March 21, 2010

• There's one thing I'm a bit curious about, especially here in the states, and maybe even more specifically here in the United States west coast. With all the warnings and regulations regarding smoking in public that we are reminded more and more of each day, as well as the rising costs of cigarattes, I have to ask. Why are there still people starting up smoking cigarettes?

  Standard answers would be...
  - excuse to rebel against society
  - seen as a "rite of passage" to adulthood
  - peer pressure
  - it "looks cool"
  - suppose to "calm your nerves"
  - social used marijuana is still illegal

  Just based on that list, is there a real "legit" reason to start smoking? We're continually being taught that it's bad for us, as well as others due to second hand smoke. People who do smoke even say that it's a bad habit, so what's the deal? It's occasionally called the "cancer stick" for a reason.

  Well, there are other answers...
  - it's a cultural thing for some to take up smoking
  - you come from a society that openly accepts it (especially among Asian countries - generalizing here)
  - members of their family does it and the habit just passes on to the next generation
  - the ability to smoke is necessary for acting reasons
  - moderate use is not bad
  - it keeps you warm?

  So the answer to the question isn't completely black and white, especially when the cultural and societal thing is brought in. As I live in Southern California though, those cultural and society answers doesn't really apply too much here. Isn't there still too much hassle associated with smoking already as it is? Ralph Garman of the Kevin & Bean Show has once jokingly said that society legally allows people to be prejudice against smokers with all the rules and laws restricting when and where they can smoke. Not to mention the overall stigma that comes with being a smoker.

  Although I don't judge those who do smoke, it still baffles me a bit as why people bother taking up smoking. Why do I care? Well, I'd personally rather not have people smoke around me. Not a big fan of the smell and all that. See, and there ya go...

  • 7:56 pm
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