NationStates Jolt Archive

Why does anybody start smoking? I have sympathy for older tobacco addicts who didn't know know any better, but there's no excuse for anyone starting it now - the certainty of a shortened life is known to all.

Maybe they want to die?

Why does anyone drive a car?
I have sympathy for those older drivers, but those who do now know what it does to our planet.

But seriously...Do you lose alot of sleep over this?

But seriously...Do you lose alot of sleep over this?

Well, a favourite uncle of mine died young from emphysema caused wholly by his smoking, and yes sometimes I do dwell on why he chose to kill himself like that. He would have suffered a lot less if he'd just used a gun and gotten it over with quickly.

But seriously...Do you lose alot of sleep over this?

Well, a favourite uncle of mine died young from emphysema caused wholly by his smoking, and yes sometimes I do dwell on why he chose to kill himself like that. He would have suffered a lot less if he'd just used a gun and gotten it over with quickly.

Tobacco has been around for a very long time...And people seem to enjoy it.
It's just like almost everything else that feels good: Bad for you.

I started smoking at 14 because I wanted to be one of the "cool" kids.
It looked so adult, too. (What a laugh!)
It was a struggle at first as I was nauseous and dizzy the first few tries.
Eventually I got addicted and then it was more need than want.
Many years of trying to quit and then along came Nicorettes!
They work as long as you choose a Nicorette instead of a smoke.
I've actually had one of each in hand and chosen the smoke! :(
Now, I've been smoke free for 2+ years!
I now know I cannot even have "just one puff", as it always leads to "just one cigarette", and then I'm hooked again.
For some people it seems easy for them to quit, but for most I believe it is quite hard.

Congratulations on quitting esselldee! :)

I dont see why you have to go all anti smoking You may well think its dumb and stupid but you dont have to go preaching, its their lungs and stupid passivre smoking, you have your own special nonsmoking areas inside and outside your no more being poisoned by car fumes then by ciggarettes, I myself am not a smoker. It just pisses me off when people look down at smokers and get all preachy and holy.

Tobacco ranks exactly #4571 on my "things worth thinking about" list.

Here's a question though:

Can someone explain the liberal "Legalize Pot, Outlaw Tobacco" position? Other than hating cigarettes because "evil" corporations have made money off them? :?:

Tobacco ranks exactly #4571 on my "things worth thinking about" list.

Here's a question though:

Can someone explain the liberal "Legalize Pot, Outlaw Tobacco" position? Other than hating cigarettes because "evil" corporations have made money off them? :?:

I'd never ever vote for John Howard, but:

Legal pot and legal tobacco, but neither in public places, because it harms others.

WellI dont see why not, Think of the money the govrnment could get from taxes. You could spend a little on the NHS to take care of the few peope who go paranoiod or whatever, spen it on school to better educate children on the 'dangers' and also all of the dodgy unsavoury drug dealer types will be put put of business. Outlaw tabacoo, thats just stupid.

Tobacco ranks exactly #4571 on my "things worth thinking about" list.

Here's a question though:

Can someone explain the liberal "Legalize Pot, Outlaw Tobacco" position? Other than hating cigarettes because "evil" corporations have made money off them? :?:

You'll probably find that SOME liberals want to outlaw tobacoo, and SOME want to lagalize pot. It's pretty unlikely you'll find too many people who want both. If you're over 18 you can smoke what you like imo.

I think it's called "trying to keep votes". That's all they are interested in, trying to use public opinion to keep them in power. It's hypocritical, but then so is the general public. So is anyone with a half-open mind.

Prohibition doesn't work by the way, for anyone who thinks it should be banned completely. It doesn't work as has been proved with alcohol, and it's a fascist extreme to not allow people to live their life the way they choose, irregardless of personal consequence.

Maybe they want to poison Garaj Mahal with second-hand smoke?

I dont see why you have to go all anti smoking You may well think its dumb and stupid but you dont have to go preaching, its their lungs and stupid passivre smoking, you have your own special nonsmoking areas inside and outside your no more being poisoned by car fumes then by ciggarettes, I myself am not a smoker. It just pisses me off when people look down at smokers and get all preachy and holy.

Thing is...smoking murders others in addition to the smokers themselves.

So does cars, barbeques, nuclear power plants, mobile phone ariels, the list is really endless. Stop listening to the media and start forming your own opinions, rather than irrational prejudices, that's what i say.

I dont see why you have to go all anti smoking You may well think its dumb and stupid but you dont have to go preaching, its their lungs and stupid passivre smoking, you have your own special nonsmoking areas inside and outside your no more being poisoned by car fumes then by ciggarettes, I myself am not a smoker. It just pisses me off when people look down at smokers and get all preachy and holy.

Thing is...smoking murders others in addition to the smokers themselves.

Weak evidence for that. Or at least unreal scenarios in lab animals.

.

Prohibition doesn't work by the way, for anyone who thinks it should be banned completely. It doesn't work as has been proved with alcohol, and it's a fascist extreme to not allow people to live their life the way they choose, irregardless of personal consequence.

