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`There are a series of conversational topics that constantly seem to resurface when meeting new individuals or talking with old friends. Among that list is the discussion of origin.
The vast majority of responses follow a predictable flow of statements. Naturally it starts with, “I am from x,” and then the person proceeds to say “But x is the most boring place in the entire world,” and the individual will conclude their description with, “there is literally nothing to do in the entire town/city/county.”
After declaring the miserable living conditions, the person makes one final statement to finish the discussion, “It is so boring in x, the only thing to do is drink/smoke.”
This process of reasoning, “We were bored, so we drank” is what I like to refer to as the “Boring home justification theory” and it is possibly one of the worst arguments for justification circulating in society.
Truthfully, I have no problem with drinking or smoking; I do not think it is wrong or bad. What I do have a problem with is the rationale commonly used to justify the activity.
First of all, how is it possible that everyone comes from a place that is excruciatingly boring? This is indirectly arguing that all the other towns in the world are filled with overwhelming amounts of excitement and activity. This illusion that “every other town is more exciting” creates a presupposed assumption that a town is somehow obligated to constantly entertain its citizens.
Also, there is an implied condition within the “It’s boring, let’s drink” statement. The implication is as follows, “If we lived in an exciting town such as Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Chicago or New York we would not have to drink because there are more exciting things to do.” Is this true?
If it is, why is it that in the “real excitingtowns/cities,” such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia etc. the most common activity is to go to a club, bar, party and drink? Hence, the argument/claim that one is drinking due to boredom is incompatible.
In addition, why is it that “I’m bored” automatically translates into “Let’s drink!” There are always other things one can do to fill their time, such as learning to play an instrument, making a slip-n-slide, playing cards, watching a movie, hiking, swimming, reading a book, building something, ride a bike or taking a road trip.
In fewer words, find a hobby and be creative, for there is always something to do.
If you choose to drink, simply have the integrity to say “I’m drinking because I want to and it is my hobby/entertainment,” do not try to falsely justify it by claiming, “I was bored.”