Perspectives on Smoking
Cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco have been around for many generations. There are good views towards it, obviously, because a large portion of our population uses it; and there are bad views, especially from those who feel that teenagers are being targeted by the smoking industry. Teenagers smoking, is the major concern today, due to the fact that "80% of adult smokers started smoking before the age of 18", and "every day, nearly 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers" (CDC-Overview 1). The government, along with portions of the mass media, are against teenage smoking, while teenagers and tobacco producers represent tobacco use, if it be through advertisement or patronage. The government views on smoking, or tobacco use in general, are very open minded to adults, but when it comes to children under the age of 18, the government feels it must put its foot down. The government considers adults to be able to make their own decisions, and protect their body from harm, which is why much of the attention is stressed on teenagers. It is safe to say that the government is a sufficient source to generate info
up hope on the older generations, but seeks mainly to inform them of the hazards rather than try to prevent smoking. For example, it is required that all tobacco vendors print the surgeons general's warning on their products, which warns the user of the potential and deadly effects of smoking or use of that product. rmation, being that one of their main goals is to provide for the public good. Being an adult, "having attained full size and strength; grown up: mature", means having had prior experience and proper education to be able to say no. If one does not accept the responsibilities and consequences, it is a personal choice made by that person that should have been given good judgment. The US government does not have any restraints or legislation passed affecting those over the age of 18 and which regard tobacco use. No, the government has not given! "Cigarette Smoking- Related Mortality". CDC's Tobacco Information and Sourcepage: 1. Online. University of Texas Ethernet. 20 April 1997. Available www: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/osh/mortali.htm. As for the tobacco producers and distributors themselves, their motive must clearly be business oriented. The leading brand in cigarettes is Marlboro, which as of 1995 owns 30.1% of market shares, with Winston next in line at 5.8%. Marlboro spends a measured advertising cost of $130 million, Winston- $15.4 million, Camel-$27.3 million and 4.4 shares, and Virginia Slims-$26.5 million and 2.4% of the market shares (Cigarettes 1). I do believe that the intent of this industry is not to sale deadly drugs or "cancer sticks". The tobacco producers also view their products as a means of enjoyment, relaxation, and personal choice. Advertisement by these industries include Joe Camel, the cartoon character used to promote Camel cigarettes, whose purpose is to "tell young children that smoking is cool" (President's 1). Joe can be seen wearing clothes a teenager would wear and engaging in activities that a teenager would do. Also, billboards with Joe Camel present, claim that ! "The president's news conference. (transcript)." Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents 31, 32 Aug. 1995: 1415-1414. Hilton, Joan F.. "Planning a spit tobacco cessation interventi
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Approximate Word count = 1517
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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