NationStates Jolt Archive

There's something I've noticed when it comes to anti-cigarette ads on the TV. They mention about all the horrible disease and stuff that happens to you when you smoke, however, they never mentioned the fact that the people who been affected by smoking chose to smoke. They chose to buy a pack of cigarette, they chose to light one up, and they chose to inhale. Just once I'd like an anti-cigarette ad where the person says "I chose to smoke" Doubt I'd see that happen.

Your thoughts?

Yeah, and alcoholics choose to drink.


Anyway, second hand smoke causes all that crap too, and I don't choose to smoke, but am still affected by it.

They probably don't say it because it has absolutely nothing to do with their message.

Just a guess.

There's something I've noticed when it comes to anti-cigarette ads on the TV. They mention about all the horrible disease and stuff that happens to you when you smoke, however, they never mentioned the fact that the people who been affected by smoking chose to smoke. They chose to buy a pack of cigarette, they chose to light one up, and they chose to inhale. Just once I'd like an anti-cigarette ad where the person says "I chose to smoke" Doubt I'd see that happen.

Your thoughts?

Well they don't care that its some ones choice, there to busy discriminating and trying to take away the smokers right to well do as they please.

They probably don't say it because it has absolutely nothing to do with their message.

Just a guess.

Meh it'd ruin the effect of there "message" if they where to point out these people choose out of there own free will to take up smoking.

There's something I've noticed when it comes to anti-cigarette ads on the TV. They mention about all the horrible disease and stuff that happens to you when you smoke, however, they never mentioned the fact that the people who been affected by smoking chose to smoke. They chose to buy a pack of cigarette, they chose to light one up, and they chose to inhale. Just once I'd like an anti-cigarette ad where the person says "I chose to smoke" Doubt I'd see that happen.

Your thoughts?And that's why those commercials, the Truth ones and such, are so damned annoying. By now, people know smoking is bad for you. However, it is still legal, and they choose to smoke so leave them alone.

Meh it'd ruin the effect of there "message" if they where to point out these people choose out of there own free will to take up smoking.

Oh, I don't know. If they told the truth, something like "it's your choice - go ahead, be an idiot!" then it could help their campaign.

They also don't say that while chocolate pie is delicious, it should be eaten as part of a balanced diet. Because it has noting to do with discouraging people form smoking.
Well they don't care that its some ones choice, there to busy discriminating and trying to take away the smokers right to well do as they please.
"Smoking is bad for you"
"Noes, my rights!" :rolleyes:
Meh it'd ruin the effect of there "message" if they where to point out these people choose out of there own free will to take up smoking.
How so? Their message is that smoking is bad for you, and therefore you shouldn't do it. That some people smoke regardless of that fact is irrelevant to their message that one shouldn't.

Oh, I don't know. If they told the truth, something like "it's your choice - go ahead, be an idiot!" then it could help their campaign.

Well I don't think calling smokers are idiots will help any conversions, and whether or not its idiotic is a matter of opinion really.

That will never happen. We are at the mercy of advertisements and the media. We have no thoughts of our own. My vote this November will be determined solely by the last political ad I see before the polls.

Ever see the old cigarette ads? I mean the old ads like during Jack Benny's TV show? Where the entire program was sponsored by the tobacco company, the host would extol the virtues of their sponsor's tobacco? If I were to smoke, it'd have to be Lucky Strikes in memory of the Great Miser.

They also don't say that while chocolate pie is delicious, it should be eaten as part of a balanced diet. Because it has noting to do with discouraging people form smoking.

"Smoking is bad for you"
"Noes, my rights!" :rolleyes:

How so? Their message is that smoking is bad for you, and therefore you shouldn't do it. That some people smoke regardless of that fact is irrelevant to their message that one shouldn't.

Eating food can be very unhealthy, breathing the oxygen can be rather unhealthy, hell most things can be pretty damn unhealthy so are they going to campaign that we adopt a utilitarian lifestyle created to be the most healthy possible?
And smokers now its unhealthy and its their decision to make.

Well I don't think calling smokers are idiots will help any conversions, and whether or not its idiotic is a matter of opinion really.

No, I don't think it is.

You know, these commercials? Yeah, they aren't meant for people out of highschool. Hell, they probably aren't meant for people in highschool. They are trying to get to people in Junior High, Middle School, and elementary school. Cus believe it or not, people that young need to be told things over and over again if they are going to believe it.

