Are people too hard on smokers?

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

while i absolutely despise the smell, and definitely think in the long run it makes you look worse, and i don't feel like kissing and ash tray, i would never judge a friend just based on the fact that they smoke, sure if they came over to my house i would hope they would respect my area and not smoke, as to when i go into their home and they smoke i respect it right back.


however when it comes to dating? if i even smell smoke on you, forget that, any possibility you ever had with me went right out the window. It's dating, not being friends, I am perfectly within my rights to be picky.

 

[OManoghue]

No, it smells like shit, gets in the way of other people's air and makes our clothes smell like a whorehouse.

 

[LordOmnit]

Then stay away from them- people have similar reactions to dogs, peanut butter and all manner of other things, would you expect people to not walk their dogs in public areas if you were allergic?

Smoking can be good for you in two instances: 1) your assailant/enemy is covered in a flammable substance, 2) there is a trail of gasoline or some other flammable going towards explosives packed around some kind of monster(s).
Your argument about allergies is pretty hard to deflect just because it is so laughably insignificant. Sure, there are plenty of people who are allergic to dogs or other things they don't have to come in contact with, but really? Dogs and peanut butter? Dogs don't need any help from me defending them from all the good they have and continue to do humans, but if it was common enough to be within sight of a problem, don't you think you'd hear about more emergency hospitalizations or sudden deaths from people passing by or near a dog on the street when there is no attacking involved? Or even that, but scaled to fit the huge number of people that smoke compared to walk their dogs in crowded public spaces.
Also, I do try to stay away from them, but it can sometimes be hard when they come to a place I frequent or have to stay in a limited area of and let their cloud of stank squat down over several meters.

there are health risks associated with everything- eating too much, not getting enough exercise, driving, walking and hundreds of other things- why do people still choose to do them? Why do people engage in risky sports?

Y'know, you can drink so much water you can die too.
How many of those other health risks are- psychologically and physically addicting, harmful to those who don't partake in it (driving, of course, exempt because of how cities are built), forced upon those who don't partake in them, and/or advertised to people when they don't fit some of the previous?
The "everything has health risks" thing also doesn't work because smoking doesn't have the opposite- anything good about it. Eating is rather necessary- sure, overeating is no good, but then again any smoking is no good. Not exercising enough is no problem to other people, except on planes or public transportation sometimes. Driving has obvious benefits and walking has different, but as many or more, all mitigating the occasional trip, exploding mailbox, or drop of rain. Risky (sanctioned) sports only carry risk to those who participate or attend them and everyone involved understands that.

As for your point "they're still harming those around them"- Ive already answered that, reread my previous posts.

What, blow smoke in their face? So you are intentionally harming them?

Captcha: face the music

 

[Manwat]

Second-hand smoke is more deadly to the people around you than it is to you.

I'm inhaling and effectively filtering the tar and chemicals through my lungs then exhaling it. How is it more deadly when it comes out again?

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My 2 cents on the habit

It's a habit. It's bad for you, but alot of things are bad for you. It's not my business telling people what they can and can't do. I enjoy a cigarette every now and then, I enjoy the taste and the smell because just like spinach/cognac/etc some people actually enjoy the taste. I love having a cold beer and a smoke while listening to music, but since smoking laws have removed the option of allowing the owner to run a smoke-easy legally.

But really, when have people been logical about what they will tolerate in a partner? It's personal preferance. Some people mind smokers, some don't. Some smokers are assholes, some aren't.

 

[Schmittler]

I also think people are a bit too harsh on the smokers, while I do not support smokers, I do not believe they should so publicly hated. People argue that they are killing themselves, but are people drinking alcohol and eating fast food not killing themselves, yet I don't see people being as harsh on these people as they do on smokers. I think that the media also has a large role in effecting how people view the topic as well.

That's a very good point, but there are a few differences from my perspective.

For one, smoking seems to have a negative impact regardless. It could be second-hand smoke, bad breath, or faster aging.

Those that drink alcohol aren't always leaving a bad impression. Sure they can be stupid drunks and make a fool of themselves or hurt someone, or they can become alcoholics and lead a terrible life, but just cracking open a bottle of beer does not instantly shy people away like the smell of smoke does.

Same goes for the people that eat fast food. Yeah, the people that definitely don't need the food disgust the general population, but an average every day person can handle the food and not become unhealthy or overweight.

