"Pass the Dutchie On the Left Hand Side"

In Howard Becker's "Becoming a Marihuana User" we were told we only needed to accomplish three things if we want to smoke marijuana enjoyably: 1. learn to smoke it in a way that will produce real effects. 2. learn to recognize the effects and connect with drug use. 3. learn to enjoy the sensations one perceives. Overall, this piece seemed to be a basic "how to get high" article. Throughout the article Howard Becker made some valid points in relation to smoking marijuana (first time pot users, heavy users, learning techniques, etc.). Through these examples, and explanations from Becker, we see how social construction and forms of subculture, maybe even counter-culture, can allude to this illicit drug.

From Becker's article we can see shapes of social construction being played out through the techniques he describes first time users enduring. While most of the first time users, according to Becker, usually don't get high their first time, they are taught how to correctly smoke the marijuana to feel its true effects. These techniques are passed down from veteran pot smokers, and learned by many. In this situation we see the amateur pot smokers being taught a new form of behavior in which the will only build upon based on whether or not they decide to keep indulging in marijuana. Becker describes in some situations how smokers new to the effects of marijuana may 'freak out' and not be able to handle the high. Like teaching a student, the veterans coach the newbies through the high; only as to tell the to 'enjoy the journey.' If this behavior continues with the new smoker, then he/she too will maybe one day be coaching someone else through their first high. The cylce of construction continues: the first time smoking, smoking with friends, smoking before activites, wake n' bake, passing the dutchie on the left hand side; this is all being constructed and the new smokers are taking it all in.

Aside from the social construction that comes along with smoking marijuana, we can see in this article how the now pot users have become a subculture in society. I believe some 42% of Americans have tried marijuana, and while that number is most likely lower for continuous users, the percentage is still up there. This percentage falls in with any other subculture in the U.S.: punk, goth, hippie, new age, urban, skater, rocker, etc. This category almost ties in with social construction. While the new smokers are learning to smoke pot and get high, they are involving themselves in this subculture of America; stoners, potheads, burnouts, what have you. While seen as a subculture by someone like me, to many others these people are considered to be a counterculture. Personally I don't see it to be this way. To some, the subculture is viewed as irresponsible, rebels against authority, and a waste of youth; I say we let them practice what they believe. Instead of thinking a revolt is coming from them, maybe it's time to sit back and think; maybe these guys just want to get high...