*inhales*

"Have you not reason then to bee ashamed, and to forbeare this filthie noveltie, so basely grounded, so foolishly received and so grossely mistaken in the right use thereof? In your abuse thereof sinning against God, harming your selves both in persons and goods, and raking also thereby the markes and notes of vanitie upon you: by the custome thereof making your selves to be wondered at by all forraine civil Nations, and by all strangers that come among you, to be scorned and contemned. A custome lothsome to the eye, hatefull to the Nose, harmefull to the braine, dangerous to the Lungs, and in the blacke stinking fume thereof, neerest resembling the horrible Stigian smoke of the pit that is bottomelesse."

King James I however, wasn't so morally self-righteous that he was unafraid to tax the shit out of tobacco and reap the rewards.

Stigian smoke notwithstanding, the same tired anti-tobacco message has been going on ever since Rodrigo de Jerez was imprisoned by the Holy Inquisition for smoking tobacco.

And it's had just about the same effect on halting the spread of this filthie noveltie too.

*inhales*

"Have you not reason then to bee ashamed, and to forbeare this filthie noveltie, so basely grounded, so foolishly received and so grossely mistaken in the right use thereof? In your abuse thereof sinning against God, harming your selves both in persons and goods, and raking also thereby the markes and notes of vanitie upon you: by the custome thereof making your selves to be wondered at by all forraine civil Nations, and by all strangers that come among you, to be scorned and contemned. A custome lothsome to the eye, hatefull to the Nose, harmefull to the braine, dangerous to the Lungs, and in the blacke stinking fume thereof, neerest resembling the horrible Stigian smoke of the pit that is bottomelesse."

King James I however, wasn't so morally self-righteous that he was unafraid to tax the shit out of tobacco and reap the rewards.

Stigian smoke notwithstanding, the same tired anti-tobacco message has been going on ever since Rodrigo de Jerez was imprisoned by the Holy Inquisition for smoking tobacco.

And it's had just about the same effect on halting the spread of this filthie noveltie too.

Well smoking is a rather disgusting habit especially in a social situation.

Eating food can be very unhealthy,
Which is why there are healthy eating campaigns.
breathing the oxygen can be rather unhealthy,
Fortunately few people ever breathe pure oxygen.
hell most things can be pretty damn unhealthy so are they going to campaign that we adopt a utilitarian lifestyle created to be the most healthy possible?
I wouldn't know.
And smokers now its unhealthy and its their decision to make.

Yes. It is. That doesn't protect you from people trying to sway your decision.

Yes. It is. That doesn't protect you from people trying to sway your decision.

No but I'm sure smokers are sick of people forcing there beliefs on them, would you like some one relentlessly moaning at you to say change one of your politic/religious views? (Just picking them cause i know people can get pretty heated over them)

No, I don't think it is.

That's nice, but the term "idiotic" is at best an opinion and nothing more. I think driving a car is idiotic. That's my opinion. It's not fact, even if I'm really attached to the idea of my opinion and unable to distinguish between desire and reality.

That's nice, but the term "idiotic" is at best an opinion and nothing more. I think driving a car is idiotic. That's my opinion. It's not fact, even if I'm really attached to the idea of my opinion and unable to distinguish between desire and reality.

Yes, it is only an opinion. You call it 'personal choice', I call it stupid. But it's still legal, so whether someone choices to smoke will always be a matter of their opinion.

The OP is complaining that people don't recognise smoking as a choice. Of course they do; you can do it, if you want to. But thinking that because a thing is legal means that it should be exempt from criticism is expecting too much.

Well, there was a poster they put out that featured a person smoking. caption read
"kill yourself any faster and it will be called suicide."

They also don't say that while chocolate pie is delicious, it should be eaten as part of a balanced diet. Because it has noting to do with discouraging people form smoking.
well, they do say that about eating those chocolate flavored sugar bombs they call cereal.

"part of a complete balance breakfast" and they show toast, fruits, milk, orange juice... you know. the breakfast that can be eaten without the cereal.

There's something I've noticed when it comes to anti-cigarette ads on the TV. They mention about all the horrible disease and stuff that happens to you when you smoke, however, they never mentioned the fact that the people who been affected by smoking chose to smoke. They chose to buy a pack of cigarette, they chose to light one up, and they chose to inhale. Just once I'd like an anti-cigarette ad where the person says "I chose to smoke" Doubt I'd see that happen.

Your thoughts?

What about second hand smokers? They didn't choose to smoke yet they got worse diseases because the smoke they breath doesn't go through the filter.

Well they don't care that its some ones choice, there to busy discriminating and trying to take away the smokers right to well do as they please.

The right to poison other's peoples' air and to pollute. LOL nice one.

Eating food can be very unhealthy, breathing the oxygen can be rather unhealthy, hell most things can be pretty damn unhealthy so are they going to campaign that we adopt a utilitarian lifestyle created to be the most healthy possible?
And smokers now its unhealthy and its their decision to make.