You're definitely right, there is a bias toward smokers, but I think there's a few more reasons behind it than the fact that people are harming their own body. I think second hand smoke and other side effects play a large role in the hatred. I don't personally dislike people for doing it, I have several friends that do, but I will honestly say I turn my nose up when they do.

 

[EvilEggCracker]

All I read in these quotes is: It's okay to kill yourself if it's pleasurable, drugs are an acceptable crutch for people with problems, and cigarettes make you interesting.

What you should have read was that people smoke for a reason other than addiction; for a lot of people (myself included) it's pleasure.

 

[ryo02]

my dad used to smoke a pipe then he nearly got some ash in my brothers eyes when he was a baby and never smoked again.

to those who cant smell it or are used to the smell just think burst sewer pipe.

and many have little to no consideration (Im sure some do have consideration just plenty dont) for others considering the about who light up in crowded places and walking down the street or hang out at the entrance to shops etc etc.

 

[peruvianskys]

All I read in these quotes is: It's okay to kill yourself if it's pleasurable, drugs are an acceptable crutch for people with problems, and cigarettes make you interesting.

What you should have read was that people smoke for a reason other than addiction; for a lot of people (myself included) it's pleasure.

I get that, but 1) nicotine is a physically addictive substance, meaning that continued use will result in addiction, and 2) the fact that something's pleasurable doesn't negate its harmful qualities. People should be allowed to smoke because it's your body, do what you want with it. I'm just saying that it shouldn't be socially tolerated. It's like being addicted to porn or being a racist - not in terms of severity at all, but just in the general way people should approach it; just because you have the right to do something doesn't mean people should refuse to have an opinion on it, especially if you do it publicly.

 

[Somniferum]

The "everything has health risks" thing also doesn't work because smoking doesn't have the opposite- anything good about it.

Nicotine greatly enhances and/or compliments the effects of boatloads of other drugs. Especially when smoked, due to the rapid onset. The combination of alcohol and nicotine is what got me smoking in the first place and the "most awesome you will ever feel in your entire life"-feeling, when combined with something else, is what will never let me quit smoking entirely.

 

[MetalDooley]

Yes.Here in Ireland for example we have had a nationwide ban on smoking in public buildings/on public transport/in any building designated a workplace for about a decade now.Cigarettes are pretty expensive and constantly increasing in price(there was another price increase about 2 weeks ago).Yet that's not enough for some people.There's people constantly lobbying the government to introduce even more restrictions or even ban cigarettes outright(yeah cos that's worked for alcohol and drugs in the past)and calling for massive price hikes.Sometimes I just wish these people would piss off and worry about their own shit

 

[Darknacht]

Yes.Here in Ireland for example we have had a nationwide ban on smoking in public buildings/on public transport/in any building designated a workplace for about a decade now.Cigarettes are pretty expensive and constantly increasing in price(there was another price increase about 2 weeks ago).Yet that's not enough for some people.There's people constantly lobbying the government to introduce even more restrictions or even ban cigarettes outright(yeah cos that's worked for alcohol and drugs in the past)and calling for massive price hikes.Sometimes I just wish these people would piss off and worry about their own shit

Hey if you have to tax something tax cigarettes.
I can't wait until we get a full public ban in the US, or at least in my state. Smoking in public should be illegal for the same reason wandering around throwing draino in people's faces is illegal.

 

[Saelune]

Why you cant be too harsh on smokers (short of physically assaulting them)
They chose to be stupid.
They can choose to quit (then I turn from harsh to supportive)
It affects those around them (if it was just them Id not care)

Smokers do not deserve rights (as far as smoking that is) Its harmful to others. Its kinda why drinking and driving is illegal, why assault is illegal, and why murder is illegal.

Unless someone tied them down and forced cigarrettes into their mouth, they chose to smoke. I should not suffer because others make poor choices.

They can quit. I understand its not easy, but merely showing a desire to quit is enough for me to become supportive. I cant hate smokers and then not aid quitters, now can I?

They want the right to smoke wherever? Well I want the right to breathe. (And before I get the whole pollution and cars speal, dont assume you think I am ok with that, and regardless, why does the existance of one bad thing mean we should allow all bad things?)

