Smokers Have RightsToo, Don't They?
Are the Civil Rights of Smokers Being Infringed Upon?
I remember a time when smoking was allowed in the teacher's lounge inside schools, restaurants, movie theaters, and any place smokers darn well pleased. I understand those who do not want to be around cigarette smoke in any form or fashion and I had no quarrels with designating sections for smokiers and non-smokers. I can also understand banning smoking in certain public places, like office buildings, where non-smokers would have no choice but to breathe in smoke while taking care of necessary business but banning smoking in all public places, particularly those outdoor events? There has to be a happy medium in this situation. Non-smokers could always practice their option of leaving a place they are uncomfortable in. That's about as reasonable as banning smokers. I say why not go back to designated areas for both smokers and non-smokers?
Don't get me wrong on this, I don't enjoy being trapped inside a place where the air is filled with smoke but I do think this is going a bit too far. Yes, the health and welfare of others are important and yes, children are influenced by what they see in movies, but is smoking the worse issue being portrayed? Isn't raising the ratings of movies based on "smoking characters" over the edge? What has become of the basic civil rights of all American citizen, including smokers? Since when should the government, local, state or federal, be allowed to govern and control something that is not illegal and why should private industries be asked to accomodate the preferences of one side while discriminating againt the other side?
Published by Terri Rawls
I live just outside a small West Texas town where I have raised three children and am now getting even with them by spoiling their kids. I hold an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development and hav... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentI think the movie rating should go up, when smoking is involved in a movie. It's setting a horrible example for people, and if it has those effects on people then it should go up.
Yep, I'm afraid that I have to agree. I guess it just depends on who you are as to what you are allowed or not allowed to say...political correctness and all that crap!
Well to "non-smoker" I am amazed that you can say that with a straight face! Not discriminating? Sorry, look up the definition of discrimination! It is most certainly the "treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit" ! Now not to say that all of the regulations are not in the general public's best interest, like banning smoking IN the hospital, but not allowing a section outside for smokers I think is too much especially in a place where stress is often very high! Yes, the regulations have certainly gone over board.
This is great stuff. I don't know if this is an nationwide initiative or if it's just our self-righteous Mayor attempting to once more control our lives (he banned trans-fats in the Big City), but THEY are trying to ban smoking in our cars! Yikes. I'm no longer a smoker but I think there's some Big Brotherish about all of this!
Oops. I meant cussing and sex is legal, of course.
I think that it should be said that the presence of smoking MAY affect a movie's rating. If historical accuracy calls for it, depicting smoking is allowed without affecting the rating. It's when smoking is glamourized that the rating is raised, as well it should be. Cussing and sex is illegal but most people agree that those things should raise ratings, too. Whey not the leading cause of preventable deaths?
This is definitely a highly debated topic. I think that Americans, in general, are subtly losing their civil rights without even knowing it.
i don't think that it is discrimination to ban smoking from public places. the businesses are not banning the person, simply the act. i think it may be a little "over the edge" to call it discrimination. it is simply protecting the rights of the non-smoker. it is not infringing upon the rights of the smoker...
I didn't know about the movie rating thing. That is a bit extreme. As much as I hate cigarette smoke I do believe that the banning and prices have become macabre. Off topic a bit, if you want the next President to be someone who believes in equality for all, check out Tom Tancredo at www.tancredo.house.gov He believes that people who smoke should be able to smoke where they so desire. I agree there needs to be a happy medium.