If everything is unhealthy it'd be impossible to be fully healthy yet many people were in the past and some still are.

The right to poison other's peoples' air and to pollute. LOL nice one.

Lol well I mean there right to be allowed to smoke, as for smoking around other people they don't have the right to that, other people have the right not to inhale their crap.
If people have the right to say use a car, which pollutes the air then the same can be said for smoking.

The right to poison other's peoples' air and to pollute...

Also known as a driver's license.

If everything is unhealthy it'd be impossible to be fully healthy yet many people were in the past and some still are.

Well everything is unhealthy in some way, but it gets cancelled out by other factors. To be perfectly healthy you have to have a perfect balance of things.

Also known as a driver's license.

;) Qft

What about second hand smokers? They didn't choose to smoke yet they got worse diseases because the smoke they breath doesn't go through the filter.

Now this is just me, but if I didn't want to be affected by second hand smoke, I'd just...dunno....get away from the smoke? I mean one of my friends smoke, and I hang out with her. I know what I'm putting myself into, I know the health risk I am taking with second hand smoke, that's why when she smokes, I'm not in the same room with her. Ta-dah!

Well I don't think calling smokers are idiots will help any conversions, and whether or not its idiotic is a matter of opinion really.

No, not really. Some smart people smoke, yes, but even smart people make idiotic decisions sometimes. Like smoking.

Lol well I mean there right to be allowed to smoke, as for smoking around other people they don't have the right to that, other people have the right not to inhale their crap.
If people have the right to say use a car, which pollutes the air then the same can be said for smoking.

I see what you mean. I once argued the same for cars, I beleived something had to be done to minimize the amount of pollution they produced.

There's something I've noticed when it comes to anti-cigarette ads on the TV. They mention about all the horrible disease and stuff that happens to you when you smoke, however, they never mentioned the fact that the people who been affected by smoking chose to smoke. They chose to buy a pack of cigarette, they chose to light one up, and they chose to inhale. Just once I'd like an anti-cigarette ad where the person says "I chose to smoke" Doubt I'd see that happen.

Your thoughts?
There's one of those advertisements that features this woman who lost bits of her fingers as a result of smoking. I guess she accidentally stuck them in the cigarette lighter on her car or something, I don't know.
Anyway, this woman lost most of all her fingers, but the middle one is still intact. So, when she holds up her hand to demonstrate the missing bits, it sort of looks like she's flipping me off. On the some of the subway trains, they even have posters of her and she's doing that thing too, and I really hate it.
One time I flipped off the poster, but there was this big Mexican guy sitting right under it, and he thought I flipped him off. That was bad, although the doctors say they'll be able to remove the stitches next weekend, which is sort of good. Also I got a lot of morphine injections, and those were good. Injecting yourself with drugs is better than smoking because you aren't able to exhale the needles into other people's faces. It would be cool if you could though.
So, yeah, that's what I think. Why do you ask?

Personally, I'm sick of people going after smokers simply because they're an easily identified minority. It's a good excuse to shift the costs of other equally as dangerous behavior on to a minority that is far less capable of defending itself given the general unpopularity of smoking in contemporary society. I will not be surprised if attitudes in the future shift once again from smoking to something else, but for the time being it's the easiest target for moralizing and punitive taxation.

I wonder how people would feel if they put graphic images of blocked arteries or amputated diabetic limbs on McDonalds bags...after all, those foods are easily as threatening to your health as any cigarette when consumed at the quantity and frequency of most Americans.

Personally, I'm sick of smokers whining about how everyone is going after them as an easily identifiable minority.

Cry some more, you cancerous-scuzzbuckets-to-be. Just don't get your second hand tears on me.

Personally, I'm sick of smokers whining about how everyone is going after them as an easily identifiable minority.

Cry some more, you cancerous-scuzzbuckets-to-be. Just don't get your second hand tears on me.

Well, it's really the anti-tobacco crowd that whines. Their whole argument is based on whining. "Ew, don't get your second-hand smoke on me, that's gross!" "Ew, you're murdering my unborn children!" "Gross, I want to be able to drink myself to death at a bar without being exposed to harmful substances!"

The fact is smokers are a minority, and generally always have been, and have always been treated with these same whining, preaching, hypocritical arguments. As if being called an 'idiot' by some upstart is really going to make us suddenly stop smoking and switch to something more chock-full of healthy, whole-grained goodness.

Well, it's really the anti-tobacco crowd that whines. Their whole argument is based on whining. "Ew, don't get your second-hand smoke on me, that's gross!" "Ew, you're murdering my unborn children!" "Gross, I want to be able to drink myself to death at a bar without being exposed to harmful substances!"

