Manners matter
Jamie writes: I know the jury is still out on whether or not it actually does any harm. My query is on people who willingly smoke near non smokers. I live in an area of low income and high unemployment so the ratio of smokers to non smokers is quite high (about 3:2).
On a number of recent occasions I have been subjected to other peoples' smoke either in cafes, at bus stops or just in the street. Normally I move away but there have been a few occasions where there has been nowhere to move to and I have voiced my concerns, tactfully, to the smoker in question, usually asking if they would mind not blowing smoke in my face directly.
On four out of five occasions I have received a quick curt answer to the effect that if I don't like it, then tough. On one instance I was severely verbally abused.
I am all for the right of people to smoke, but I don't see how the case for smoking is going to stand up when there does seem to be a lot of ignorant and rude smokers around.
posted by Simon Clark @ 10:30
4 comments
4 Comments:
"Some smokers are so rude". Indeed? Here's some news for you: "Some people are so rude". Unfortunately it's a sign of the times. Try asking a young mother at the same bus-stop to kindly refrain from scolding her child so vehemently, or a young man to kindly not drink from a can of Special Brew in your presence. Good luck!
Yes, the smoking issue has certainly triggred some rudeness alright, and it makes me sit back and wonder at the nature of laws and ideologies that set people against one another. We are now engaged in a non military uncivil civil war.
In saner times, we would nearly all have probably respected everyone's need to live their lives as best they could, thus accepting the solution of seperate locations and spaces for smokers and non-smokers. Moreover, with the developemnt of modern ventilation and air cleaning systems this could have been easily achieved and presented us all with the prospect of better quality indoor air and a more harmonious existence.
However, the politics of the anti-smoking movement have prevented this from happening and the spectre of second-hand smoke has been twisted into a magical and unbelievable entity which, as the result of repeated and completely insane propaganda, many people have come to believe. Fortunately, others trust their instincts to a greater degree and maintain a very healthy and necessary scepticism.
Sadly, the resulting rudeness and insults will continue for a long time to come as matters inevitably become more closely considered and scrutinised by the public. I do wonder how though long it will take before sanity returns.
ali and glaucon, you seem to be missing the point entirely. If I am standing at a bus stop it is for my own benefit to get public transport and, more to the point, the fumes aren't blown directly into my face. And, as for your comments glaucon, how do the things you mentioned affect me in any way. I find the smell of tobacco smoke disgusting, and whether you like it or not, there ARE health risks for a non-smoker being exposed to smoke in this way.
Unfortunately for the vast majority of sensible and considerate smokers, people like you two always seem to be heard above all others. Seriously, you two, if you cannot add something constructive to a debate do everyone a favour and shut the hell up.
Thanks,
Jamie
Well Jamie, where is your incontravertable proof that secondhand smoke causes you harm? We are all waiting to see this!
I hate tea and the smell causes me to heave, but when I go into a cafe I don't expect everyone around me who is drinking tea to move or not drink. Before you say this is not in my face - the smell does waft on the steam and when you are sensitive to something, as you will know, it is worse than for others who are not.
Either do what smokers do and move to an area suitable for you or accept that if you are in a smoking venue or area you are there out of choice.
Choice is what this should all be about, not just choice to be in a smoke free atmosphere or not, but choice, eventually, in a much wider sense if the government and people like you get their way on this issue, where will it stop.
We already have an horrendous yob culture, derived from government and do gooders taking away discipline from schools and parents, now we have this ridiculous issue of trying to ban something that is not illegal, when they should be putting far more effort into banning substances that Are illegal. How much further down the road to dictatorship do you want us go?
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