New study reveals that drunk people are more racist and homophobic

It's safe to say that when you're drunk, your behaviour changes. Personally, I know that after three or four gin and tonics, I am much more susceptible to going a bit mad and I'm more than likely to indulge in a bit of mischief. However, while I am undoubtedly a "fun" drunk, this isn't the case for everyone. For some people, drinking brings out the worst in them, with plenty of street fights and assaults happening when people are intoxicated. Not only this, but new research has also shown that drunk people are more likely to be racist and homophobic. The study, which was published in the Journal of Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, suggests that alcohol can often act as an instigator for certain people, who are more likely to express their prejudices towards others in the form of violent hate crimes. The research was carried out by Cardiff University and looked at the experiences of 124 injured people in accident and emergency rooms, who had been victims of violent attacks across the UK. The study took place in the cities of Cardiff, Blackburn and Leicester. Among the 124 people who were interviewed, results showed that around a fifth of them said that they had been attacked by people who were motivated by some form of prejudice. Drunkenness accounted for 90% of the attacks, with seven people saying their appearance was the main motive and blaming racial tensions within their communities for the violence. Eight of the victims said that they believed they were attacked based on their race, religion or sexual orientation. Professor John Shepherd, director of the Cardiff University Crime and Security Research Institute said that the findings revealed that most attacks are not just fuelled by hate alone, but alcohol had also appeared to ignite the incidents. Speaking of the results, the pressor said: "Our findings suggest that tackling alcohol abuse is not only important in regards to the health of individuals but also to the health of our society. Additionally, we have learned that emergency room violence surveys can act as a community tension sensor and early warning system." Edwin Sesange, an LGBTQ activist, said that he is worried that the study may now be used as a scapegoat for racism and homophobia. "I call upon the police and the justice system to go hard on people who commission such crimes. The findings are worrying especially if you are black and LGBT living in the UK" Many of the victims involved in the study said that they believed limiting alcohol consumption in the UK would be a good way to reduce the risks of the attacks such as the ones they have experienced. While we all like a drink from time-to-time, it should never be used an excuse for a hate crime. Yes, plenty of people get a bit rowdy when they've had a drink, but prejudice-fuelled attacks are wrong, no matter how intoxicated you are.