The fact is smokers are a minority, and generally always have been, and have always been treated with these same whining, preaching, hypocritical arguments. As if being called an 'idiot' by some upstart is really going to make us suddenly stop smoking and switch to something more chock-full of healthy, whole-grained goodness.

Don't quit smoking, you'll get fat.

I don't have to whine, you bastards are banned anyway.

And these smileys suck donkey balls. The balls of a donkey who smokes.

And these smileys suck donkey balls. The balls of a donkey who smokes.

But does he use Balla Powder? Therein lies the rub.

Well, it's really the anti-tobacco crowd that whines. Their whole argument is based on whining. "Ew, don't get your second-hand smoke on me, that's gross!" "Ew, you're murdering my unborn children!" "Gross, I want to be able to drink myself to death at a bar without being exposed to harmful substances!"

The fact is smokers are a minority, and generally always have been, and have always been treated with these same whining, preaching, hypocritical arguments. As if being called an 'idiot' by some upstart is really going to make us suddenly stop smoking and switch to something more chock-full of healthy, whole-grained goodness.

smoking will kill you. You will die young and horribly. People around you may also die. You will put a large burden on our health care system as you die.

smoking will kill you. You will die young and horribly. People around you may also die. You will put a large burden on our health care system as you die.

Stop persecuting him.

Cars kill more people per year. So do landmines. You don't go persecuting car crash victims or landmine amputees, do you? DO YOU!!??

Stop persecuting him.

Cars kill more people per year. So do landmines. You don't go persecuting car crash victims or landmine amputees, do you? DO YOU!!??
* . . . .shakes head . . . *
*looks ashamed*

that being said. I'm not persecuting him (or her) I was just stating facts. . .I could probably quote them all though to be fair cigarettes will not actually kill you. They'll just "great increase" you chance of getting cancer which Will probably eventually kill you.

*wait!*
*but I do persecute people who smoke land mines!!!! . . . . .Also cars . . . .*

Cars kill more people per year. So do landmines. You don't go persecuting car crash victims or landmine amputees, do you? DO YOU!!??


Actually untrue...cars kill about 42,000 per year, where as smoking kills more than 400,000 per year.

But I know those landmines are a pain in the ass ;)
(Damnit! I wanted to use the old tongue out smiley, but it is gone :()

As for the whole individuals right to smoke, I absolutely agree. You certainly have the right to smoke.

But I also have the right to breath clean air.

smoking will kill you. You will die young and horribly. People around you may also die. You will put a large burden on our health care system as you die.

1. You have no imagination if you think the only possible way I am going to die is "smoking."
2. The time for "dying young" is rapidly diminishing.
3. I am not going to "burden" Canada's health care system, let alone a "large" one.
4. And really, guilt trips about the extra few cents per person per year that smokers cause to taxpayers are about as effective a tactic as King James "Counterblaste." Get real.

lol I think you miss understood. I'm not trying to convince you. I don;t even know you lmao and you smoking or not effects me in no way at all. Those were just facts (ok the dieing young thing was bull.)

I might take up smoking. Just to piss people off, and feel persecuted. That way, I can feel that my unfocused anger at the world is justified.

I'm not mocking, that's really how I feel right now. Mebbe it's PMS.

oooooo sound like fun. Though listening to odd music or wearing a very very strange hat would have the same effect. health risks might be worse tho . . . .

I might take up smoking. Just to piss people off, and feel persecuted. That way, I can feel that my unfocused anger at the world is justified.

I'm not mocking, that's really how I feel right now. Mebbe it's PMS.

I think a better reason to take up smoking is because you like it.

I am not sure why an organization whose goal is to get people to choose not to smoke would mention that smoking is a choice.

That's kinda inherently understood in the message

I think a better reason to take up smoking is because you like it.

Oh.

Well I do actually. As gross as it is.

Let's hang out and smoke. And then we'll get drunk and call each other horrid names and try to scratch one another's eyes out.

It might end in sex. Or vomit. Hopefully not both.

It might end in sex. Or vomit. Hopefully not both.

Pft, you have no idea what you're missing.

Pft, you have no idea what you're missing.

Um...well...actually...

I mean...'try everything once' right?

But only once in this case.

Um...well...actually...

I mean...'try everything once' right?

But only once in this case.

....are you coming on to me?

....are you coming on to me?

No, I'm trying to block out an experiment.

No, I'm trying to block out an experiment.

you let GT throw up on you?

you let GT throw up on you?

Don't be silly.