It may not work but the're giving it a damn good try in irland

So does cars, barbeques, nuclear power plants, mobile phone ariels, the list is really endless. Stop listening to the media and start forming your own opinions, rather than irrational prejudices, that's what i say.
I have formed my own opinion. Stop listening to the tobacco companies and form your own. :roll:

Yep, but then the licencing laws in Ireland have always been ignored too, with great success! I have spent many an early hour of the morning in Irish pubs just cos i've got talking to the landlord, and they never close if someone still wants to drink. Smoking will be exactly the same. 8)

Yes thats right, we are being brainwashed by tabacoo companys, Tabacoo companies that have no way of advertising their product and have big anti smoking stickers on packets. How are the forming our opinions?

Yep, but then the licencing laws in Ireland have always been ignored too, with great success! I have spent many an early hour of the morning in Irish pubs just cos i've got talking to the landlord, and they never close if someone still wants to drink. Smoking will be exactly the same. 8)

Unless you're driving drunk, I don't see the similarity. Done in moderation, drinking harms no one. Done at any level, smoking kills you and all around you. I rarely go to bars anymore because most of those I went to allowed that garbage in there. Thank God NYS banned smoking in public establishments.

Tobacco companies don't bother pretending anymore, they've had too many lawsuits against them. Their adverts in the UK all come with government health warning labels that are literally half a packet big or more, advertising is banned almost completely. The media's representation of passive smoking (which was actually the issue, not whether smoking is bad for you, everybody knows that it is) is one of exploitation. They have to hype people up to sell papers, it's that simple. So they print alarmist figures from anyone who claims to be a scientist, interviews with people who claim to have suffered from passive smoking (you don't see any interviews with the odd few 80 or 90 year olds who have smoked all their life and never suffered, no great story there, is there?), build up the moronic public who still believe that papers and news programs actually represent NEWS, rather than the current affairs hype-machines they all are. And they do this for money, that's all. Money.

Unless you're driving drunk, I don't see the similarity. Done in moderation, drinking harms no one. Done at any level, smoking kills you and all around you. I rarely go to bars anymore because most of those I went to allowed that garbage in there. Thank God NYS banned smoking in public establishments.

Oh, so drunk people can only hurt someone if they are driving a car, right? Erm.. take a look outside the front door sometime, into the real world. Anyway, my point was that the LAWS are openly flauted for alcohol, and they shall be for cigarettes too.
It's good that you don't go into bars anymore, smoke obviously bothers you. It's a sensible decision to make, more people should follow your example and not go into smokey places. They shouldn't follow your example too far by pointlessly whining about it and infringing upon the rights of others though.
There should be bars for smokers, and non-smokers. People can then decide where they want to go. It really is as simple as a matter of choice.

If not for the smoke that others around are forced to breath, smokers should think about the cost for society in hospital bills and lost work time. In Sweden society's bill for smoking was estimated at around $5 billion, and that's for a country with a little over 9 million inhabitants...

i used to go out with a lad who smoked and i ended up having to dump him because kissing him made me feel sick because of his breath, i don't understand why some people think it's cool and sexy, it's just gross!

Kissing a Girl Who Smokes like Licking an Ashtray

I've always thought that this is a handy tip for lonely people :D

Smoking is stupid:
1.They cost a lot
2.They pollute
3.They cause fires
4.They arn't good for you
5.They kill.
Smoking is certanly NOT 8) it's silly.

I'm addicted, and I think it's dumb. It's a filthy habit, and I'd quit if I had the willpower, because I'm all too aware of how bad it is for me. But I don't have said willpower.

But as said on that episode of South Park--"And if it [smoking] gives me cancer when I'm 80, I don't care, who the hell wants to be 90 anyway?"

I'm addicted, and I think it's dumb. It's a filthy habit, and I'd quit if I had the willpower, because I'm all too aware of how bad it is for me. But I don't have said willpower.

But as said on that episode of South Park--"And if it [smoking] gives me cancer when I'm 80, I don't care, who the hell wants to be 90 anyway?"

but it could give you cancer when you're 40/50

Smoking is certanly NOT 8) it's silly.

This is cool though right?

http://www.otrarealidad.net/multimedia/images/dearticulos/bogart.jpg

Smoking is certanly NOT 8) it's silly.

This is cool though right?

http://www.otrarealidad.net/multimedia/images/dearticulos/bogart.jpg

no

no

Bogart isn't cool? Gah! Bah! How can you possibly say that?!

no

Bogart isn't cool? Gah! Bah! How can you possibly say that?!

he is cool but not with a fag in his hand

he is cool but not with a fag in his hand

Bogart always has a fag in his hand!

i am from Ireland and the smoking ban is actually going really well. I have gone to several pubs, including the two student ones during RAG week, and there was not one person smoking. It is pretty weird but as a non-smoker i think its brilliant. Despite all the argueing and protests people put out their cigerettes if asked and they all go outside if the want one. They are outnumbered by non-smokers two to one remember.

he is cool but not with a fag in his hand

Bogart always has a fag in his hand!

only in pictures

only in pictures

But that's when he's at his coolest!

*doesn't know what to think anymore*

only in pictures

But that's when he's at his coolest!

*doesn't know what to think anymore*

it's not the fags that make him cool!

it's not the fags that make him cool!

