers of the world make me wonder if there’s much going on beneath their bawdy boastful exterior. I’d rather talk about Britney’s new song, or analyse the science of photosynthesis than have to talk about last night when they were “so high” or laugh about their stupid story of when they “were totally tripping while watching TV” for the umpteenth time.
That said, I’m not a huge fan of the drug fascists either. The drug fascists are equally vocal about their abrasive and rather narrow minded opinions. “I can’t believe you got STONED”, they’ll exclaim to distant acquaintances who have recently shared a joint. “That is SO IMMORAL. Getting stoned is SO BAD FOR YOU”. And with that, they’ll snootily desert the poor acquaintance to get “completely maggot” with their other drug fascist friends. They might break their wrist, or sleep with their boyfriend’s best friend, but it’s OKAY because alcohol isn’t “immoral”. It’s reasoning like this that makes me question the strength of the NCEA system.
Given my apparent dislike of a few people, we have tried hard to make sure we cover a range of views. We look at previous uses of modern drugs (pg 18). We discuss legal weed v illegal weed (page 23) and the increasing prevalence of people using smart drugs to help study (pg 30). A somewhat crazy volunteer tries various highs and reports back on his experiences (page 24). We report on drug addiction in New Zealand and the services that are provided to help addicts (page 20). In short, we don’t care whether you take or don’t take drugs (although of course, Critic doesn’t condone illegal behaviour and stuff). Treat this as an interesting read, rather than as a how-to guide.
We hope you enjoy this issue!
Stay classy,
Julia Hollingsworth
Editorial - 7