Smokers who whine about being a persecuted minority are annoying. Second-hand smoke is still dangerous and, unless I'm mistaken, second-hand Hispanic doesn't affect other people's health. Second-hand black doesn't affect other people's health. And Hispanics and blacks can't simply stop being Hispanic or black. While a smoker can become a non-smoker by simply stop smoking. You won't believe what smoking does to your skin. Makes it get all tough and wrinkly and old-looking faster than time and sun combined. And have you kissed one? Tobacco lingers.

I know it's a choice. so is doing heroine. Lots of stuff are choices. If it's a choice, than choose not to do it around people who don't like tobacco smoke. Don't expect everyone to suddenly kiss your ass just because you chose choice A rather than choice B. When I want to do something people don't want me to do around them, I do it somewhere else, not whine and complain about how persecuted I am and that I'm just like the blacks and the Jews because people don't embrace my choice with open arms.

Don't be silly.

well then, at least you have some standards

well then, at least you have some standards

I'm not sure what you've insulted, GT or vomit.

GT I could stomach. The other is sort of anti-stomach.

I'm not sure what you've insulted, GT or vomit.

GT I could stomach. The other is sort of anti-stomach.

considering your standards "I think I could have sex with you without vomiting" is actually fairly high praise

Smokers who whine about being a persecuted minority are annoying. Second-hand smoke is still dangerous and, unless I'm mistaken, second-hand Hispanic doesn't affect other people's health. Second-hand black doesn't affect other people's health. And Hispanics and blacks can't simply stop being Hispanic or black. While a smoker can become a non-smoker by simply stop smoking. You won't believe what smoking does to your skin. Makes it get all tough and wrinkly and old-looking faster than time and sun combined. And have you kissed one? Tobacco lingers.

Oh, I agree about second hand smoke. I don't smoke around people unless they do or if I get permission to do so; even then, I am cautious about exposing people to it because I know how unpleasant it can be. There are a lot of rude smokers out there that disregard such common courtesy, and I have as big a problem with them as with any self-righteous antismoking activist. People on both sides simply forget common courtesy; don't litter your butts or packs, don't smoke in front of nonsmokers without permission, and for God's sake don't do it in front of
kids. Nobody has a "right" to smoke, and smokers most definitely don't have the right to force their habit on others... this is something I definitely agree with, and I absolutely support banning smoking in public facilities and within close proximity of buildings.

My main problem is with the endless sin taxes charged on cigarettes; there is no reason why cigarettes and alcohol should get taxed to hell above and beyond the costs associated with them while fast food vendors and other places that supply unhealthy products are charged nothing more than a standard sales tax. Either give all products fair treatment according to their costs or not at all.

As it stands, these sin taxes are an easy way for the state to make money and prevent other people from having to pay for the consequences of their health decisions. Seriously, cigarette taxes seem like the Social Security Trust Fund for state governments.

Mentioning it's a choice might be worth emphasizing, but only if done right.

There's one of those advertisements that features this woman who lost bits of her fingers as a result of smoking. I guess she accidentally stuck them in the cigarette lighter on her car or something, I don't know.Excess nicotine can cause this.

I think a better reason to take up smoking is because you like it.Does anybody ever take up smoking because they like it?

Smokers who whine about being a persecuted minority are annoying. Second-hand smoke is still dangerous and, unless I'm mistaken, second-hand Hispanic doesn't affect other people's health. Second-hand black doesn't affect other people's health.Nor does secondhand fat.

considering your standards "I think I could have sex with you without vomiting" is actually fairly high praise

My standards?

What on earth are you babbling about?

Smokers who whine about being a persecuted minority are annoying. Second-hand smoke is still dangerous and, unless I'm mistaken, second-hand Hispanic doesn't affect other people's health. Second-hand black doesn't affect other people's health. And Hispanics and blacks can't simply stop being Hispanic or black. While a smoker can become a non-smoker by simply stop smoking.

Yes, well a Jew can just convert to some other religion and adopt another culture. So, by that same reasoning, Jews who whine about being a persecuted minority are annoying. And shouldn't whine, since they can stop any time we want them to!

You won't believe what smoking does to your skin. Makes it get all tough and wrinkly and old-looking faster than time and sun combined. And have you kissed one? Tobacco lingers.


See? Whine, whine, whine. Look, princess, if you're so concerned about your skin, don't smoke. If you don't like the taste of tobacco-smoking whores, stop renting them out every time. Or at least don't kiss them. Gross, man.

When I want to do something people don't want me to do around them, I do it somewhere else, not whine and complain about how persecuted I am and that I'm just like the blacks and the Jews because people don't embrace my choice with open arms.

"Could you go be Jewish somewhere else please?"

