If I tried to light up a cigarette in the middle of class, the professor and other students surely would make me stop right there on the spot. However if I come to class with a Mountain Dew, no one would make a peep about it. The Church has no "official" policy on the issue of whether or not caffeine is against the Word of Wisdom, but has left it to each to decide for him or her self. BYU has made it their decision to not offer caffeinated drinks on campus. The Administration most likely decided this because it would rather not risk offending parties with contradicting interpretations of the spirit. Yet, despite BYU’s policy, students will continue to purchase these beverages and bring them onto campus and in their classes without consequence or second thought. BYU does nothing to bar their presence on campus, so why even have this policy to begin with?
The concern of many who agree with BYU’s policy is that caffeine is an addictive substance and we have been cautioned against it. The Brethren have cautioned against its use and anything containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Caffeine can be addictive and harmful in excess, but there are many other substances that can be also. While BYU is not the Church, they have judged it prudent to not offer caffeine and thus avoid the temptation and possible addiction to caffeinated drinks.
I do not wish to justify the consumption of caffeine simply because nothing has expressly been stated about it in the scriptures. We know from the Word of Wisdom and the prophets that we should live healthy lifestyles, get proper nutrition, and avoid some things. We were all born with our agency and are all entitled to the guidance of the spirit as we live worthily. Furthermore, most of us have some common sense and our consumption of not only caffeine but all things should be based on our knowledge of what is best for our health and what the spirit tells us on the matter. That stated, I do not feel that a Coke every once in a while is harmful. However, the control and choice lies within each individual over how much, if any, is consumed.
Although BYU does not sell colas with caffeine, they do sell a drink called Guarana. Caffeine is not listed on its ingredients; however, it does contain guaranine, a well known synonym for caffeine. Dr. Jennifer Nielsen, a BYU faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who specializes in organic chemistry confirms this and goes on to say, “No one does research on guaranine, because they don't call it that. It is caffeine.” When asked why they sell this drink she replied, “In the name of providing an authentic cultural connection with Brazil as well as maintaining solid and friendly international relations with 185 million Brazilians, we do. We also carry it because of numerous requests by returned missionaries from the approximately 28 missions in that country.” This seems like a rather arbitrary reason to break policy. According to Dr. James Duke, author of Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs and other economic plants, a single seed from the guarana fruit contains approximately five times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans. Clearly this beverage contains a comparable amount of caffeine to that of a can of cola. So why is this sold to appease the requests of some RM’s if it clearly breaks the policy to not sell caffeinated drinks? I served my mission in Peru and the national drink of Peru is Inca Cola which contains caffeine. BYU should also sell this despite its caffeinated content so that I and the other Peruvian RM’s can reminisce with a glass of that golden goodness over lunch at the Cougar Eat. In order to be fair and just, BYU would have to break policy and sell it so that Brazilians and Peruvians can enjoy their beverages of choice.
There are many who do not drink sodas for their caffeinated content. Many caffeinated sodas are also offered in a non-caffeinated alternative. I personally fall into this category and do not drink Mountain Dew or Dr. Pepper because they contain caffeine but rather because I like the taste as I’m sure many would agree. Caffeine free Coca-Cola is offered on campus and I know that there are non-caffeinated versions of Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and many others so the question is begging to be asked; why are these not included on campus also? If these alternatives were provided I believe many of us would actually prefer them to their caffeinated counterparts. This would allow students to enjoy their favorite sodas without having the effects of caffeine thus helping the student and in turn the atmosphere of BYU.
I appreciate the concern the administration has over the students here at BYU and for the atmosphere that exists on and around campus because of it. The issue of caffeine is not one that is black and white, but as heretofore shown there exist inconsistencies and alternatives that are not acknowledged nor considered. Caffeinated beverages are already sold on campus; therefore BYU should sell more caffeinated drinks, or the non caffeinated alternative, to those who so desire it. I personally feel the latter to be the stronger and better alternative of the two and am sure that many would be joyed to find a non caffeinated version of their favorite sodas available on campus and thus eliminating the want for these caffeinated beverages on campus.
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5 comments:
1. Thesis: BYU should offer caiffeinated beverages or the non-caffeinated alternatives to sodas on campus
2. Audience: the Administration
3. What is convincing: acknowledging the counter-arguements and addressing them
Less effective: not introducing the choice of allowing the non-caffeinated alternatives until the end of the opinion editorial
Worked Well:
1. The argument of only being cautioned against the consumption of caffeine is strong. It is not black and white.
2. The fact that not consuming caffeine is not in the scriptures and is subjective to many and that not having caffeinated drinks on campus is only appealing to one side of the matter is also a strong argument.
3. Making people aware that caffeine is in Guarana and that it is sold on campus is, in my opinion, your strongest argument.
Weaknesses:
1. The introduction and first paragraph were a little confusing for me and I had to read over it more than once to understand. I think making your sentences more concise and a little cleared will help.
2. I was confused with your thesis until the end. Do you want caffeinated drinks on campus or do you want the non-caffeinated version of them.
3. I think your argument would be stronger by taking a stance on either having caffeinated drinks or having the non-caffeinated version of most drinks.
1. I addressed some of the concerns, but I still have to clarify more things.
2. I need to work on the intro, and the organization of my argument. I plan on haveing my roommates read my paper and giving me their ideas of how to change the order and structure of my argument and some creative input to better state my argument in the intro.
I thought that your comparison between cigarettes and mountain dew was an interesting statement. I hadn't ever considered that before, but I find that it is very true. I think that you have a good argument here, just be sure that your paragraphs correlate back to your thesis. I only saw a few mistakes, but overall your points are strong and it sounds good.
I liked your concluding sentence. The inclusion of solutions and compromises to the caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverage dilemma helps close your argument with some strength.
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