We had a “grads” Christmas party last week, and we’d invited along the summer interns mostly to make up the numbers. As soon as we settled in to start the night, a group pulled out cigarettes. And they kept going through the night. Now, I’d seen it often enough in Europe, and given the reputation of the continent, I could accept it. But my impression of Australia, and Australian ‘youth’, was that smoking was on the way out, a rarity at best.
I’m no innocent; smoking is prevalent enough in clubs that I know how much it happens. But the constant, almost chain smoking style of cigarette consumption was more than a little off putting. As a principled stance, I walked away as soon as it wasn’t blatantly rude – everyone’s free to choose, I say, even if I don’t like it – and stayed away for most of the night.
It puzzles me; these are intelligent people, and most of them are around my age (I’m still the youngest :D). We’ve had the education, the advertising, all the information we could ever need, and yet, these people still persist in doing so. The women were more into it than the guys – it seemed if anything to be an image thing.
I don’t know; I’m not entirely sure what my point is. Basically I was disappointed that people are still smoking by choice.
Well, if you ever find out why. Please share.
Me and you both. I’ll never get them, and I really hope tax-payers don’t end up footing the bill for their lung transplant when they end up with cancer. (as cruel as that sounds :P)
I’d say the only true solution would be to make cigarettes a prescription drug, ensuring no-one new would get on them and the current users could keep using, but with the stigma attached of doctor/prescription. That’d be the most effective, but I think the tobacco industry (and the various small businesses that do the selling) would fight that tooth-and-nail.
I don’t know how you’d even get close to that point. To make something a prescription drug is a big deal.
honestly? I don’t think it’s that big a deal… it would be a huge step in terms of how we think about cigarettes, but it would be the most effective way to deal with it.
some study showed that people who are depressed are more likely to smoke. *shrugs* maybe you just have some sick friends who needs a shoulder :P
that and the image of smoking is “cool”. most smokers do know the dangers of smoking. but they choose to do it still. maybe banning it is not the solution. but to find out the drive behind smoking (other than the addiction to nicotine). like why they start in the first place. and stop it there.
stop making movies where the cool characters smoke is a good start!