Yes, well a Jew can just convert to some other religion and adopt another culture. So, by that same reasoning, Jews who whine about being a persecuted minority are annoying. And shouldn't whine, since they can stop any time we want them to!

Yeah but who is going to foot the bill for the expensive foreskin reconstruction surgery? Huh?

Yeah but who is going to foot the bill for the expensive foreskin reconstruction surgery? Huh?

I'd gladly deal with that if I didn't have to have a jewish mother.

Well she has no foreskin. She can just stop being Jewish without those complications.

Talk to her, I'm sure she'd be open to the idea.

Does anybody ever take up smoking because they like it?


...Yes?

Why else? Look, I know I'm supposed to be an automaton persuaded by tobacco advertising I'm too young to remember seeing, joining social groups out of peer pressure and aiming for a James Dean like rebellious counter-culture stereotype - but from the first time I tried it I knew I just plain liked it, and I know I'm not alone on this.

It's an acquired taste, to be sure, but then so is beer.

...Yes?

Why else? Look, I know I'm supposed to be an automaton persuaded by tobacco advertising I'm too young to remember seeing, joining social groups out of peer pressure and aiming for a James Dean like rebellious counter-culture stereotypePretty much, yes.

but from the first time I tried it I knew I just plain liked it, and I know I'm not alone on this.Eh, I suppose I'd have to take your word on this, I can't disprove it.

It's an acquired taste, to be sure, but then so is beer.Does anybody ever take up drinking because they like it?

Does anybody ever take up drinking because they like it?

Well you don't take anything up because you like it...until you've tried it you can't say if you like it or not.

I didn't take up sex because I liked it. I kept having it because I liked it.

Pretty much, yes.

So why would I choose something that only 20% of the population does, and not something that even less a percentage would? To be even more counter-cultural. Like joining the KKK or going through a Nazi phase?


Does anybody ever take up drinking because they like it?

...yes...

Well she has no foreskin. She can just stop being Jewish without those complications.

Talk to her, I'm sure she'd be open to the idea.

Jewish motherhood goes far beyond a little genital mutilation. It's in the blood.

Jewish motherhood goes far beyond a little genital mutilation. It's in the blood.

Dialysis.
*nods*

I thought it was gentile mutilation.

Well you don't take anything up because you like it...until you've tried it you can't say if you like it or not.

I didn't take up sex because I liked it. I kept having it because I liked it.Certainly, this is true.

So why would I choose something that only 20% of the population does, and not something that even less a percentage would? To be even more counter-cultural.The percentage of the population overall that does it might be 20%, but the percentage of preteens and teens who smoke is higher than that.
With that said, rebellion is a large part of why they choose to smoke, only it's more of a halfassed rebelling-to-fit-in type of thing.

The percentage of the population overall that does it might be 20%, but the percentage of preteens and teens who smoke is higher than that.
With that said, rebellion is a large part of why they choose to smoke, only it's more of a halfassed rebelling-to-fit-in type of thing.

Of course, the question there is whether or not they continue to do so once they've become legal to purchase cigarettes. For reference, I started smoking long after I became legal to purchase tobacco products and I did it simply because I liked it.

Now, I will admit I purchased and use a TarGard permanent filter for its dual utility as a way of enhancing the smoking experience/getting rid of smoke smell as well as for its use in a Hunter S. Thompson costume.

Of course, the question there is whether or not they continue to do so once they've become legal to purchase cigarettes. For reference, I started smoking long after I became legal to purchase tobacco products and I did it simply because I liked it.Usually the reason people continue smoking once they've become addicted is...well, because they're addicted. This process, as I mentioned, usually begins with a teenager or preteen.
The amount of people who begin smoking after the age of 19 is fairly miniscule. With that said, even adults sometimes feel the desire to fit in.

Now, I will admit I purchased and use a TarGard permanent filter for its dual utility as a way of enhancing the smoking experience/getting rid of smoke smell as well as for its use in a Hunter S. Thompson costume.Heh.

Does anybody ever take up smoking because they like it?

Does anybody ever take up drinking because they like it?Are these trick questions? Yes to both.

Usually the reason people continue smoking once they've become addicted is...well, because they're addicted. This process, as I mentioned, usually begins with a teenager or preteen.

Given that young female smokers are basically the only group still growing significantly in the United States, that's highly plausible. After all, if you give in to peer pressure, you smoke more and more often...

...and from there it's easy to find yourself hooked. Now, since I keep my consumption under pretty strict control, I've been able to stop any "ramping up" or increases in frequency but I know the risk is there and know it's likely that will be the ultimate outcome.

The amount of people who begin smoking after the age of 19 is fairly miniscule. With that said, even adults sometimes feel the desire to fit in.

