Why is there so much hatred towards smokers?

Question

This business with the neighbour complaining to the council is the latest example. Why? Why is there no outrage like this about people who drink alcohol or do drugs? Surely, that is worse. A smoker has not ploughed down a pedestrian while driving, a smoker has not started a pub fight, a smoker has not raped somebody whilst under the influence of nicotine, a smoker has never shaggged the wrong bloke under the influence of nicotine (which resulted in an STD and and unwanted pregnancy), and anyways, the passive smoking is nowhere near as real as they say so. Car fumes are just as bad but nobody is attacking car drivers (who may be non-smokers but have had some cocaine or LSD). Where's all this hatred coming from?

You say, nobody around a drinker or druggie is affected???? You are fool then! You could be mowed down on your way home by a drunk-driver and your mother can be raped by somebody high on cocaine on her way home! Your granny could be mugged by a desparate heroin junkie! Anyway, if someone smokes outside the pub from July, why hate him/her for that?

Answer 1

Damn fine question. Apparently, being ploughed down on a pedestrian crossing is preferable to someone smoking in a restaurant while they're eating.

I smoke (obviously) and it sounds like you do too and I bet you wouldn't smoke in a non-smoking area or if you were asked not to. Non-smokers should try a bit of empathy. Most smokers don't like smoking, we're not proud of it, we are addicts. Maybe the sanctimonious should practice what they preach and have a little consideration!!

old know all: i have great respect for you and usually really like your answers but you've missed the point on this one. the A&E with 90% of its patients on a Friday night having an alcohol-related illness shares the habit. when the heroin addict steals your wallet, you share in the habit. that's the (very good) point being made here and you appear to have totally swept it aside.

Answer 2

For the record, I think you'll find most people’s attitude toward illegal drugs is as bad, if not worse, than their attitudes toward smoking.

In a way you have a valid point that alcohol affects those around the consumer but that’s only when alcohol is consumed excessively. People can have a few drinks without affecting anyone near them but smokers cannot have a cigarette without smelling; making other people smell and damaging everyone in the near vicinities health.

I work with people that smoke. They have to smoke outside but still stink when they come back in the room. It’s disgusting, why should smart people have to put up with the stink of a stupid smoker? I’m sure if you worked with someone who didn’t wash for week on end you’d have something to say about it?

At the end of the day smoking is incredibly stupid and only really attracts weak minded people who think it will make them look cool or need a crutch to get through life.

Assuming you're a smoker, you can’t honestly say you like the way it makes you smell?; stains your hands and mouth?; tastes?; ruins your pallet etc? Surely not?

If you think smoking really is great, are you kidding us or yourself?

Answer 3

I think its a bit of 'sheep syndrome' myself, one person says something is bad for you and everyone jumps on the bandwagon agreeing, those people in Wales who have had a letter sent to them from the council about their smoking is absolutely pathetic, they are in their own home for god sake, what next, no one allowed to take more than 2 bags of groceries into their house each week in case you put a few pounds on and your neighbours find that offensive too, the government need to start cracking down on drink drivers, rapists and drug users just as much as they are doing with smokers and overweight people, I was a smoker myself until 6 months ago and the only place I ever smoked was in my own home, my right and prerogative as it should be for any smoker.

Answer 4

Because when you smoke next to people who are non smokers it affects their health, most drinking / drunk people can be avoided, whereas it is hard to avoid walking behind a smoker on the way to work and having to inhale the ghastly stuff!!! Also at the moment, one can't have a drink / party without having to inhale huge amounts of smoke in a pub / bar / club. Smoking is just as annoying to a non smoker as negavive attitute towards smokers to a smoker.

How many druggies / junkies do you see doing drugs publically or directly affecting your health?

Also if someone gets drunk and gets an STD or whatever, its their choice and doesn't affect me, if you are smoking next to me, I get the fumes and the smell in my clothes etc.

Sorry don't mean to be offencive, just have strong views on smoking.

May I add, that you seem to forget that people who do drugs usually smoke so do heavy drinkers as they have addictive personality. I think there are more situations in everyday life where you could be affected by smoking than, a desperate drug user or a drunk driver.
I am by no means saying that smoking is worse than drinking or drugs, but if you are talking about immediate affect on people, there are more situations where you encounter second hand smoke than drink drivers and drug addicts trying to mug grannies.

Answer 5

The concern for smokers health is valid as well as the concern for people who have to breathe second hand smoke.

However, as in everything else, there may be some that overreact ....... and show hatred or violence towards smokers. Whenever the human element is involved you'll get a mixed bag of reaction and of course ..... some may react passively and some people may be very agressive towards smokers.

Answer 6

The reason the Labour party is so against smoking is cos traditionally the Tobacco companies have always supported the Torys and have given them LARGE donations and were seen to be too powerful by the Commies who now run our country.
As for the Council your talking about - Their just an extension of these d*cks in power....... Power hungry interfearing No-bodys !!

Answer 7

So you wouldn't be annoyed if while stood at a bus stop with your baby, somebody sparked up a cigarette and let the smoke blow toward the baby, and then hold it either eye level or where your baby could grab it? I have nothing against considerate smokers, but the ones who inflict their smoke on others. It's not just the passive smoking that's the issue, it's the fact that it also stinks!

Answer 8

Surprised to need to ask...have you ever sat in a restaurant where some inconsiderate person near you is smoking and you're just about to tuck into your meal OR better than that I was in Tescos supermarket a few weeks ago and some idiot was smoking as he was walking around the food aisles. Smoking is a disgusting habit and it's about time it was banned in ALL public areas.

Answer 9

I hate smokers because on the whole they are inconsiderate. They exhale their smoke regardles of my proximity and then more often than not disregard the stub improperly. IE litter - by the ton. Many don't even think when they discard still lit fagends out of the car windows in high fire risk zones.

Answer 10

I think it is irrational people feeding on codswallop from the media and science. They have to have someone to hate, so it is "have a go at the smokers."
All of your remarks are right on target. In addition, I haven't heard of a single death in the world put off to "Smoke Driving.'' Drink driving, yes, but none to tobacco, nor have the coppers had to come out to arrest somone who "smoked and violent" beating their wife, husband or other!
My tuppence..
"That Cheeky Lad"