In this age of "tolerance" why is there still such a strong hatred toward smokers?

Question

We are told to tolerate people no matter what their color, creed, religon, etc. Why is it 'OK' to still discriminate toward smokers?

Please only give serious answers - I don't care if you think I'm an idiot, just try and keep it to yourself.

icheeknows -

While I understand and respect your POV, is it really OK to judge me on the basis of what others in the past have done? I wasn't around in 69, filling a breakroom with smoke and damaging you - so why treat me like I was?

Answer 1

This is actually pretty easy to explain. Smokers are now in the minority, so most folks (non-smokers) are against tolerating cigarette smoke.

Why? Non-smokers are at least very annoyed by the smell and effects of smoke. The smell gets in our hair and clothing, and makes us cough and our eyes burn. If it's bad enough, I am forced to leave in order to get relief.

I understand that in America we shouldn't expect to never have to be annoyed. But this is now a case of the minority (smokers) abusing the majority (non-smokers who are annoyed by cigarette smoke). Many years ago when I was also a smoker (as were the majority of adults) those who were offended were in the minority. But cultural norms always end up suiting the majority of the populace. And now, the majority does not smoke.

Not to gross anybody out, but what's the difference between what we're talking about and anything else someone chooses to do in public that annoys the majority of people? Would anyone say that people have a right to pick their nose, fart, belch, or act rude in public? Isn’t all of that behavior frowned on because it "offends" the majority of people? Imagine if what I did produced objectionable smells that you had to take home in your hair and clothing?

Sound disgusting? …It is.

So to boil it down, it's a question about the right of a minority to offend the majority and then defend themselves by saying "if what I do offends you, that's too bad...you can just leave".

In America, we are a free society. That means that you are free to behave in any legal way that you see fit. And others who don’t like that behavior are free to say something about it.

Where have all the spittoons gone?

Answer 2

I think you have answered your own question - we are TOLD to tolerate people. When have we ever wanted to do what we're told? The more pressure there is to be tolerant toward everyone, the more we need some sort of outlet. Have you noticed, though, that even smokers are not always tolerant of those who smoke other things, such as cigars, clove cigarettes, or other flavored cigarettes? It shouldn't be okay to discriminate against anyone (but we are not a perfect society). If you are referring to recent laws banning indoor smoking, it becomes more of a sticky situation. We are not going to become ill because there is a diner of another religious faith at the next table - but second hand smoke has been proven to affect the health of those exposed. That is more about protecting the people (and their rights) than trying to discriminate against smokers. Laws about where outside smokers can smoke, yeah, that's discrimination and it should be struck down by the higher courts.

Answer 3

why in this world of tollerance do we not tollerate thieves and murders?? This is serious the money you blow in smoke could be spent on something that would give jobs and the smoke you blow is not healthy, and like all vice it is a choice. Smokers suffer from a backlash from years of inconsiderate smokers who rammed their smoke down our lungs. Used to be this old guy who chewed his stinky cigar daily on the bus I had to ride to and from work, made my environment well pretty stinky so when I see a cigar I think of that, and break rooms full of smoke, which I have been allergic too sense 69. Had you all been more considerate in the past you would not be so backlashed against today. Behaviors that are inconsiderate always end up bitting someone in the a$$

Answer 4

wow, interesting question. I don't smoke. But feel some bans have gotten out of hand. In the past, I had no problem with smoking and non-smoking areas in restaurants. Now that's been changed where I live. Don't want my kids breathing others smoke, but adequate ventilation should take care of that in the two seperate areas. Feel there should be a place you CAN smoke without freezing your **** off. It's an addictive vice, but I certainly feel no hatred. Don't think smokers should be "banished" when in public places, but do want clean air for my kids and self. Sorry it's been nasty for you.

Answer 5

Because it is selfish.

Smokers choose to smoke, but those around them, don't. Yet, they get more damage than the actual smokers themselves. If you wanna smoke, smoke in a secluded place where non-smokers don't inhale the poison.

It's different when compared to, say, drinking because when someone drinks, they only kill their own body and not other people's.

Besides, like myself, I'm sure that other non-smokers get a headache after inhaling second-hand smoke.

It is even more difficult when 80% of your family smoke. Sigh.

Answer 6

By smoking you are hurting others and you dont have that right. Discrimination?!?!?!?!?!





You should be ashamed of yourself.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061112110029AAtvC5D&r=w#TcR9WjbuWGL0nqDs40CGbFcFqDhJvkOZtLxVzkU_nbyTKD9lIW9g
How stupid and cruel can women be? Do you know how damaging that can be, it is a long list, but to keep it short he can have infertility problems or lose a testicle(yes not that rare)! It is not just hitting, in that private place and especially done by the opposite sex, men usually feels sexually abused(even if does not show his feelings). It is a sex offense. Not to mention the emotional trauma.
And women claim they are more sensible than men and non violent!
That should only be used if someone is trying to rape you or kill you, only emergencies, only extreme cases of self-defense. If you do that in other situations, then you are 10 times worse than him. And by the way, the question is fake, that girl is always posting that question because she is mean and cruel just like most women.

Want to see the long list of damage, go see my answer.

Answer 7

Actually , it`s because these Porkers cost society BILLIONS in Health Care that the taxpayer has to dish out for !! You`ve heard of whiners blubbering about the cost of smoking on HealthCare ........... well .......... this is even worse !! People often get bumped from a flight because a Porker gets on a plane and takes up THREE seats instead of sitting in the cargo hold where they belong !! Some say it`s not their fault because they have a "condition" or disease ............... I say BULLSHlT !! ............ there is NO condition or disease that turns one into a Rhinoceros , if one exercises self control at the feeding trough !! I certainly DON`T want MY tax dollars going to pay for a glutton`s liposuction !!

Answer 8

I managed to quit smoking a few years ago after several attempts. I was really surprised at how intolerable I became to second-hand smoke. When I smoked, I thought that a stick of gum would cover the arroma of cigarette smoke. But as it turns out, I can smell the nicotine, as well as the spearment that is emitted from someone who has just put out a square.
I don't hate you at all. Hell, been there,done that.
I simply can't stand secondhand smoke, ashtrays, or kissing someone who has just finished using tobacco.
You're probably a babe. I don't doubt it.
But you just can't hide the smell.
Period.

Answer 9

We would not be "tolerant" of someone who was walking down the street punching people. Why should we be "tolerant" of someone who is going around poisoning the air we breathe, littering butts on the ground, and making our clothing smell bad? The point is, smokers hurt other people, not that they mean to, but they do.

Answer 10

It's not the smoker I dislike so much it's ths smoke. It burns my throat, and it irritates my eyes.