Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva
(Post 5045180)
It's very true. We are a dying breed (literally). Drinking is somewhat acceptable, and getting pissed is even somewhat seen as hilarious by some people, but not smoking. It was once a very social habit. I believe at one point about two thirds of men, and 50% of women were smokers, if I recall correctly the literature I read. Cigarettes were freely available at social gatherings, and advertisers and the media made us think it was cool. Not so much nowadays. I think the problem (apart the repugnant stench for some people) is within the "passive" part, and although numbers of smokers are dwindling, a lot of us are hooked from a relatively early age unfortunately. I have enough sense at my age to know it is not a good thing to start, the expense alone would put me off, but I thought I was cool and clever in my early teens, and then I got hooked. And god I would love to stop, but I suppose lack enough will power. It's extremely hard to stop, once you have started, for many people.
In short, I think it's the fact of the possible harm to other people, due to our selfless act, although exhaust fumes and other pollutants don't seem to come as high on the agenda for some reason. We will soon be banished to underground smoking houses, since we have been driven out of bars, cinemas, clubs and restaurants.
I agree with most views against it to be honest, and I certainly would strongly advise against ever starting.
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