But all those films wouldn't be so cool without that curl of smoke and the way he punctuates his lines with a cigaratte....

It has become apparent through conversasions (sp) with non/anti-smokers, that they make a nu,ber of assumptions.

a)We have all been brainwashed by the propaganda that Smoking companies issue.
b)We do not realise that it is bad for us.
c)We only started because we thought it would make us cool.
d)We like to kill people.
e)We don't actually like smoking, we are just addicted. Which means a few natty slogans will get us to quit.

Here's a question though:

Can someone explain the liberal "Legalize Pot, Outlaw Tobacco" position? Other than hating cigarettes because "evil" corporations have made money off them? :?:

I wonder why you ask such a question because I'm pretty sure you already know the answers. Just in case though, here are the facts:

Tobacco has been *proven* to be a direct cause of death - millions of them I believe. To my knowledge, marijuana has never been shown to be a direct cause of even one death.

Marijuana at least has a function - it gets you high. Tobacco has no function whatsoever except to raise blood pressure and starve the brain of oxygen. It only feels good if you're already addicted to it.

Tobacco is likely the most addictive drug on earth - some have said it's easier to quit heroin or crack than to quit tobacco. Marijuana is not physically addictive, although in some people it's psychologically addictive. Unlike tobacco, it's easy to quit marijuana if you put your mind to it.

I don't think it makes sense to outlaw tobacco *or* marijuana, but since tobacco is easily the most deadly drug it should be the most heavily regulated and actively discouraged by governments and society.

Unless you're driving drunk, I don't see the similarity. Done in moderation, drinking harms no one. Done at any level, smoking kills you and all around you. I rarely go to bars anymore because most of those I went to allowed that garbage in there. Thank God NYS banned smoking in public establishments.

Oh, so drunk people can only hurt someone if they are driving a car, right? Erm.. take a look outside the front door sometime, into the real world. Anyway, my point was that the LAWS are openly flauted for alcohol, and they shall be for cigarettes too.
It's good that you don't go into bars anymore, smoke obviously bothers you. It's a sensible decision to make, more people should follow your example and not go into smokey places. They shouldn't follow your example too far by pointlessly whining about it and infringing upon the rights of others though.
There should be bars for smokers, and non-smokers. People can then decide where they want to go. It really is as simple as a matter of choice.

Do everyone a favor...read before you post. :roll: I said drinking in moderation...not into drunkeness. As far as rights, no one has the right to go around spraying bullets everywhere and I think a big stink (pardon the pun) would be raised if someone sprayed skunk smell all over the place. Yet smoking is different simply because someone marketed it as a "cool" thing years and years ago.

Unless you're driving drunk, I don't see the similarity. Done in moderation, drinking harms no one. Done at any level, smoking kills you and all around you. I rarely go to bars anymore because most of those I went to allowed that garbage in there. Thank God NYS banned smoking in public establishments.

Oh, so drunk people can only hurt someone if they are driving a car, right? Erm.. take a look outside the front door sometime, into the real world. Anyway, my point was that the LAWS are openly flauted for alcohol, and they shall be for cigarettes too.
It's good that you don't go into bars anymore, smoke obviously bothers you. It's a sensible decision to make, more people should follow your example and not go into smokey places. They shouldn't follow your example too far by pointlessly whining about it and infringing upon the rights of others though.
There should be bars for smokers, and non-smokers. People can then decide where they want to go. It really is as simple as a matter of choice.

Do everyone a favor...read before you post. :roll: I said drinking in moderation...not into drunkeness. As far as rights, no one has the right to go around spraying bullets everywhere and I think a big stink (pardon the pun) would be raised if someone sprayed skunk smell all over the place. Yet smoking is different simply because someone marketed it as a "cool" thing years and years ago.

(bump)

Each individual has the right to kill himself at any rate he chooses, and each property owner has the right to decide what activities he will and will not allow on his property.

You don't have to smoke, and you don't have to enter property where the property owner allows smoking. That's way, it's fair for everyone.

Each individual has the right to kill himself at any rate he chooses, and each property owner has the right to decide what activities he will and will not allow on his property.

You don't have to smoke, and you don't have to enter property where the property owner allows smoking. That's way, it's fair for everyone.

(bump)#

Why?

All that happens is two opposing side spit fire at each other and don't move an inch.

Smokers smoke because they are addicted and also because (shock of all shocks) they enjoy it. Their are many reasons why people smoke, the sole reason is not to "look cool" and most smokers don't think that they are somehow special (in fact if anything, we are resigned to our fate, and most of my smoker friends have a "gallows" sense of humour). Personally I didn't start smoking because I thought it looked cool, but because I'm an experimental person and wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Many non-smokers are also anti-smokers, who feel they have an almost moral responsibility to 'save' smokers (or at least the pure) from our vice. They cannot comprehend why anyone smokes, and because of that assume it is wrong to smoke (as your poll showed all too well).

The only good thing about smoking threads is that is does not cause a 'lib-con' sectarian split, and (generaly) labels aren't thrown about so readily.

Each individual has the right to kill himself at any rate he chooses, and each property owner has the right to decide what activities he will and will not allow on his property.

