Writer's Block: Smoke screen

[vovat]

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From a personal standpoint, I think smoking is disgusting, and I'm not sure why anyone still does it. You can't really even use the "it looks cool" excuse anymore, because, well, I don't think that association is common these days. There was a time when cigarettes were considered glamorous, but now I think they're seen as lowbrow. That said, you can smoke if you so choose; it's not like I don't have plenty of bad habits of my own (although I'd argue that none of them are as self-destructive). As for the rights of smokers, well, they're not a persecuted minority, are they? They're doing something they CHOOSE to do, and that can harm those around them. Even if secondhand smoke doesn't lead to cancer, it still smells bad and can aggravate other health conditions. I know one argument against smoking bans is that businesses should be able to operate the way they want, and perhaps there's something in that, as there were some smoke-free restaurants and such even before the bans. I've heard the argument that you're going to EXPECT smoking if you go into a bar, and I generally don't go into bars anyway, unless I'm with someone else who wants to (and fortunately, they were all in places that didn't allow smoking). Nonetheless, sometimes people who don't normally go into bars will do so to see a concert or other such event. Sure, we don't HAVE to go, but wouldn't it suck to miss out on seeing your favorite band because the only nearby place they're playing allows smoking? I guess I would be okay with some businesses allowing smoking, as long as they're clearly designated and there isn't any real reason for non-smokers to patronize them.

Comments

[suegypt.livejournal.com]

I hate smoking, and would even if I wasn't a near-lifelong asthmatic (whose parents both smoked merrily through her *cough* childhood). My one sister who smokes just visited for Thanksgiving, and I really just get so mad at her, although I no longer confront her. She is banned to smoke outdoors, weather or not.

I do understand what an awful addiction it is, tougher than alcoholism to pry oneself away from, so I'm told. Still, with the history of both my parents dying of heart/vascular disease, you'd think she would try anything to quit for good. She has tried a couple of times, but always gone back.

As for public places and smoker's rights? I'm with you, their right to smoke stops at my nose. I should not be forced to encounter smoke as a customer, and no employee ought to have to smell it, even if they work in a bar. Maybe an exception for those nasty martini bars...

I've never really seen anyone who makes it look glamorous, with the possible exception of Fred Astaire, who probably did everything with elegance.

[revme.livejournal.com]

Seattle bans smoking in every business, and something like 25 feet from any structure (which technically includes bus shelters, but I don't think they count those in practice, since, really, arresting smokers is pretty low on anyone's to-do list, I'm assuming. Or at least it should be, for reals). I'm not sure of the Constitutionality of it, given the "You should be able to choose what your business accepts"... but it's probably about the only thing that it simultaneously a) Potentially Unconstitutional and b) FUCKING AWESOME. I love not going to shows and reeking of smoke and coming out with a vague headache from it. And I like going to the Five Point/Mecca Cafe (which are local greasy spoon type places that are also bars -- but have really great food) and, y'know, not drowning in smoke. Because I'm tryin' to eat, mang.

So, yeah. Honestly? I think cigarettes/what have you are great props -- I do think they look kinda cool.... -- but the actual act of smoking, blegh. Just Flansburgh 'em, seriously.