Poll: Ye olde Cancer Sticks

[Justank]

However, like Vern, I do go out of my way to make the least impact I can. I don't smoke in high traffic areas (this is actually outside the back entrance to my work that this happened) and I try to be mindful of people who don't want anything to do with it. If I can't avoid forcing someone to deal with my secondhand, then I won't smoke.

The reason a lot of non smokers do take issue with it is that many smokers don't try to lessen the impact on others. I used to clean up the outer areas of a hospital that was supposed to be a completely smoke free area, and the daily mass of cigarette butts left on the ground there alone was revolting. I find the smell nauseating, but I don't complain if my friends smoke as long as they aren't purposefully blowing it at me. Most non smokers find it disgusting, and a few people exacerbating the situation as Enriel pointed out or littering with cigarette butts all over lead to a serious stigma against smokers as a whole.

 

[enriel]

However, like Vern, I do go out of my way to make the least impact I can. I don't smoke in high traffic areas (this is actually outside the back entrance to my work that this happened) and I try to be mindful of people who don't want anything to do with it. If I can't avoid forcing someone to deal with my secondhand, then I won't smoke.

The reason a lot of non smokers do take issue with it is that many smokers don't try to lessen the impact on others. I used to clean up the outer areas of a hospital that was supposed to be a completely smoke free area, and the daily mass of cigarette butts left on the ground there alone was revolting. I find the smell nauseating, but I don't complain if my friends smoke as long as they aren't purposefully blowing it at me. Most non smokers find it disgusting, and a few people exacerbating the situation as Enriel pointed out or littering with cigarette butts all over lead to a serious stigma against smokers as a whole.

Outside of a HOSPITAL? Ugh, that's awful.

And I suppose that pretty much answers the question. No matter how respectful I try to be, I do something that is attached to a lot of assholes.

 

[aLivingPheonix]

Nope, I don't smoke. I don't mind smokers either. My mom smokes, and has all my life, so I've gotten used to it.

 

[Frotality]

the stigma against smoking (and my reason against it) is that it isnt just harming you, but those around you; and im not just talking about second-hand smoke; most smokers i happen upon act like i should feel priveliged to breath their noxious fumes, which isnt so much unhealthy as it is pretentious and annoying.

but really, that has to do with the person; there are alot of habits that some people make annoying for others; if you have a modicum of common courtesy and respect my right to breathe normal, industrial smoke filled california air, then ive no problem.

 

[newuseforvintage]

I answered "Not Cigarettes *winkyface*" because I smoke cigars, in fact I run a specialist cigar store. In my job I have had to deal with some of the worst of the preachy asshats out there. I remember one particular instance where a woman went out of her way to come in to my store to reprimand me for "selling death, like the devil". I kid you not.
I hate being villanised for what I enjoy but 75% of the time it is a lack of understanding that drives this.
That and, being a cigar smoker, I don't really walk around smoking or nip out in to the street for a smoke so when I am smoking it is usually around people who appreciate it.

And for the record I think cigarettes are vile. But it's their choice.

 

[enriel]

I answered "Not Cigarettes *winkyface*" because I smoke cigars, in fact I run a specialist cigar store. In my job I have had to deal with some of the worst of the preachy asshats out there. I remember one particular instance where a woman went out of her way to come in to my store to reprimand me for "selling death, like the devil". I kid you not.
I hate being villanised for what I enjoy but 75% of the time it is a lack of understanding that drives this.
That and, being a cigar smoker, I don't really walk around smoking or nip out in to the street for a smoke so when I am smoking it is usually around people who appreciate it.

And for the record I think cigarettes are vile. But it's their choice.

Technically I smoke 'cigarillos', mostly because I can't smoke a legitimate cigar on a 10 minute break. I think cigarettes are pretty vile as well.

And yeah, that's the heart of the thread right there; that woman taking time out of her day for no other purpose than to condemn the way you do your business. How would she like it if you walked into HER workplace and told her she was doing the devil's work?

People have no sense of perspective anymore...just because YOU don't do something doesn't make it wrong. We're all entitled to the choices we make.

 

[Justank]

People have no sense of perspective anymore...just because YOU don't do something doesn't make it wrong. We're all entitled to the choices we make.