You don't have to smoke, and you don't have to enter property where the property owner allows smoking. That's way, it's fair for everyone.

Each individual has the right to kill himself at any rate he chooses, and each property owner has the right to decide what activities he will and will not allow on his property.

You don't have to smoke, and you don't have to enter property where the property owner allows smoking. That's way, it's fair for everyone.

Each individual has the right to kill himself at any rate he chooses, and each property owner has the right to decide what activities he will and will not allow on his property.

You don't have to smoke, and you don't have to enter property where the property owner allows smoking. That's way, it's fair for everyone.

I smoke uh ... if this bothers anyone I would recommend you look around the world in which we live and
shut your fucking mouth.

Either that or suffer a facial burn. Your choice...

I now realize I smoke for simply one reason -

and that is spite.

I hate you non-smokers with all of my little black fucking heart.

You obnoxious, self rightious whining little fucks. My biggest fear if I quite smoking is that I'll become one of you.


I only smoke pot, and only do that in my own house (actually, garden) or that of other pot smokers. I HATE non-smokers who come up to you and cough, or tell you how bad it is right in the middle of a joint. Mind your own fucking business!


"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty fucking cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"


its my pet hate- that people think they're big enough, or wise enough or better-than-you-enough to patronise you about what you do your own body. I don't expect people to come up and tell me about heart disease when I'm enjoying a nice steak. Sure, it'll lead to my inevitable early death. But frankly, a world without steak, beer and pot is a world I do not wish to inhabit. Somethings are bad for you, but they are enjoyable. If we lived our life in a totally risk free environment, we resort to Gladiators, American Sitcoms and Sueing the ass off anyone who mislays a paving slab.

Thats my rant.

I smoke uh ... if this bothers anyone I would recommend you look around the world in which we live and
shut your f--- mouth.

Either that or suffer a facial burn. Your choice...

I now realize I smoke for simply one reason -

and that is spite.

I hate you non-smokers with all of my little black f--- heart.

You obnoxious, self rightious whining little f---. My biggest fear if I quite smoking is that I'll become one of you.


I only smoke pot, and only do that in my own house (actually, garden) or that of other pot smokers. I HATE non-smokers who come up to you and cough, or tell you how bad it is right in the middle of a joint. Mind your own f--- business!


"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty f--- cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"


its my pet hate- that people think they're big enough, or wise enough or better-than-you-enough to patronise you about what you do your own body. I don't expect people to come up and tell me about heart disease when I'm enjoying a nice steak. Sure, it'll lead to my inevitable early death. But frankly, a world without steak, beer and pot is a world I do not wish to inhabit. Somethings are bad for you, but they are enjoyable. If we lived our life in a totally risk free environment, we resort to Gladiators, American Sitcoms and Sueing the ass off anyone who mislays a paving slab.

Thats my rant.

You missed my favourite one:

Well at least I can't kill someone by smoking smoking a cigarette and Driving.

Believe me, I've tried. I turn all the lights off. But they always see the ember.

"Is that a firefly. Wow, its traveling real fast.

Shit" (It works better if you can see him do the mime.)

I smoke uh ... if this bothers anyone I would recommend you look around the world in which we live and
shut your f--- mouth.

Either that or suffer a facial burn. Your choice...

I now realize I smoke for simply one reason -

and that is spite.

I hate you non-smokers with all of my little black f--- heart.

You obnoxious, self rightious whining little f---. My biggest fear if I quite smoking is that I'll become one of you.


I only smoke pot, and only do that in my own house (actually, garden) or that of other pot smokers. I HATE non-smokers who come up to you and cough, or tell you how bad it is right in the middle of a joint. Mind your own f--- business!


"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty f--- cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"


its my pet hate- that people think they're big enough, or wise enough or better-than-you-enough to patronise you about what you do your own body. I don't expect people to come up and tell me about heart disease when I'm enjoying a nice steak. Sure, it'll lead to my inevitable early death. But frankly, a world without steak, beer and pot is a world I do not wish to inhabit. Somethings are bad for you, but they are enjoyable. If we lived our life in a totally risk free environment, we resort to Gladiators, American Sitcoms and Sueing the ass off anyone who mislays a paving slab.

Thats my rant.

You missed my favourite one:

Well at least I can't kill someone by smoking smoking a cigarette and Driving.

Believe me, I've tried. I turn all the lights off. But they always see the ember.

"Is that a firefly. Wow, its traveling real fast.

Shit" (It works better if you can see him do the mime.)


Hahaha. I don't mind non smokers. Just those who constantly tell me how bad it is.

Tobacco has no function whatsoever except to raise blood pressure and starve the brain of oxygen. It only feels good if you're already addicted to it.



Wrong.

This is a clear example of complete ignorance about tobacco.

I smoke a cigarette every once in a while, usually if I have to walk somewhere, or after I drink or get high.

It heightens the experience, and it makes it easier for me to walk.

Once you're addicted to tobacco, you lose the ability to feel good from it, your body builds up a tolerance, you can no longer get a buzz.

It's obvious you have no idea what you're talking about, until you do, keep your opinions to yourself.

Yet another genius demonstrates why he's no longer around :roll:

Yet another genius demonstrates why he's no longer around :roll:

I'm still here.

