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What do You do with the drunken sailor?

What Do You Do with the Drunken Sailor?

The traditional sea shanty "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a staple of maritime culture for centuries. The song’s origins are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century among British and American sailors. The lyrics pose a question that has puzzled sailors and landlubbers alike: what do you do with a drunken sailor?

The Question of the Drunken Sailor

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The song’s opening lines ask, "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?" followed by a series of humorous and sometimes gruesome suggestions. These include:

Keelhauling: a medieval punishment where the sailor is dragged under the ship’s keel, often resulting in serious injury or death
Make him walk the plank: a common myth about pirates, but unlikely to be a real practice
Put him in a long boat till his sober: a more practical and humane approach, but not exactly a fun solution

These suggestions are often tongue-in-cheek, and the song is meant to be a humorous and entertaining way to pass the time while working on a ship. However, the question remains: what do you do with a drunken sailor?

The Reality of Drunken Sailors

In reality, drunken sailors were a common problem in the 19th century. Sailors often spent their downtime in ports indulging in alcohol, leading to all sorts of trouble. The British Royal Navy, in particular, had a reputation for heavy drinking and discipline problems.

Some of the consequences of drunkenness among sailors included:

Loss of crew and ship: a drunken sailor could be a liability, putting the entire crew and ship at risk
Discipline problems: drunkenness could lead to insubordination, disorder, and even mutiny
Health risks: excessive drinking could lead to illnesses, injuries, and even death

Solutions to the Drunken Sailor Problem

So, what do you do with a drunken sailor? In reality, the solution often depended on the specific circumstances and the ship’s regulations. Here are some possible solutions:

SolutionConsequences
MarooningLeft alone on a deserted island, often with little chance of survival
KeelhaulingA medieval punishment that could result in serious injury or death
FloggingA physical punishment that could leave the sailor with physical and emotional scars
Drying outA period of time in solitary confinement, with minimal food and water, to sober up
Court-martialA formal trial, potentially leading to imprisonment, fines, or even execution

Modern-Day Solutions

Today, the problem of drunken sailors is largely a thing of the past. Modern maritime laws and regulations emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe and disciplined work environment. Here are some modern-day solutions to the problem of drunken sailors:

Random drug and alcohol testing: Regular testing helps to identify and address substance abuse issues before they become a problem
Counseling and treatment: Many organizations offer counseling and treatment programs to help sailors overcome addiction
Disciplinary action: Serious offenses can result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal
Education and awareness: Many organizations emphasize the importance of responsible drinking and provide education and awareness programs to prevent substance abuse

Conclusion

The traditional sea shanty "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" may be a humorous and entertaining way to pass the time, but it also raises important questions about the reality of drunken sailors and the solutions to the problem. While the song’s suggestions may be tongue-in-cheek, the consequences of drunkenness are very real. Today, modern-day solutions emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe and disciplined work environment, and many organizations are working to prevent substance abuse and promote responsible drinking.

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