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Despite its alleged origins as a "noxious weed" imported by Sir
Walter Raleigh, tobacco has become a major player in the global economy. The
tobacco industry provides employment to thousands of people around the world and
generates revenue through the growing, picking, curing, and manufacturing of
tobacco products. While the majority of tobacco comes from America, Turkey, or
the Balkans, it is shipped to factories for processing in almost every country.
However, the ownership of the industry is shared between a few giant
international companies. Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and snuff are all
subject to government anti-smoking propaganda, but many countries like Britain
do not desire a sharp decline in tobacco consumption due to the financial loss
it would cause.
Despite the financial benefits of the tobacco industry, an increasingly large
and vocal body of anti-smoking opinion has emerged. While it is true that
smoking can be distasteful to non-smokers, the real objection is the tendency of
addicted cigarette smokers to bronchial and respiratory complaints, some of
which are fatal. Most importantly, smoking is linked to a high incidence of lung
cancer.
While some statistics allege a direct connection between cigarette smoking and
lung cancer, the cigarette makers' research seems to indicate that there is no
connection at all. Additionally, doctors admit that there are degrees of danger,
with heavy addicted cigarette smokers who inhale the smoke being the most liable
to lung cancer. Pipe smokers are much safer, and inhaling cigars is particularly
dangerous. The medical case remains "not proven," but the propaganda against
smoking is gaining momentum through tens of thousands of dollars spent on
advertising in the press, magazines, and on radio and television.
Ultimately, whether or not to smoke is a matter for the individual. Attempts to
discourage or even make smoking illegal are likely to increase its appeal.
Despite its drawbacks, smoking can be pleasurable and even helpful in certain
situations, such as soothing nerves during a difficult interview or helping
concentration. However, it is an undeniably dirty habit that affects one's wind
and can become a craving and a necessity.
The best advice about smoking remains the same: if you do smoke, cut down, and
if you don't smoke, don't start! While the tobacco industry may provide
employment and revenue, the potential health risks of smoking make it a vice to
be discouraged whenever possible, particularly among young people. |
