Recently, the FDA ruled severe restrictions on how tobacco companies can advertise.
So, does it even matter?
Fact is that teen smoking has declined in the past decade. Check any source.
But what are we going to attribute that to? Have increased regulation and ambitious campaigns to educate our youth on the dangers of smoking truly had an effect on their lifestyle choices?
And that’s really what it comes down to, isn’t it? Lifestyle choice?
I’m an [occasional] smoker. I was also a biology major with every intention of going to med school. I know the effects that carbon monoxide, nicotine and all those dangerous chemicals have on my lungs. I know it’s addictive. I know it’ll take years of my life. I mean, the American Cancer Society says so…
So why do it?
Because somewhere along the line, I made that decision. I decided I liked the image of myself smoking. I tried one out of curiosity and liked the feeling I got – that buzz after a long drag. It was a lifestyle choice.
And no matter what my parents warn, no matter what my friends say and no matter what the government, scientists, media or advertisers tell me, I’ll still be married to the image of myself standing out on a brisk, breezy sidewalk in a long overcoat, buzzed from the night’s drink and lighting that Camel with my brushed chrome Zippo.
Maybe I’m ignorant. Misinformed. And what-have-you. But I think there’s something to be said about persona and unwavering lifestyle choices.
Just like ear piercings (had one) and tattoos (want one), if you’re gonna do it, you’ll do it (I’m taking suggestions on what to get, btw).
Perhaps down the road, I’ll have a life-altering experience that completely changes my outlook on life. Perhaps I’ll look into the eyes of my baby boy or girl someday and say, “This is it. I’m growing up with my child.”
But, for now, I’m 23. Young. Stubborn. And probably still invincible.
Photo credits: Carl Purcell
As I said earlier today, I am not a smoker, but it is a choice and there isn't a campaign that can influence us to stop unless we want to. I've made a choice not to smoke. My best friend has made a choice to smoke. My parents ( I know this is a blog about Gen Y, but bare with me) have been smoking for over 20 years now even after my grandfather died from lung cancer. It is not because nicotine is so addictive, it is because they do NOT WANT to really stop smoking.
The most important reason why people smoke is image. No one starts smoking as a stress reducing technique, although for some it turns into one.
I agree here, dude. Kids these days are non-smokers because it's okay to be a non-smoker. 40 years ago, if you didn't smoke, you were a square (at least that's what they tell me). If all of the research we have today was available 40 years ago (and I kind of think that it was), smoking might have been a little less common, but not a ton. In the end, kids will do what feels right, right now.
That being said, I used to smoke, and now I don't. Personal choice. Wasn't health-related. I actually quit for a girl. That fling lasted a couple of weeks. The not smoking has lasted 6 years (minus 2 or 3 drags and a 3-week period while in Spain). Is there a lesson here? Doubt it, but if you want to poke for one, it's that people will do whatever the hell they want no matter how bad (or good) you tell them it is.
I agree. We're all very informed, but there's still something sexy and rebellious about smoking, particularly for the young crowd. That seems to be the main factor in most people's decision to start smoking… it completes the sexy/cool persona.
Imagine Sandy at the end of Grease without her obligatory cigarette stomp. The whole schoolgirl to sex symbol transformation would be incomplete without it!
If there is one thing that drives me crazy, its when my friends – or even acquaintances! – tell me I shouldn't smoke. And some of these friends are the ones taking six shots of tequila every Friday night. Because that's way less dangerous to your health than a cigarette once in a while. Bans on smoking and taxes on cigarettes are getting out of control. I'm totally fine with spreading awareness, but stop punishing people for making a choice you happen to disagree with!
Check this out: http://trueslant.com/harmonleon/2010/03/23/almo….
And then the 2nd paragraph here about taxes: http://www.retail-merchandiser.com/retail-repor…
Agree with everyone (including comments from @TheMarlboroCowboy post).
It'll take more than restrictions on advertising. It's the perception and image that need to be overcome. And those are two things that are developed over time by society.
As I cite, teen smoking has decreased consistently (though it's plateauing). So perhaps society is moving away from that rebellious, bad boy stigma that can often be considered “sexy” or “cool.”
But for now, we'll do what we want. And by telling us it's not right or it's unhealthy, makes us think it's that much cooler… unless you are a square.
Totally agree with that…but there are also a lot of villains that smoke, many of which — Cruella DeVil comes to mind — are in kids' movies. How is there a correlation between smoking and sexy, but not smoking and evil? I think that's sort of interesting — had it gone the other way, we could have people saying “Ew, smoking is so gross. Nobody but the bad people in movies does it!”
Putting cigs in the hands of evil villains only reinforces the persona of rebellion. Obviously no one would want to identify with someone who kills puppies, but villains have that same disregard for cultural norms and even the law itself that made people like James Dean so attractive. No one chooses to smoke because they want to be “good.”
Good post, well written!
I'm over 40, so my comment won't reflect Gen Y, but here I go anyway.
To me, smoking is not a personal choice, unless you do it alone. I mean, look, I like a bar to have a certain ambience, but sometimes I really want a drink and really don't want to smell smoke. That's my personal choice, which I can make without affecting anyone else. Choosing to smoke, however, always affects those around you. It's selfish.
Harumph.
Great point Jeff! However, in a city like Boston (where I'm currently situated), I think it's a non-issue since smoking is not allowed indoors – as it is becoming almost universally across the country.
I always ask those around me if they mind whether or not I have a smoke. But, I'm probably the exception rather than the norm.
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I agree Jeff, and if I'm smoking near someone and they ask me to stop because its bothering them, or I can clearly see that it is, than it's only polite to do so. And if bars and restaurants and stores or whatever don't want to allow smoking, that ought to be their choice. And I absolutely don't have a problem with some kind of punishment for people who leave cigarette butts all over the place – that's gross!
What I don't like is when I go outside to have a smoke, away from everyone, and I get flack for making such a Bad Decision. It's my decision to make.
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