Here's the thing. I don't like it when people tell me I should quit. I KNOW I SHOULD QUIT, ALRIGHT! It's a lot easier to say if you've never been addicted to cigarettes. Believe me, if I could save myself that much money in a year, I would. Hell, last year, I quit for two months, but it's a lot tougher than you think. You go through hell, wanting a cigarette SO bad, and it takes all the willpower you've got not to get in the car and drive to the store to get some. Then that dies down and you start rationalizing. It's insidious. You tell yourself that you shouldn't have just quit cold-turkey, you should have tapered off. In fact, you should have one to take the edge of...right now.

I'm told all the time about how cancer is a nasty death. Honestly, I don't want cancer. I know it's terrible. Still, I don't drink or do drugs or have anonymous sex. Death or disease from those can be just as bad, albeit quicker. At least I might get into my 60's before I get cancer. It's the only vice I've got left.

I keep trying to quit, but it's harder than you think. I'm as considerate of people who don't smoke as I can be, I don't smoke around them, indoors or out. I just hate to hear them preach about something when they don't understand that it's not that easy, and having someone preach at you tends to bring out the stubborn streak everyone's got. It just sounds so holier-than-thou.

smoking=not attractive or cool

makes people smell bad, their skin and teeth are gross, they cough all the time, then theres the disease risk...
its not worth it, its just not.

i know my dad used to smoke, he was really hooked.. then he said he met my mom, she didn't like it.
when i asked him how he quit, i was pretty impressed... he said "nothing tricky. i just stopped."
love makes you do crazy things, i suppose. but it was for the better, so no complaints :wink:

I want to die early, and I like the way cigarettes make me feel.

So there :P

Edit: I always smell like smoke anyway, because of my place of work, so meh.

Look, Avia, do you think you're telling us something original? My teeth aren't stained, my skin isn't gross, it's very likely clearer and better than yours, and I shower. I even wash my hands after a cigarette, if I'm going to be around anyone.

When people say stuff like this, they're not taking the feelings of another person into account. It's like a personal attack. That's why we get stubborn and defensive.

I keep trying to quit, but it's harder than you think.

I once read that tobacco is harder to kick than heroin, so you have my sympathies. I know the *least helpful* thing people can do for a smoker is to preach & nag at them. When you're truly ready to quit, you'll find a way to.

Do adult smokers try to dissuade young people from making the same mistake they did?

Look, Avia, do you think you're telling us something original? My teeth aren't stained, my skin isn't gross, it's very likely clearer and better than yours, and I shower. I even wash my hands after a cigarette, if I'm going to be around anyone.

When people say stuff like this, they're not taking the feelings of another person into account. It's like a personal attack. That's why we get stubborn and defensive.

harsh. shes jsut restating everything they tell you in school. i cant make any steriotypes about everyone. all i can say is that statistically, the chance for cancer goes up.
also, i can't speak for anyone else, but cigarette smoke's smell isnt peticularly attractive to me.

Why does anybody start smoking? I have sympathy for older tobacco addicts who didn't know know any better, but there's no excuse for anyone starting it now - the certainty of a shortened life is known to all.

Back when I was a kid, every one smoked. Well, my mother didn't.. but my dad did. All my older siblings, every one I knew. We started young too. Why kids smoke today, I don't understand. If we knew back then what you kids know today.. Well, I for one would of never smoked. Smoking is stupid. You don't even get high.. these days you just get dirty looks. If you smoked a pack a day and stopped, the money you could save in a year would be great! It's not cool.. your clothes smell of smoke, your breath.. your fingers.. nothing attractive or cool about it. Highly addictive though. If you start and think "Oh, I'll just try it, I won't get hooked" That is what every one says.. If you've never smoked, don't. It's so not worth it.

The bottom line is this: Smoking is a choice. Being allergic to smoke isn't. People don't really need to smoke, per se, the way they might need to drive a car or power their homes. I have a girlfriend who's allergic to smoke - do smokers care that they cause her harm? Well, OK, some are nice about it. But if smokers have the right to smoke around her, I should have the right to club them over the head with a metal pipe and see how they like it.

Look, Avia, do you think you're telling us something original? My teeth aren't stained, my skin isn't gross, it's very likely clearer and better than yours, and I shower. I even wash my hands after a cigarette, if I'm going to be around anyone.

When people say stuff like this, they're not taking the feelings of another person into account. It's like a personal attack. That's why we get stubborn and defensive.

sorry if i came across that way... i also just have some personal history with family and smoking and my association with that family that i don't want to get into... but it's... it's hard to explain.
but i do know that what i said was not characteristic of all smokers, in fact, some of my favorite people smoke. it doesn't change my opinion of them.

i just know as a personal thing, i wouldn't choose to, because of the longer-term effects, some of which being what i stated previously. its just a lifestyle that i find unappealing for myself, and by smoking in public it imposes health problems to others.

apologies again.. i'm rather out of it tonight.


and as for you saying your skin being clearer than mine... well... there goes a stereotype again. you're assuming that since i'm here, i'm an acne-ridden angsty teenage youth... when in fact you're quite wrong. granted, i'm a teenager... but... oh well. case made.

where is the "I'll die from something else before smoking" optioin?

where is the "I'll die from something else before smoking" optioin?

