Thesis
The introduction of the Surgeon Generals warning on cigarette packs increased the publics awareness to the dangers of smoking. Despite the information available there are millions of individuals who continue to smoke. The rights of non smokers who want clean air and the rights of smokers who want to smoke wherever they want is a debate that is a hot topic in todays culture.
The Glamorous History of Smoking
Smoking was represented in the 1950s as classy and glamorous. Movie stars and even doctors posed for ads claiming that smoking one type of cigarette vs another was better for one reason or another.
WARNING!
The Surgeon General of 1964 Dr.Luther L. Terry stated that smoking could cause lung cancer, premature birth, heart disease, and could possibly kill you. There are statistics that show there have been 12 million Americans deaths associated with smoking since 1964.
Smoking is COOL!
Cigarette ad campaigns continued to state that smoking was a cool thing to do. Ads featuring "Joe Camel" and the cowboy known as "The Marlboro Man" attracted young smokers despite the clearly marked labels stating the dangers of smoking.
Old Advertisment
NO SMOKING!
Non Smokers have begun to take a stand for their health by creating No Smoking areas in Public Places. Smokers are given special spaces in out of doors areas to smoke. Smoking is eliminated inside many buildings, airplanes and public areas.
Smoking bans have been put in place in many states such as California. In Asheville, North Carolina it is Illegal to smoke anywhere in the downtown area.
Some Smokers and Non-Smokers are outraged at the government for having such power over their personal rights. There is a group of people who has formed a smoker's club: The Citizens Freedom Alliance, Inc. This group is fighting hard to stop what they feel are anti-smoking regulations that are too strict. On the other side of the issue are non smokers who want smoking banned everywhere. They are getting their way and are happy to be able to breathe smoke free air in many places.
Smoking bans have been put in place in many states such as California. In Asheville, North Carolina it is Illegal to smoke anywhere in the downtown area.
Some Smokers and Non-Smokers are outraged at the government for having such power over their personal rights. There is a group of people who has formed a smoker's club: The Citizens Freedom Alliance, Inc. This group is fighting hard to stop what they feel are anti-smoking regulations that are too strict. On the other side of the issue are non smokers who want smoking banned everywhere. They are getting their way and are happy to be able to breathe smoke free air in many places.
Pictures speak louder than words.
It is amazing that these photos in addition to the words from the Surgeon General would not be enough to convince people to stop smoking. There are no smoking campaigns world wide that go far beyond the Surgeon Generals original warning in 1964.
Made by Morgan T Weber
