Smoking stigma - how attitudes have changed towards smoking cigarettes in the UK.
Pre 1960’s smoking was marketed at practically every living person. Men were urged to smoke “manly’ brands such Chesterfields, Doctors chose camels, dentists recommended Viceroys whilst the more “feminine’ brands such as L&M or Luckys. Advertisers shamelessly or naively promoted cigarettes as ‘fresh’ ‘smooth’ ‘gentle on the throat’ and completely harmless health wise. One advertisement claimed that the scientific studies show “no adverse effects’ from studies of smokers over a period of ten years. Babies and new mothers were used in advertising materials along with children, medical professionals, and what would now seem ridiculous claims if the benefits of smoking. Cigarettes were attributed as a Weight loss aid , calming, sexy, manly, feminine, fresh and healthy habit.
In the 1960‘s around 70% of men and 40% of women in the UK smoked. It was completely acceptable to smoke in any situation. Smoking was almost seen as a right and objections from a second hand or passive smoker were unheard of. Smoking was seen as the norm and embraced fully in everyday life as well as in movies and on TV. Smokers were welcome to enjoy cigarettes on public transport, in pubs, clubs and bars, at work, even in schools and hospitals.
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s as many as 45% of the UK smoked and smoking was portrayed as a very ‘cool’ habit. The dangers were becoming more understood and some fractions were actively discouraging smokers at this point. Advertisements were beginning to include small albeit vague health warnings although these were as yet largely ignored.
In 2007 the UK smoking ban has changed the whole smoking scene in the UK. Smokers are now the minority at just 21% and are treated as such. Smoking in public is frowned upon and specifically designed shelters must be used in public places. It is understood that round 86% of lung cancer deaths in the UK are understood to be caused by tobacco smoking and overall tobacco smoking is estimated to be responsible for more than a quarter of cancer deaths. Smoking holds a certain stigma and many people seek help to quit smoking or cut down.
One of the more prolific methods of cigarette replacement in recent years is the vape. Vaping consists of inhaling what is considered by many to be a safer alternative to tar and chemical ingredients in cigarettes. Whilst it remains to be seen how true the claims of a ‘healthier’ way to enjoy smoking vaping is. Vaping is very often, almost always banned in enclosed public areas too. The most safe and sociably acceptable way to avoid the harmful effects of smoking is to stop smoking altogether and live a healthy balanced lifestyle.