It is a typical poll by an anti-smoker.

I'm sick of people preaching to smokers and pretending that smoking is the same as serial killing. I said something similar to that to a friend of mine and she replied with, "They are serial killers." I'm fine with the DARE programs in America teaching kids not to smoke, but in the land of the free, there is more chastizing of smokers than I've ever seen in my life. Back off of people who choose to smoke, the chances that it'll hurt you is far less than scientists lead you to believe. If someone wants to smoke A.K.A. "Kill themselves," you can leave them jolly well alone and let them go about their business...unless they strap you into a chair and exhale into your face, I guarantee it's not a problem.

P.S. I'm athsmatic and I've been around smokers all my life, don't get preachy if you have a respitory problem, I know what it's like...suck it up.

I guess I just don't like what amounts to someone branding me a degenerate for smoking. I try to be respectful of someone's space, but if they come outside and find me when I'm smoking and start telling me how dirty I am for it, or even do it when I'm not smoking and admit to being a smoker, and believe me, there are people who know me and don't know I'm a smoker until I tell them...

It just seems unfair and disrespectful. People drink themselves to death, even in public, but you don't see people going into bars and telling people that it's a filthy habit, and by god, they should stop, RIGHT now.

They even kill people, drive right over them or into them, and you don't hear anyone trying to ban it because second-hand alcoholism kills.

I don't tell others how to live their lives, and there are worse things. I'm as considerate of non-smokers as I can be, but I draw the line at letting them call me a degenerate. I work hard and pay my taxes, clean my house and do right by friends, family and neighbors. There are non-smokers who do worse.

I am an ex smoker...smoked 20 a day for 12 years...gave up 2 1/2 years ago now...I am not an anti smoker as alot of exes are...in fact I virulently support the smokers right to smoke...

I just think that you are all so hypacritical...the government especially...

SMOKING IS LEGAL

Smokers are prolly the most taxed citizens...and yet they get treated as second class...more and more they get shoved onto the pavement and ostracized from the world...yet if all the smokers of this world gave up today and never smoked a single cigarette again...the worlds economy would collapse...its a case of the hand giveth...the hand taketh away

Until tobaccoo becomes and illegal substance smokers should be able to have just as many rights as somebody who wants to go out and have a drink

Why do people start smoking?

Because their parents do.
Because the people in a social group in which they want to belong do.
Because a certain member of the opposite sex does, or because the certain member of the opposite sex seems more interested in that cooler person who smokes.
To piss off their parents.
To emulate an idol.

The reasons are varied.

And no matter how much the health risks are presented to young people these days - there is one other issue I think. Addiction is a theoretical concept to anyone who has not experienced it. You start something - you stop something. The explanation of what addicted is usually gets presented in some simplified format like "you have difficutly stopping" or "you have cravings" without really presenting the reality of what that means. Like "damn but I could really go for a snickers bar right now". But to be fair- it is a hard thing to really explain. It's like how no matter how much you might read up on a mental illess you really don't know what it is to live with it.

Nobody who hasn't been addicted to something really has a clue what they are setting themselves up for, and at the time they have all "heard of" somebody who claimed to quit with no problems. And most people think that they know in their heart that they have the self control to be just like that person. Most people are wrong!

As teenagers, we are sure we know everything and that we can do pretty much whatever we want with relaitve impunity. Plus the possible health risks in 20 years seem so far away. Hell, that gives you lots of time to quit right?


Why do teens start smoking? Lots of reasons.


Just try to have the brains not to. You WILL regret it.

-Z-

People don't really need to smoke, per se, the way they might need to drive a car or power their homesWhy do people need to drive a car? They could ride a bike or use public transport. Or at the very least all cars could be banned apart from the ones that do the least relative harm to the enviroment. I will take lectures on smokers from non drivers. Drivers who pollute my atmosphere with their exhaust fumes are in no posistion to complain about others. They're just self righteous hypocrites.

OK, first, I smoke. Yes.

One thing that pisses me off is ignorance. One wonders why I post on boards and topics like this if this is so. Maybe I'm a masochist? Either way, it's hard to get away from ignorance today, online or off, so oh well.

At any rate, it's clear that a lot of you have formed definite opinions on smoking and have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Sadly, you don't know who you are. Oh well, again.

Lemme see. Reasons I started smoking?

<<
PostPosted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 9:22 am Post subject:
Why do people start smoking?

Because their parents do.
Because the people in a social group in which they want to belong do.
Because a certain member of the opposite sex does, or because the certain member of the opposite sex seems more interested in that cooler person who smokes.
To piss off their parents.
To emulate an idol. >>

No, none of them, thanks for playing.

A lot of people are under the impression that people smoke because it looks cool. And that that's a bad thing. Is it? I brush my teeth because white teeth look better than yellow. I'm superficial that way. But do I smoke for appearance? No.

A lot of people seem to think it's all about this myth they call "addiction." All too often these people, once again, have no idea what they're talking about. Apparently, I'm addicted to cigarettes, since I enjoy smoking?