 

[LordOmnit]

Nicotine greatly enhances and/or compliments the effects of boatloads of other drugs. Especially when smoked, due to the rapid onset. The combination of alcohol and nicotine is what got me smoking in the first place and the "most awesome you will ever feel in your entire life"-feeling, when combined with something else, is what will never let me quit smoking entirely.

Smoking helps other harmful chemicals mess with your system more. Great. Honestly, that's not a good thing. I had a whole, huge spiel about it as well, but it was pretty self-centered, so I'ma be brief here. If that's how you or anyone set the standard for all the wonderful things in the world you could experience, you need to get out and do something else. For me, a sense of achievement is the best, but other things that aren't the result of external chemicals are the best I will feel in the world.

 

[EvilEggCracker]

I think smokers and non-smokers should be segregated (like apartheid!), that way all us cool dudes can have loads of hedonistic fun (be honest, smokers tend to be funner people) and the non-smokers can be all square. If we don't seperate each other, all the non-smokers will be forced to mind our coats in the bar (while we go out smoke, chat and have fun) and I don't want a non-smoker going through my change.

 

[Stormz]

Sometimes it does go too far, but what about second hand smoke? My WHOLE family smokes. Every single one. So I have to deal with my health being bad just because they don't care about their bodies doesn't mean I should have to suffer as well. I refuse to date anyone who smokes because I've had to deal with it my whole life. Once I move out I'm NOT dealing with it again.

 

[C.O.C]

I don't personally dislike people for doing it, I have several friends that do, but I will honestly say I turn my nose up when they do.

Don't cha know smoking rises you want to keep your nose way down low

OT: I haven't got any problems with smokers If that's what they fancy fine in the UK they have to go outside On occasion when I'm out drinking with some friends and i'm offered a smoke I'll have one and it's my choice to go. so if you don't like second hand smoke stay inside and away from smokers simple.

I do get where people are coming from when you get some ignorant bastard smoking where they shouldn't you know non smokey zones. well that shites is not on!

 

[Togs]

Snip

My god its like arguing with a brick wall, like so many on the internet your technique is to not read what ive written and just repeat yourself using bigger words.
You have a seriously tilted/self entitled view on the subject, theres little point in arguing with someone who just sticks there fingers in their ears, suffice to say that smokers arent going away so your just gonna have to suck it up.

 

[Derlwyn]

I don't have a problem with people choosing to smoke, when it effects only the individual.

Because I live in a country with universal Health Care, I cannot overlook the drain on our health care system that smokers, or anyone who chooses to subject themselves to permanent and irreversible damage, represent. Sure smoking doesn't always guarantee death, but it significantly increases the likelihood of developing conditions that will need looking after in order to maintain a quality of life. In countries with free health care, the choice to support one who willingly and happily poisons their health represents a lack of resources for those who develop conditions without needing to willfully but toxins into their bodies.

I feel that if you choose to live a grotesquely unhealthy life then you should be excised from your nation's universal health care system (if you happen to have one). Everyone has the right to poison themselves, but those unhealthy choices shouldn't be automatically rewarded with guaranteed and prolonged care, especially when individuals are allowed to continue to receive health care while they're still actively poisoning themselves.

Smoking is a personal choice, a choice that can effect the quality of life for people around you. Smokers should be pushed to the fringe of society, because willingly poisoning one's self is, in my opinion, a fringe behaviour. Smoking was once considered glamorous and socially normal, but that was before we had the capability to understand the full impact of such a choice. To all smokers, get off of the patios, get away from the doors, stand outside in a corner, in the cold, in the rain, in whatever conditions, away from non-smokers. This may seem unfair, but it's more fair than allowing you to poison the people around you and your immediate environment. Smoking is not elegant and smokers should not complain that their habit is no longer seen as a necessary aspect of social life. If one is drawn to smoking due to a social aspect, then let's fully represent smoking in all it's non-glamorous and dirty glory; perhaps that alone will allow at least one person to make a healthy choice.

Oh, and I can't freaking stand when drivers drop the ash or toss their butts out of the car. You have an ash tray in your car, use it. Lose the selfish and ignorant attitude and take care of your habit yourself. Stop relying on other people to take care or your repulsive activities. It's almost as if you realize how disgusting it is to have in your car. You will suck all those dirty chemicals and drugs deep into your lungs, let it seep into the rest of your body, but far be it for the remnants of your activities dirty your precious vehicle.