The Story of Tom Brennan

It's an issue that seems to stream through every division in the media; excessive drinking in the younger generations can no longer be ignored. Fortunately, television programs and teenage literature are discouraging this trend by exposing the dangers of excessive alcohol abuse... and the widespread consequences it can have. A. Student explains...

There seems to be a certain mentality amongst the younger generation that alcohol abuse is 'ok'. Young people are often blaze about their actions, believing they are indestructible, that nothing could happen to them. But today's media is trying to deter this attitude by focusing on the consequences that alcohol abuse can have; enter Nick D'Arcy's Australian Story report and J.C.Burkes, The Story of Tom Brennan.

Nick D'Arcy, one of Australia's newest swimming prodigies, found himself in deep water after becoming involved in an alcohol fuelled altercation with former Olympian Swimmer Simon Cowley. As Nick explains perhaps it's the juvenile attitude such as "I feel like I've got to catch-up... Get absolutely sloshed" that the younger population have acquired in recent years that has lead to the spike in alcohol related incidents.

Swimming Coach, Brian Stehr believes Nick can be seen as a representation of a considerable portion of the young population. "Very intelligent but in many ways very young." Unfortunately it isn't until an accident occurs that they are forced to fully mature and understand that every action has a consequence.

For Nick the consequence of the "night marked for celebration, but ended in tragedy" has seen the destruction of his childhood dream; after much debate the AOC decided to prevent Nick from representing his country in the 2008 Olympic Games. Furthermore, he was given a criminal record and was faced with the possibility of jail time. All this a result of binge drinking and an impulse reaction.

Possibly more disheartening with circumstances such as Nick's is that it's not only the individual that must suffer the consequences, but the family, the friends and the other victims. As evident in an interview with Sue and Justin D'Arcy, Nick's parents, the close-up camera shot highlights the pain and suffering the couple are going through. They have been thrust into the spot light; "With media sitting outside our house 24/7." Sue adds.

Likewise, The Story of Tom Brennan focuses on the aftermath of a drink driving fatality and shows the widespread altercations it has caused for family, friends and the extended community. J.C.Burke explains, "Teenager's are so protected from the real world in the current climate. Their outlook on life is very narrow and their responsibilities concern mostly themselves. I wrote this novel as a concerned mother wanting to emphasise the altercations their actions carry and the flow-on effect