Funny, that. I suppose I'm addicted to scratching my balls too, since I enjoy that. After all, only someone who was addicted to ball scratching would ever do it.

I think some people are too willing to see any activity as an addiction. They want to pervert the meaning of addiction to give a sort of political bias. IE, bad things other people do is an addiction, regardless of whether they can stop without withdrawals or negative effects. Of course, nothing THEY do is an addiction.

But how about stupid posts on message boards detailing the supposed psyche of the 'average smoker?' They seem to do that all the time and can't stop themselves! Addicted! Yes, some of you are addicted to being idiots. God help you.

Me, I like smoking for a number of vague reasons, most of which I can't define any more clearly than I can define my liking for driving, or the color blue, or eating pizza. Preference, my friends, is not addiction. You can whine about how terrible a thing smoking is, but we all know there are millions of things worse than that, some of which you personally do.

Anyway, it appears my point has already kinda been made, so I'll stop ranting now.

I watched my poor uncle die a slow death from smoking - but I guess that means I know nothing about it. The man hated his tobacco addiction and couldn't stop it from killing him - plain & simple.

I suppose you think my uncle's tobacco addiction was just "a myth" and his early death from tobacco was just a figment of his imagination.

Millions of dead smokers would call you a self-deluded fool. I don't have to.

You forgot an option in the poll: I started smoking becuase of The Smoking Man :lol:

http://www.huether-net.de/lsimg/ron76.jpg
King _Susa_
UN Delegate, August Dominion (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_region/region=august_dominion)

I watched my poor uncle die a slow death from smoking - but I guess that means I know nothing about it. The man hated his tobacco addiction and couldn't stop it from killing him - plain & simple.

I suppose you think my uncle's tobacco addiction was just "a myth" and his early death from tobacco was just a figment of his imagination.

Millions of dead smokers would call you a self-deluded fool. I don't have to.

Yet, strangely, I still don't care that smoking may very well be the death of me.

I'm under age so couldn't say. 8)

I'm under age so couldn't say. 8)

Since when did that matter?

You're telling me you actually follow those laws?

I just smoke weed.

Mmmmm... now I've got the munchies...

heh...nice percentages going
both my parents smoke...my dad's been smoking for like 40 years (he's 50) and my mom's been smoking on and off for 30ish years
(they both quit when my mom was pregnant and when me and my siblings were born) but anyway, I've just always thought it was gross. And I love living. And it makes me terribly sad to think how poorly my dad's organs must be working by now... :(
smoking is sad and stupid
it seems like anytime at school I see a hot girl, she lights up a cigarette...and then I can't see her as attractive anymore...
but luckily a lot of the hot guys still don't smoke :)

Well over half of my family smoke.. sometimes you just can't help it.. people start up thinking it's 'cool' (when its not) and then keep smoking, but then eventually u get addicted and can't help but crave it..

I tried a cigarette a couple of weeks ago when I was out.. Partly as one of those 'spur of the moment things' and mainly because I was wasted.. and I remember that it was FOWL!!

Well over half of my family smoke.. sometimes you just can't help it.. people start up thinking it's 'cool' (when its not) and then keep smoking, but then eventually u get addicted and can't help but crave it..

I tried a cigarette a couple of weeks ago when I was out.. Partly as one of those 'spur of the moment things' and mainly because I was wasted.. and I remember that it was FOWL!!

That wasn't a fag you grabbed, it was my pet homing pigeon, you FOWL person!

/subtley

//Fag=Cigarrette.

Yeh after submitting it I realised I spelt it wrong and hoped no one noticed..alas! I've been awake far too long.

I've never smoked a cigarette, or anything...is that weird? (I'm 20 in a week)
Also, I'm not for banning smoking...I'm not even for government baning smoking in restaurants and stuff...but I am for restaurants doing it at their own accord...in fact, if I went to a nice restaurant and realized they didn't have a separate non-smoking section, I'd probably leave...
But then, I also support legalization of drugs
but I don't support usage...
Guess I feel the same about cigarettes as other drugs
And for the comments relating smoking and drinking...For one, I think a lot more people drink socially than smoke socially. I mean, I know a number of people who have 3 or 4 drinks a week, but not too many who have 3 or 4 cigarettes a week...Also, I think society and individuals both condemn driving drunk as much as we do smoking cigarettes. Drinking will never hurt the person you're sitting next to, though your fist might, or a crash might... Smoking could (possibly- I don't know the actual facts on this, I only know a lot of skewed reports from both sides) harm that person- just the fact that you are smoking and they are breathing (heh, if they stopped breathing, that would also hurt them though) Anyway, as far as other people goes, I think smoking is worse than drinking, as long as we're still talking legal actions (meaning no drunken driving or assault, etc...)

It's not weird not to smoke, it's actually the norm I suppose. But, for those of you who try to use your own personal experiences to try and pass off an anti-smoking agenda, remember, that doesn't work on anyone. My grandfather has emphysema, my other has had cancer, and my two grandmothers died of it. It's tragic, but it's not a reason to outlaw smoking. I don't recall who said it, but it's true, most smokers simply don't care that it could be the death of them. And honestly, what concern is it of yours if they choose to "kill themselves" with smoking? It's not like other things of controversy. They're not dropping acid or having an abortion in public or in their homes, they're just enjoying a relaxing activity. Sure it's not natural to smoke, but then, as someone pointed out, not everything you do for yourself is entirely natural. Brushing your teeth, cutting/brushing your hair...etc. Granted, those others don't kill as many people, but the argument that smoking is unnatural just doesn't work.

ill put it like this- smoking sux. i do it anyways. the health risks--- well, i dont really expect to live that long anyways.