True. I can't say I have felt any peer pressure to do so, although I definitely know of examples that have led to smoking. I would never encourage people to smoke, and would never do it in front of younger people for fear of sending that kind of signal.

Heh.

I just need to hunt down a good pair of classic aviator glasses and I'm set.

Are these trick questions? Yes to both.Why would those be trick questions?

Given that young female smokers are basically the only group still growing significantly in the United States, that's highly plausible. After all, if you give in to peer pressure, you smoke more and more often...

...and from there it's easy to find yourself hooked. Now, since I keep my consumption under pretty strict control, I've been able to stop any "ramping up" or increases in frequency but I know the risk is there and know it's likely that will be the ultimate outcome.And it's no coincidence that cigarette advertisers are advertising more often to women than they used to, either.

True. I can't say I have felt any peer pressure to do so, although I definitely know of examples that have led to smoking. I would never encourage people to smoke, and would never do it in front of younger people for fear of sending that kind of signal. So what was it that made you first pick up a cigarette?

I just need to hunt down a good pair of classic aviator glasses and I'm set.Where would you find a pair of those?

Why would those be trick questions?Because generally speaking you do something because you like it. I know I drink because I enjoy it. And I used to smoke cloves and hookahs because I enjoyed doing it. I quit the smoking bit because the smell and taste of cloves lingers way too long.

They just seemed like a silly pair of questions.

And it's no coincidence that cigarette advertisers are advertising more often to women than they used to, either.

Yes, very much so. As a matter of fact, Camel 99's were originally planned as part of a new brand targeted at young female smokers, kind of a Virginia Slims for the 90's. As a Marlboro smoker, I can't really say much about Camels or the rest of the RJ Reynolds line but I do know they've seen a big increase in female smokers (although it appears another Altria brand, Parliaments, still dominate down at Ohio State).

So what was it that made you first pick up a cigarette?

Well, I started with cigars, actually. I started with cigars out of a desire to try them and then moved to cigarettes. At first, I did it mostly by myself as a way of relaxing, although now I also enjoy smoking with others. I finally settled on cigarettes because I enjoyed the taste in a more "casual" way than cigars (not to mention the cost/quality ratio...bulk cigars are cheaper than cigarettes, but they are also atrocious).

My only concern is addiction, really. Personally, if they made a cigarette without nicotine, I'd still smoke them...the nicotine is a great feeling, but I know it's got a huge risk attached to it and I think from a cost/benefit standpoint I'd prefer to reduce it as much as possible.

Where would you find a pair of those?

Good question. Classic-style Ray-Bans cost over $130, so that's way, way too expensive...ideally, finding a true vintage pair would be perfect but I doubt they would be cheaper.

Because generally speaking you do something because you like it.Or, because you like something associated with doing it. Like working a shitty job not because you like the shitty job, but because you like the paycheck.

Yes, very much so. As a matter of fact, Camel 99's were originally planned as part of a new brand targeted at young female smokers, kind of a Virginia Slims for the 90's. As a Marlboro smoker, I can't really say much about Camels or the rest of the RJ Reynolds line but I do know they've seen a big increase in female smokers (although it appears another Altria brand, Parliaments, still dominate down at Ohio State). Why smoke Marlboros and not some other brand?

Well, I started with cigars, actually. I started with cigars out of a desire to try them and then moved to cigarettes.Do you recall what first made you desire to try them?

At first, I did it mostly by myself as a way of relaxing, although now I also enjoy smoking with others. I finally settled on cigarettes because I enjoyed the taste in a more "casual" way than cigars (not to mention the cost/quality ratio...bulk cigars are cheaper than cigarettes, but they are also atrocious).

My only concern is addiction, really. Personally, if they made a cigarette without nicotine, I'd still smoke them...the nicotine is a great feeling, but I know it's got a huge risk attached to it and I think from a cost/benefit standpoint I'd prefer to reduce it as much as possible.So you enjoy smoking itself?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kZDVIKGMk2c&feature=related

I smoked. I quit. I can understand why people smoke, I can understand why people don't. I can understand why people would want public areas to be smoke free. I can't particularly understand why people would complain about smoke in a bar. It's a bar.

And has anyone seen that Truth commercial about smoking the Muppets movie? That commercial bugs the crap out of me, because the Muppets was not particularly a movie made for children, and anyways that was 20 years ago.

And for the record, I started smoking because I wanted to start smoking. And I kept smoking because I enjoyed smoking. And I quit because I have a history of high blood pressure on both sides of my family going several generations back. So, I didn't start smoking because I was attracted to something associated with or anything like that.

