To white people,why does it seem that many white people smoke?

Question

In my country South Africa, it seems that many white people smoke more than black or other races.

I do not know what is the ratio in other countries but it seems just about every white overseas visitor to South Africa smokes.

I stand to be corrected.Please send me your realisations.

Please be nice...this is not racism.

Cheers!

Answer 1

Must be a cultural thing for you guys, isn't the case in america. I'd guess the races seperate themselves and have friends that are "white" and start up thier own little cultrual idocies.

Answer 2

It most likely has more to do with the lack of media exposure,from an early age here in america,we are flooded with advertisements,
we see ads depicting the good life, if we buy a pack of cigarettes,we see happiness if only we can lose another 30 lbs and some how manage to squeeze into the jeans in the ad.and on an on it goes.......
in south africa, probably most homes cant afford a television or a newspaper or a magazine.......if they cant afford those things, they cant afford a pack of cigarettes.
and maybe just maybe because of the lack of media exposure telling us we have to have these things in the ads,you in south africa also enjoy a lower level of stress.....which is why after we start smoking ,we keep smoking.stress.
not all brought about by media exposure, but probably about a third of it is.
hope this helps......

Answer 3

Well I don't want to be racist either but maybe it's because in Africa not necessarily South Africa but Africa as a whole there are more black people who are poor. If you were poor even once I doubt you would throw your money away for expensive cigarettes. Or the blacks just got more common sense.

Answer 4

There doesn't seem to be any obvious correlation between race and smoking here in the usa. Maybe the white smokers in your area just stand out more since there are probably more black people in your area.

Answer 5

That's intresting! Here In australia where I am situated its equally races; but the population is higher for white people, but I've never seen a black or other dark person not go by without smoking.

Answer 6

Well I´m from Sweden and I don´t smoke myself. But in Sweden it´s a generation thing....ppl ( mostley women) over 35 to 79 somke like demons and in the 15 - 20 category it´s mostely girls smoke. We have a ban against smoking in public places ( That great!) so I thnik that the pattern will change...

Answer 7

I think you may be right. Perhaps its a cultural thing.

I live in Liberia and have noticed that most of the whites here on UN mission or with the NGOs smoke. Then again it probably stands out here becuz not a lot of Liberians smoke.

Answer 8

Hi Hope.

People smoke for the same reasons they travel. They are looking for something external to make them feel better about themselves. Someting to make them complete. I have also observed that it seems that white people seem to be more likely to be on this search than blacks.

Men more than women, but women seem to be trying hard to catch up. I have noticed this to an even greater extent in asian males.

Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you. This is where we should be seeking our completion and finding our happiness.

Don't forget.

Love and blessings.
don

Answer 9

Wow! I've never paid attention to that, but I think you are right. I can't think of one black friend that smokes, nor do I remember seeing anyone black standing in a smoking section in public places.

Good question..I'm sure there is probably a study on that somewhere.

Answer 10

I like to sneak a smoke now and again. I'm a white Canadian. The moment of smoking allows for deep thought on my part so maybe that's it for everyone else; I need to know more about this.