Yet, strangely, I still don't care that smoking may very well be the death of me.

Yeah but there's lots of different ways to die - some a lot better than others. If I were going to die young, I'd rather die instantly doing something fun - not the slow, pathetic, painful death in some hospital that smokers typically do. Nothing cool or romantic about spending years coughing up blood and breathing through a tube before you die.

Yet, strangely, I still don't care that smoking may very well be the death of me.

Yeah but there's lots of different ways to die - some a lot better than others. If I were going to die young, I'd rather die instantly doing something fun - not the slow, pathetic, painful death in some hospital that smokers typically do. Nothing cool or romantic about spending years coughing up blood and breathing through a tube before you die.

Oh don't you worry, I'm going to die doing something fun too.

Nicotine isn't the only drug I partake of.

http://www.malpracticeweb.com/smoker2.jpg
So cool....

I started smoking because I thought I looked incredibly cool doing it. And you know what?

I was right. 8)

I started smoking because I thought I looked incredibly cool doing it. And you know what?

I was right. 8)

*Fonz impression*

Eyyyyyyyy.

.

Prohibition doesn't work by the way, for anyone who thinks it should be banned completely. It doesn't work as has been proved with alcohol, and it's a fascist extreme to not allow people to live their life the way they choose, irregardless of personal consequence.

It may not work but the're giving it a damn good try in irland

But then restricting smoking in public places != prohibition.

That wasn't the Fonz, that was Norm Macdonald.

Despite some of the talk here there are real reasons why people smoke. Or at least real reasons why some people smoke.

Several years ago I worked as a resident aide in a facility for people with Cerebral Palsy. Easily the most stressful job I've ever had. When I started I was pretty much a non-smoker. Sure I might have a smoke if I was out having a beer but that was pretty rare. However, by the time I left my job there I was a half-a-pack-a-day smoker. The stress of the job was that bad. After I left I went back to my non-smoking ways.

Not only that but virtually every health care worker in the place also smoked.
Beleive it or not but nicotene does help people handle stress. Pure and simple.

Also, the other reason I (very) infrequently smoke is to kill the nasty taste of beer if I happen to be out drinking. As nasty as cigarettes are they're still better than the taste of a Sam Adams.

Also, despite the propoganda the occasional cigarette isn't going to kill you.

Smoking is the height of stupid activities. Not only does it cost you capitalist dollars, but it kills you to boot.

I'd rather die fighting for a cause than in a hospital bed with lung cancer.

People don't really need to smoke, per se, the way they might need to drive a car or power their homesWhy do people need to drive a car? They could ride a bike or use public transport. Or at the very least all cars could be banned apart from the ones that do the least relative harm to the enviroment. I will take lectures on smokers from non drivers. Drivers who pollute my atmosphere with their exhaust fumes are in no posistion to complain about others. They're just self righteous hypocrites.

I live in the U.S. in an area where the public transport sucks. I HAVE to drive in order to get to work; it's 30 minutes from my house, and there's no way in hell I can get there by bus. Subways, trains, etc. don't exist here in Ohio, or not that anyone has told me about. I must drive. I must go to work. And if you tell me "Well, get a job closer to home," you can shove it. For one thing, I work where I can find work. For another thing, I have divorced parents and split time at each of their houses - and my mother lives way the hell out in the country where you can't even find a Subway restaurant, let alone a subway train. My car is my only option. And if I could find something that was more fuel-efficient that a '94 Buick (and if I could afford it,) I would drive it. Until that day, though, I have the choice between a 30-minute commute by car or a 4-hour or so commute by bike on roads that are hardly friendly to bikers. So don't go shoving your "self-righteous hypocrite" bullshit down my throat. I have my needs. I can't logically quit driving, and neither can most people here in the U.S. They can logically quit smoking, though, and the sooner they do, the better for the rest of us.

I've passive smoked for years.

Both my parents died from lung cancer, my father first at the age of 52, never having smoked a day in his life. He was probably done in by a combination of asbestos exposure and second-hand smoke. My mother quit smoking after she was diagnosed, but that only bought her a little extra time. Even with that history I still enjoy a good cigar now and then. Cigarettes are gross, but the hand rolled Coronas that cuban immigrants who run this local shop make are another story. I really don't inhale much and I probably only smoke a couple of times a month. I know it's not really healthy, but I ride every day and keep myself in good shape, and well, I figure I deserve a few guilty pleasures. I don't smoke indoors or anyplace where I might annoy someone, it's just nice to sit on my porch swing, sip on a good beer and puff on a good cigar. I guess it's just a matter of moderation.

People say smoking isn't big, it's not clever and it's not cool. I agree with the first two, but sorry, smoking IS cool. Exhibit A= James Dean. I rest my case, your honour.