Which is more acceptable in any society : a smoker or an overweight person and why do you think this?

Answer 1

I would rather hang with an overweight person than a smoker. At least I could breathe...

Answer 2

When you say "any society" then I think it depends on the what is going on in that society at the time you are asking the question. During times of hunger or famine? Then obesity is definitely despised. During times of prosperity, then I think it's a little tougher to say.

In the U.S., all the way up until around 2000, smokers were definitely more accepted. Today, I'm unsure if that still holds true because of the anti-smoking campaigning. However, watching TV, people generate tolerate characters who smoke. They have less tolerance and interest in overweight persons.

In most other countries, I think smokers are much more accepted than someone who is overweight. That's just a guess. I think it's true in the countries that I've visited in the last 5 years.

BTW, outstanding question. One of the best I've seen on Yahoo! Answers.

Answer 3

A smoker is definitely more accepted than an overweight person because smoking has always been considered the "rebel" icon whether it be 20 years ago or 20 minutes ago.

Smoking means so much more than just inhaling chemicals - it indicates a social belonging; it can indicate post-coital activity; it can be a stress-reliever...

Smoking at one point or another has been perceived as "cool"

Being overweight on the other hand has NEVER ever been socially accepted, except maybe in sumo wrestling or back in the Macedonian days where being fat = sign of wealth. But unlike smoking, being overweight has never been seen as a "cool" thing to do - you rarely ever get peer pressured into getting fat. :)

Answer 4

An over weight person is more acceptable than a smoker, reason being a smoker might cause inconvenience to others by smoking in public places , but an over weight person is only troubling himself with that, how is the society bothered with that.

Answer 5

I think the smoker is more accepted. People think overwieght people are lazy when in reality that is not always true. Smokers can hide that they smoke but an overwieght person cannot hide their extra weight. Im overwieght and I know the snickers and the little comments people make about me and other overweight people. You dont hear that many people making fun of smokers.

Answer 6

I think overweight people are more acceptable in our society than smokers.

Smoking is just a bad habit, that can be prevented. Some people have no choice in how overweight they become. Sometimes life and genetics just won't prevent it.

Answer 7

I believe a smoker is accepted before an overweight person. Because they see a cigarette as the one that has caused the addiction. When you are overweight they see that the person has caused their own addiction. people do not see the food as causing the addiction.
I see see both problems as the person causing the addiction. not the cigarette or food causing the addiction. I personally will chose the overweight person to be my side.

Answer 8

an overweight/smoker is the most accepted.

Answer 9

Well, in the "US dining" I would say a smoker. Because they aren't allowed to smoke anywhere. But if you have to watch an obese person scarf down a burger, fries and a diet coke it makes you feel sad inside.

Answer 10

well, i think the smoker is the more accepted becos he doesnt smoke all time and appear to be normal. but the over weighted person cant hide his form. but the fat one should be more accepted bcos it was not a false of his