There's something I've noticed when it comes to anti-cigarette ads on the TV. They mention about all the horrible disease and stuff that happens to you when you smoke, however, they never mentioned the fact that the people who been affected by smoking chose to smoke. They chose to buy a pack of cigarette, they chose to light one up, and they chose to inhale. Just once I'd like an anti-cigarette ad where the person says "I chose to smoke" Doubt I'd see that happen.

Your thoughts?

I guess you didn't see them because you haven't looked.

Here's one. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEGLlo8IY5E&feature=related) The guy said he started smoking because he thought it made him look cool. His choice and he cops to it.

Why smoke Marlboros and not some other brand?

I really enjoy the new Virginia Blend; it's a little pricier than their regular offerings, but it's worth it. I have no brand loyalty to Marlboro, so it's mostly my choice for the moment until another brand comes along (such as Camel's Turkish line, about which I've heard good things).

Do you recall what first made you desire to try them?

I'd say both the smell of cigars and general curiosity about what the smoking experience was like.

So you enjoy smoking itself?

Basically. I've never felt any pressure to smoke, nor do I use it as a way of dealing with stress or other problems.

I smoked. I quit. I can understand why people smoke, I can understand why people don't. I can understand why people would want public areas to be smoke free. I can't particularly understand why people would complain about smoke in a bar. It's a bar.

Because I like to drink and I don't like to come home smelling like cigarettes.

Because I like to drink and I don't like to come home smelling like cigarettes.

But drinking and smoking go together so well.

But drinking and smoking go together so well.

They do, I can concur. However, I definitely do not like smelling like stale smoke so I prefer to do the deadly duo outdoors or somewhere with good ventilation. Inside a bar, not so much.

But drinking and smoking go together so well.
Maybe, but that's what outside the bar is for. It's very entertaining in winter... and it was also funny when they still had rooms with separate ventilation systems for the smokers. It was a fishbowl full of smoke and absolutely disgusting... but I was outside of it. :)

I mean, the only times I ever think smoking tobacco is a good idea is when I'm drunk. And even then it has to be because someone has a cigarette out.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kZDVIKGMk2c&feature=related
I really expected that to be a link to that damn Rick Roll'D video.

Maybe, but that's what outside the bar is for. It's very entertaining in winter... and it was also funny when they still had rooms with separate ventilation systems for the smokers. It was a fishbowl full of smoke and absolutely disgusting... but I was outside of it. :)

I mean, the only times I ever think smoking tobacco is a good idea is when I'm drunk. And even then it has to be because someone has a cigarette out.

Fair enough. I don't think it should be a legality issue, though. Bar wants to allow smoking, it can suffer the consequences of losing the business of its non-smoking patrons to a nearby bar that does not allow smoking.

I really expected that to be a link to that damn Rick Roll'D video.

If I do it to every hyperlink it won't be a surprise when I do.

Fair enough. I don't think it should be a legality issue, though. Bar wants to allow smoking, it can suffer the consequences of losing the business of its non-smoking patrons to a nearby bar that does not allow smoking.
Psh, what nearby bar that doesn't allow smoking?

Before they made it a law, it was a matter of "allow all patrons into bars" versus "allow all non-smokers into bars" essentially. People would get burned with cigarettes in some places because it would be crowded and people would be smoking. All bars allowed it, hell, before it was a law, all restaurants allowed it and I really didn't like smelling smoke while I ate.

It's basically the fact that if one person in a bar is smoking, everyone has to deal with it. If there are 100 people in the bar and there's a lone smoker everyone will leave smelling like smoke. Now, this isn't a problem.

Psh, what nearby bar that doesn't allow smoking?

Before they made it a law, it was a matter of "allow all patrons into bars" versus "allow all non-smokers into bars" essentially. People would get burned with cigarettes in some places because it would be crowded and people would be smoking. All bars allowed it, hell, before it was a law, all restaurants allowed it and I really didn't like smelling smoke while I ate.

It's basically the fact that if one person in a bar is smoking, everyone has to deal with it. If there are 100 people in the bar and there's a lone smoker everyone will leave smelling like smoke. Now, this isn't a problem.

Fair enough, I suppose. I just feel like some of the impositions placed on smokers are ridiculous. On campus the rule is 10m away from any building to smoke, which pretty much puts you in the middle of a parking lot. Incidentally, no one actually cares enough to enforce it as long as there aren't like five guys chain-smoking right next to a door.

If I do it to every hyperlink it won't be a surprise when I do.I think I've caught all the right ones then because the last several from you have been that, and I always scroll down to see people's responses to see if it is safe. I'd use a smiley, but I'm not fond of these new ones.