For her teenagers, soda and energy drinks occupy a unique role. “It’s a kind of social currency for them,” she says.
Her 17-year-old daughter, Olivia, confirms this dynamic.
“ I feel like when you walk into first period in the morning, everyone has like a Red Bull, an energy drink — it’s a social construct for sure,” says Olivia.https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5432809/trump-snap-food-assistance
This is supposed to be in the Portland, Oregon area. I don’t deny people’s capacity to behave in weird ways but this is not the fashion where I live. Red Bull is what 50-year-old contractors in the construction industry drink. I have not seen it among students since 2011. Very rarely there is a Propel but other than that it’s either Starbucks or a water bottle. Americans all must carry a water bottle. It’s right there with the driver licence. I’ve gotten so Americanized that I also feel weird if I haven’t had anything to drink for over 30 minutes.

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