Are Smokers Being Attacked Too Much?
By anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
United States
September 26, 2007 2:23am CST
I just got done and reading and responding to a discussion about smokers and how the poster hates them...not hates smoke or smoking but the smokers themselves! I have to admit, that hurt! I don't think I've ever done anything to make someone actually HATE me, after all hate is a very strong word and to use it in reference to people you've never even met is pretty harsh. It got me thinking about how much smokers are discriminated against and how since we're now a minority, that's fine with most of the population anymore. I've never purposely offended anyone with my smoking, I've always respected the rules or policies wherever I've been and I never smoke near children or near anyone I know minds it. However, I think it's going much too far when a person who OWNS, who has PAID FOR a bar or restaurant with their own money can no longer decide whether or not to allow smoking in their own establishment! The customers can make up their own minds if they want to eat or drink where smoking is allowed or not. It's gotten so ridiculous where there are many places where smoking isn't even allowed outside where there's no one around to do any harm to. We've been paying astronomical taxes on tobacco products for decades now and it keeps increasing more than on anything else. I'd like to see a good health care plan that covers everyone and I don't mind paying my fair share but I don't want to foot the entire bill! Any other smokers, or smoker sympathizers here? Weigh in on this and let me know what you think!
Annie
5 people like this
11 responses
@quickinstinct (432)
• United States
26 Sep 07
Hate is a strong word.
Besides if smokers want to kill themselves with cancer sticks then by all means it is a free world; just don't smoke in closed spaces with non-smokers because I don't feel like getting lung cancer because of your choices.
3 people like this
@crazy_ol_lady (1014)
• United States
26 Sep 07
hi quickinstinct,
As a smoker, I totally respect that. As a courteous smoker, that is something that I would never do to someone. And I agree with your thought of if smokers want to kill themselves. It is our choice, as smokers.
Happy posting..
@Bunsdk (242)
• Denmark
26 Sep 07
Yups, its neither the smoking or the smoke utilities that gets attacked, but the smoker himself.
As if him/her smoking makes that person evil or a bad person.
Pls gimme a break, it doesnt make a difference wether one smokes. Its just a preference and a petpeeve with others.
But making it personal is pretty dumb. A smoker smokes because he likes it, and started smoking because he wanted it to be part of his personality.
He doesnt rape you, kill you or otherwise attack you with his smoking.
@tentwo67 (3382)
• United States
26 Sep 07
I can't qualify myself as a sympathizer, and I'm certainly not a smoker. I hate to be around smoking. I am so sensitive to it that I have to request a seat not just in no smoking, but as far away from the smoking section as possible. I do not hate the smokers themselves, though. I just hate the insensitivity of smoking in places where there is no escape from the smoke, like congregating at the only entrance of a building so that I have to go through a smokescreen to use the door. It's sickening to me. Doesn't mean I hate the smokers - I just hate to be around it.
I don't know much about the laws, except that I wish that one would be enacted where I live, but I would guess that perhaps someone who opened a private club could make their own decision about smoking? Obviously I wouldn't have a problem with that - I mean we all make decisions about where we want to go and what we want to do. It sounds like you are a considerate smoker, but you must admit that there are many others who are not.
This will probably sound very Pollyanna of me, but I wish we could just all coexist without hurting each other.
@gwendovere (1279)
• United States
26 Sep 07
That is a bit harsh. How can you hate an entire person because of one habit? A person has many different personality traits & habits, quirks, etc.
I would rather talk with someone who smokes but is respectful of others... than to a non-smoker who beats their kids & is abusive to their spouse.
How can you judge a person based on a single personality trait or choice? Also -- smoking is so addictive that not everyone who smokes Still Wants to. Their bodies have gotten to wear they feel they NEED nicotine & they have withdrawals & moodiness if they go without.
I don't smoke, but I do think that's a bit ridiculous.
3 people like this
@poohgal (6845)
• Singapore
26 Sep 07
Hello there. I am a non-smoker. I personally do not hate smokers. However, I do feel that there are some black sheep among the smokers. I do not like smokers who smoke directly into my face. I do not like the smell of smoke and second hand smoke is definitely more toxic than first hand smoke. Smoking is a personal choice. It's ok to smoke but do smoke responsibly. Despite saying that, I still hope my brother can quit smoking for his health sake.
3 people like this
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
26 Sep 07
I dont care if someone hates me because I smoke, as long as they are not the people I love and care for as for total stranger big deal.
As for the rights of smokers it is going beyond joke now. Me and my friends tens to go to places that we can go out and have one or stay at someones house. The bigest joke was when the whole issue about smoking in bars was very hot this lady (bar personel) who I know very good was interviewed and she was saying things like "we the non smokers" when I know that she is smoking at least a packet a day (how do I know she is my parents next door neighboor).
3 people like this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
26 Sep 07
Well, I don't smoke anymore and haven't in over 20 years but I don't get bent out of shape if someone else does. Hubby smokes...ALOT...and although I'd like him to quit...I knew when we met that he smoked so I can't really complain now.
I think the whole NO SMOKING thing is getting out of hand with ppl complaining about smokers even smoking outside. I think the higher taxes and all the NO SMOKING areas are simply to make it harder on smokers in hopes that they will give up and quit smoking.
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
1 person likes this
@pismeof (855)
• United States
26 Sep 07
Annie,I guess the grand plan is to become an entirely smoke free society and the more pressure that can be placed on a smoker the more successful the campaign becomes.
The tobbaco companies are targeting children to create new smokers so as not to kill the industry to rapidly.
The anti-smoking lobby and others to pressure on public places and in some cases entire towns to become smoke free.
@MarieJ23 (1040)
• United States
26 Sep 07
I do understand what you feel. As for me, I don't have personal grudge to any smoker. I hate the act of smoking but NOT the smokers because we don't know what are the reasons that trigger them to indulge with it. I got some friends who smoke and they have their own valid reasons and if only we are open-minded enough we will understand them more.
My father was once a chain smoker for almost 30 yrs in his life and quitting it is like hell to him. So, I believe judging them upfront is NOT good because we don't know what are the struggles they have on themselves.
As long as they are not smoking in the public or infront of the kids or oldies, I have no problem with them.
1 person likes this
@resuab (265)
• United States
27 Sep 07
hey, i see where ur comming from, i personally don't smoke, but unless the people around me don't smoke 24/7, which hasn't happened to me, then i don't mind it at all. and yes i agree with previous posts that judging a person from their smoking habit is very harsh.
