Why do people judge smokers?

Question

We are not bad people, we just enjoy an unhealthy habbit. Why are we alienated?

Answer 1

Why do people judge smokers? because we are judgemental by nature...Why are smokers alienated? because there is such a thing as self preservation...most of us don't want to die from second hand smoke. It's nothing agaisnt the person, really, it's just the habit we dislike!

Answer 2

Because it is socially acceptable to judge smokers. Personally, I think that the reason "secondhand smoke" is so relevant these days is because smoking itself is not as much in itself the problem that causes lung cancer. I think it has as much to do with the air quality in our homes, the cars we sit behind in traffic, the sprays that we use, etc. We are breathing air from around the world. When there are huge fires in California, the weather in Minnesota reflects this after about a week, so it is a logical inference that this is also a harm to "secondhand smoke". Isn't it just like us to have to have someone or something to blame for every little thing? I smoke. I want to quit and that is my choice. When I quit, I am not going to judge people who do smoke. Because it is legal and a persons choice. We have the right to get a drivers license when we become the right age. It is a fatal choice for many people. There are plenty drivers out on the street that shouldn't, we do not condemn them. Banning flavored cigarettes is not a bad idea. Marketing to make it a more appealing product when it is potentially life threatening, is a bad thing (because it is unhealthy, even though it is not the monster that it is portrayed to be. It can't be good for you) We are more judgmental of a smoker than we are of a lying politician. We are truly easy to lead around like sheep. peace

Answer 3

It's because so many people are intolerant, whether you are too fat or skinny, too short or tall, too pretty or ugly, too rich or poor etc. If everyone would mind their own business and deal with their own shortcomings, the world would be a better place. No more wars, racial issues, gay issues or even religious issues. I smoke, my son does not, but I'll tell you that I have brought him up to be tolerant of others. To always remember other peoples feelings. He is 27 and still lives his life this way. I do agree smokers should keep smoke away from others but when I am looked down on for smoking you can bet the person doing it either smells bad, wears too much perfume, reeks of alcohol, has bad breath etc. Do I say anything?? NO

Answer 4

maybe because some smokers are very inconsiderate of others. I only smoke in the company of other smokers, or when my kids are in bed. I don't stand at bus stops waving smoke all around prams and old people, I don't walk along the street, cigarette in hand, narrowly missing burning kids faces or flicking ash all over peoples clothes. If I am a guest at a non smokers house I don't even contemplate asking if I can smoke, I just get up and go outside. Bolshy ex-smokers and non smokers don't annoy me half as much as the smokers who whine about how they are mistreated but will do all of the above.

Answer 5

Public sentiment in the USA has really come down on smokers, with the exception of the African American and many Asian communities where it seem to remain popular.

Smokers portray their habit as an individual choice but ignore the byproducts. I think there are two main reasons -- one is that it is an intrusive pastime. Second hand smoke is harmful (I beliieve the science is in on this) -- it definitely gets into your clothing and hair. I live in New Jersey and a couple years back they outlawed smoking in bars and restaurants. I like it much better.

Second is that this unhealthy habit costs business money in lost time and diminished productivity -- how much work gets done by people standing in front of office buildings sucking on a cancer stick? It also taxpayers a ton of money in future medical costs that will come out of the general govt coffers.

Answer 6

Smokers ~
The issue is not that people alienate, or avoid this issue!
No body said smokers are bad people, my friend's nephew smokes ~ he gets depressed over certain issues, when he has no control over...
YOU ARE RIGHT IT IS ADDICTIVE and can cause health problems...
You are old enough to make your own decisions, however at the age of 19, you have your whole life in front of you, and maybe contemplating your future prospects of motherhood; consider the effect this will have on children who look up to you,

Answer 7

They judge because maybe they once too were smokers and now they've kicked the habit, so they think everybody should be able to. It could be because they honestly don't like the smell. Some people are honestly allergic to it. I smoke, my whole family smokes..I remember several years ago, when it was still legal to smoke in restuarants here, people saying the nastiest things if someone lit up. Some people are just rude. You can't change them, all you can do is ignore them. Maybe some day they'll be able to walk in someone else's shoes and realize what it's like.

Answer 8

Because society today wants to put everyone in little boxes, and pump out drones who think alike, look alike, and act alike. There is little room for independent thinking and being your own person. We all must be PC and never have a clear thought that doesn't come out of a self help book. Yes we know smoking is bad for us, yes we will not make others breathe our smoke. I smoke and like it, should I quit? Most likely. Will I ? Some day . But not because some one is shoving it down my throat. The world is facing bigger issues than smoking, but we don't see such a furor about that.

Answer 9

I judge smokers to be people who consider smoking more important than their health, simply because that is what I see. I don't alienate smokers unless I have to breathe their smoke.

Answer 10

it's not a judgment as you portray it. you have a guilt complex about others "seeing you smoking." Be more conscious of the people around you and consider that you probably will die before they will. On the other hand they are making every effort to avoid the pitfall and perhaps it is difficult for them also. They also may feel sorry for you because you cannot break the bad habit. Someday someone may say something to you about the bad habit that hits home and you will stop the bad habit--immediately, or you will experience the death of someone close to you who suffers in agony from smoking then you will definitely quit the habit--probably too late--keep a positive attitude--most people are just concerned about your well being--and others. good luck