Summary

In this essay, Solnit makes a thoroughgoing critique of guidelines for drinking for women issued by Center for Disease Control. In the guidelines, women are warned against excessive alcohol consumption with a list of consequences stated in a problematic way. The examples which drew the ire and ridicule of Solnit and many others include: “injuries/violence” and “unintended pregnancy.” Solnit points out the glaring absence of any mention of men, the actual cause of violence and pregnancy – and in the case of pregnancy, the physically necessary cause. She argues that the guidelines make it seem as though women get pregnant on their own and that the consequences are entirely their own fault, since no one else is involved.

This exculpates men from the irresponsible or even violent ways they may act with women, since it makes it appear that...