What should we do with a drunken sailor?

What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?

The traditional sea shanty "What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" has been a favorite among sailors and non-sailors alike for centuries. The song’s catchy melody and repetitive lyrics have made it a staple of folk music, but its lyrics also raise an important question: what should we do with a drunken sailor?

The Historical Context

Before we dive into the modern-day implications of the question, it’s important to understand the historical context in which the song was written. The song is believed to have originated in the 19th century, when sailors were notorious for their love of rum and other spirits. In those days, drunkenness was a common problem on ships, and sailors who became intoxicated could pose a serious risk to themselves and others on board.

The Three Options

The song’s lyrics present three options for what to do with a drunken sailor: "Shave his belly with a rusty razor," "Make him walk the plank," and "Put him in the longboat till his sober." Each of these options has its own unique challenges and implications.

Option 1: Shave his belly with a rusty razor

Risks and Dangers: This option may seem gruesome, but it’s worth noting that in the 19th century, razors were often unhygienic and prone to infection. "Shaving" a drunken sailor with a rusty razor could lead to serious injuries, including blood poisoning and even death.

Consequences: In today’s society, such a punishment would be considered cruel and unusual. It’s unlikely that a court of law would convict someone of drunkenness and sentence them to this fate.

Option 2: Make him walk the plank

Risks and Dangers: "Walking the plank" is a term that’s often associated with the high seas, but in reality, it’s unlikely that a sailor would ever be forced to walk the plank as a form of punishment. The plank was a real thing, however, and it was often used as a way to dispose of prisoners or even entire ships that were too damaged to repair.

Consequences: While the idea of making someone "walk the plank" may seem dramatic, it’s important to note that such a punishment would be incredibly dangerous and potentially fatal.

Option 3: Put him in the longboat till his sober

Risks and Dangers: This option seems the most reasonable of the three, but it’s still important to consider the risks and challenges associated with it. Leaving a drunken sailor in a small boat for an extended period could lead to serious dehydration, exposure, and even drowning.

Consequences: In today’s society, it’s unlikely that someone would be sentenced to a punishment like this, as it’s considered cruel and inhumane.

Modern-Day Implications

So, what should we do with a drunken sailor in the 21st century? While the three options presented in the song may not be relevant, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind.

Prevention: The best way to address the problem of drunken sailors is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This can be done through education and awareness, as well as the enforcement of laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Support: For those who do become intoxicated, it’s important to provide support and assistance. This can include calling for medical help if necessary, or simply helping the individual get back to their quarters safely.

Accountability: Finally, it’s important to hold individuals accountable for their actions. This can be done through the legal system, as well as through employer policies and workplace rules.

Conclusion

The song "What Should We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" may have originated centuries ago, but its lyrics still raise important questions about how we should handle individuals who become intoxicated. While the three options presented in the song may not be relevant in the 21st century, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to addressing the problem of drunkenness. By prioritizing prevention, support, and accountability, we can work towards creating a safer and more responsible drinking culture.

Table:

Bullets List:

• Prevention: education and awareness, enforcement of laws and regulations
• Support: calling for medical help, helping individuals get back to their quarters safely
• Accountability: legal system, employer policies, workplace rules