Spring Break
Smokers know the risks, thank you
CALLI ARNOLD
Issue date: 9/3/09 Section: Opinions
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Anyone who doesn't smoke will inevitably tell a smoker they're interacting with how bad it is for them and how it will kill them one day. With increased "quit-smoking" campaigning, the pursuit to "save" smokers has reached an evangelical fervor.
As a former Camel consumer, I can't count the number of times someone went out on a limb to inform me that cigarettes are harmful. I do, however, vividly recall lighting up immediately to accidently-on-purposely exhale in the direction of their head.
The fact is, if a person is able to buy a pack of cigarettes, then they are aware of the risks: highly poisonous, highly addictive, worse if second-hand, bad for babies, and of course, increased likeliness of lung and other respiratory cancer.
So, any attempt to enlighten a smoker is utterly futile, as the laws of human nature predict an equal and opposite reaction to such impromptu sermons.
Smokers have become ostracized to the point that they can't even walk outside - where they're supposed to be - and take one good drag without offending someone. They are followed from class to class by scoffs and coughs from the non-smokers walking behind them.
When this happened to me, as it often did, I always thought to myself, "Wait, I'm the one with bad lungs here, shouldn't you be able to walk faster?"
Cigarette smoke may be annoying and inconsiderate, but so are people who talk unnecessarily loud in the MLC, distracting everyone nearby who is studying and adding to their stress, which has been linked as a risk factor to heart disease - the No. 1 killer in America - according to Richard N. Fogoros, M.D. at About.com.
After smoking a pack-and-a-half a day for almost four years, I finally quit cold turkey about a month ago.
But a month isn't that long. How do I know it's for good? Because this time I was ready and I want to take care of my body. I don't miss the cigarette, but the amount of time I spent outside and the interesting people I met there.
Call me a realist, Mr. McAfee, but don't expect someone to quit smoking for you or anyone else, especially if the tactic utilized is remotely self-righteous or a guilt trip in disguise.
They'll quit when they're good and ready, and they'll quit for themselves, and it will mean so much more to them that way.
I've never met a smoker who sees cigarettes as a permanent part of their lives.
So ease up; smokers will save themselves.
- Calli Arnold is a senior from Savannah majoring in journalism and international affairs
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 13
gene
posted 9/03/09 @ 12:40 PM EST
What a collection of facile, ignorant nonsense. This one majors in journalism??
Rose Cipollone, dying in her hospital bed, would have given you a far different anecdotal experience of addiction. (Continued…)
Katie
posted 9/03/09 @ 2:18 PM EST
Maybe if smokers like you weren't constantly and passive-aggressively "accidently-on-purpose exhale[ing] in the direction of [the nonsmoker's] head," the rest of the world would be less hostile. (Continued…)
Gasping for air
posted 9/03/09 @ 3:12 PM EST
"As a former Camel consumer, I can't count the number of times someone went out on a limb to inform me that cigarettes are harmful. I do, however, vividly recall lighting up immediately to accidently-on-purposely exhale in the direction of their head. (Continued…)
What?
posted 9/03/09 @ 3:50 PM EST
"I've never met a smoker who sees cigarettes as a permanent part of their lives. "
Too bad cigarettes become a permanent part of their lives.
You know the risks, but you still want to have kids? What happens when their college fund goes to paying for your cancer?
What happens when they have to make sure you get your oxygen each month when they should be focusing more on their kids? These are preventable things, but smokers just DON'T CARE. (Continued…)
just shut up
posted 9/03/09 @ 4:39 PM EST
do you know how many of the same harmful fumes you suck in standing at the tate bus stop with huge engines idling away? or in traffic with your windows down? Oh but I bet someone is smoking in the next lane so yours up and have your AC blasting. (Continued…)
Cat
posted 9/03/09 @ 5:23 PM EST
Actually, dude, real freon hasn't been used in cars since the 80's. Just sayin.
Big 'Un
posted 9/04/09 @ 9:21 AM EST
I used to be a smoker, about half a pack a day. Prior to smoking, though, I used to be in tip-top shape, running 5 minute miles, 10 miles/day, 4-5 times per week. (Continued…)
Freon-Man
posted 9/04/09 @ 2:36 PM EST
Just Shut Up,
What are you trying to say about me? There's no Freon coming through the air conditioner vents in your car. It's just colder air that I've chilled in your vehicle's evaporator core, which is part of a closed system. (Continued…)
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