Perspectives on Smoking

Jacob Peña E3306-Spring, April 22, 1997 Mrs. Maynard "Perspectives on Smoking" Cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco have been around for many generations. There are good views towards it, obviously, because a large portion of our population uses it; and there are bad views, especially from those who feel that teenagers are being targeted by the smoking industry. Teenagers smoking, is the major concern today, due to the fact that "80% of adult smokers started smoking before the age of 18", and "every day, nearly 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers" (CDC-Overview 1). The government, along with portions of the mass media, are against teenage smoking, while teenagers and tobacco producers represent tobacco use, if it be through advertisement or patronage. The government views on smoking, or tobacco use in general, are very open minded to adults, but when it comes to children under the age of 18, the government feels it must put its foot down. The government considers adults to be able to make their own decisions, and protect their body from harm, which is why much of the attention is stressed on teenagers. It is safe to say that the government is a sufficient source to generate inf

But, will the government soon have total control over tobacco use and production It sure does look like the government would like to abolish tobacco all together, but As for teenagers, they have a lot of pressures to deal with at their age, and I believe it will make their life easier if they have no access to tobacco till they are so called mature, or reach the age of 18. ormation, being that one of their main goals is to provide for the public good. These power house industries have sort of a candy-coated perspective of smoking and tobacco use. The government has a well-developed affirmative perspective not only because it is on a national pedestal, but because of its duty to protect the public and inform the public of avoidable deaths. Since such a large number of teenagers are becoming or continuing to be involved with smoking at such an early age, the government takes this matter very seriously, and has passed legislation to discourage adolescents from giving in to tobacco use and becoming addicted to nicotine, the killer substance in tobacco. If one does not accept the responsibilities and consequences, it is a personal choice made by that person that should have been given good judgment.