You are a wonderful human being. That applies to so many things far beyond smoking.

 

[enriel]

People have no sense of perspective anymore...just because YOU don't do something doesn't make it wrong. We're all entitled to the choices we make.

You are a wonderful human being. That applies to so many things far beyond smoking.

I try. =)

 

[emeraldrafael]

I smoke smarties. XD

In all seriousness, i dont smoke, but i know people that do. Some people just cant handle it. some people can.

my friend has been smoking since he was thirteen (he's 19). he has one stick a day, two on his birthday, and two if the day is really rough, but other then that, he's the pciture of perfect health. well, kinda, but his health problems are not because he smokes, its because he used to run with a gang.

Personally, I dont think they should do it in public places, but what they do in their own home or in places that are close, but not too close to the public is their own problem. its not liek I'm saying they have to go 100 yards away to smoke. but fifteen feet from the entrance is good.

 

[CountryMike]

I quit daily smoking years ago. Don't even feel like smoking anymore...

Except when I'm in a bar, had a few drinks. Then I end up smoking an entire pack (that's 19 cigarettes) in a few hours.

 

[ilspooner]

I don't smoke, and I never will. I also never will fake gag and cough near smokers. It is their choice, and I respect that. I don't like it when smokers purposely blow smoke in my face.

 

[Whitenail]

Personally I don't smoke and I don't plan on starting.

However, my folks smoke and I've never seen much of a problem with smoking yet I'm constantly having to endure misinformed friends who act like smoking makes you the devil and douchebags that give my parents the stinkeye and even the fake coughing when they light up when we're out in public. I think it's really obnoxious the way people go about it, it's ironic since smokers haven't put up much complaint in the face of taxes, designated smoking areas and shock campaigns yet people still harass them.

 

[rb26dett]

Luckily for me, I'm rarely smoking in public (I have a personal transport, and there are smoking rooms in almost every place I go to). Also I'm a massive enough guy with an ugly enough mug that people think it's better not to bother me with their anti smoker propaganda

the fake coughing when they light up when we're out in public.

You can't really properly fake a smoke cough, everybody knows that it's BS, including you, them and the people they are trying to impress with it. If somebody "falls for it", who's the douchebag then?

 

[AndyFromMonday]

No one cares here. I can go out on the street, light up a cig and smoke it without anyone making fun or preaching.

 

[enriel]

Smoking is smoking. I was raised around smokers and several of my friends used to smoke. I smoke a hooka and on occasion i smoke cigars. Just pull a bill hicks and if it happens again just look at them and say "Good thing you don't smoke."

Also just because i am an asshole at times.

Spoiler: Healthy Lifestyle Kick?

I googled Fat Americans in case anyone wants more.

OH SWEET BABY JESUS, MY EYES!

If I'm going to kill myself with an unhealthy lifestyle I will take lung cancer over obesity any day.

 

[enriel]

Smoking is smoking. I was raised around smokers and several of my friends used to smoke. I smoke a hooka and on occasion i smoke cigars. Just pull a bill hicks and if it happens again just look at them and say "Good thing you don't smoke."

Also just because i am an asshole at times.

Spoiler: Healthy Lifestyle Kick?

I googled Fat Americans in case anyone wants more.

OH SWEET BABY JESUS, MY EYES!

If I'm going to kill myself with an unhealthy lifestyle I will take lung cancer over obesity any day.

Smoke Cigars. Then you will only get throat Cancer.

Ooh, and get one of those voice box thingies after I need a tracheotomy. Wicked.

And I do smoke cigar...illos. Basically the bastard child of a cigar and a cigarette.

 

[Layz92]

It really isn't my thing (tobacco anyway... I'm planning on giving the other a go some time) but I have no problems with others doing it. Smoke as much as you like just try not to blow it directly on me.

 

[The Reverend]

Smoking a pipe is where its at my friends. You change from "dirty smoker" to "dignified gentleman" in one fell swoop.
And if anyone asked me if i knew how bad it was for me, I'd reply "no worse than telling a complete stranger how to live their life" with a suggestive scowl or some knuckle cracking.