Assignment 1-4-2

The Relationship Between Myths and Energy Drinks

Kristen Watson

HUMN240-H3WW

Assignment 1-4-2

Gregory Smith

11/18/12

The Relationship Between Myths and Energy Drinks

            The topic I chose to analyze is energy drinks because of the increased consumption among society; which is mainly due to busy and hectic lifestyles. There are a variety of these drinks that are becoming more and more popular in our culture and if we take a look at the concepts of popular beliefs and myths we will see how these topics are connected.

            Popular beliefs are ideas that people think or believe to be true but those ideas are not always based on truth. There seems to be a popular belief that energy drinks contain healthy ingredients which in turn boosts your energy. This is not the case when these drinks are not consumed in moderation. Caffeine and taurine can cause damage in people who consume high dosages. We have recently seen in the news lately that over a dozen deaths have been linked to two popular energy drinks; Monster and 5 Hour Energy. It is clear that this popular belief may seem to be true when just reading labels, however, high consumption of certain ingredients can turn deadly.

            Ray B. Browne (2005) defines myth as “the belief that material superiority automatically brings happiness” (p. 13). This relates very well to energy drinks because majority of people who consume them are in turn happy with the results. They might take a 5 Hour Energy so they can stay up all night studying for an exam or writing an essay and this could very well bring them happiness the following day when they complete the exam with a decent grade or submit their essay. For many this myth is true and for many it is not. Some who consume energy drinks feel absolutely terrible the following day with headaches and severe fatigue and might have forgotten all they took in while studying.

            By looking at these two concepts and relating them to energy drinks we are able to see the negative effects these might have on one person who consumes in excess. It reveals the dangers of certain ingredients. Then again, it also reveals the fulfillment of happiness you can receive when consuming in moderation and completing the tasks that you normally would have been unable to complete.

References

Browne, Ray B. (2005). Profiles of popular culture: A reader (p. 13). Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press.