So this morning I had a doctor's appointment, one I hadn't previously been treated by, and despite being there for a variety of minor things (I often worry I'm a hypochondriac), the main thing I went away with was: YOU NEED TO QUIT SMOKING, NOW. IT WILL KILL YOU SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. YOU ARE A FOOL.
Pretty standard politically correct medical advice right there... But then, fuck it.
I know the risks. And, as pretty much ANY smoker will tell you, no matter how many scary images and horror stories you see in the paper, with the word CANCER blasted about everywhere, I won't quit until I want to. It's a fool's habit, I know that, so do you, but sometimes there is nothing better that long-awaited niccy rush after an extravagant Nandos binge.
I don't need another lecture. Anti smoking propaganda and health warnings don't work.
I'll get over how cool they look eventually. Promise ;)
But this doctor's advice, where she described it as stupid and dangerous, made me think about the ways in which cigarette and tobacco brands are perceived by us all. There's certainly a subtle judgement made by fellow smokers - whether you've splashed out on a 20 pack of Marlborough Golds, only smoke Lucky Strike Reds, or are dragging on Cutters Choice Rollie's, it says something about you. There is definitely a latent sense of hierarchy present in every designated smoking area in the country - whether this is left unsaid or openly discussed, your fag can (if desired) be interpreted as a form of status symbol in modern culture.
Just now, I Wikipedia-ed a couple of my preferred cigarette brands - which include Camel Blues, Golden Virgina with slim filters and licorice Rizla; when feeling super indulgent, I splurge out and purchase Vanilla Black Devils.
From this pathetic attempt at 'contextual research', I have learnt that Golden Virginia is produced in my home town, Nottingham. This is quite a cute little fact for me, along with the knowledge that my much-loved uncle, was in his youth, randomly spotted in the street by some excitable ad men and cast as the billboard model and face of the brand!
I gotta represent the family history, right? Or is it wrong for me to feel sentimental about a world-wide money-minded, soul-destroying, cancer-promoting tobacco company?
Answers on the back of a post card please...
POST SCRIPT
In no way are the above views expressed by anyone but Me, I don't claim to be at all representative of other smokers, tobacco companies or related parties. I also have no intention to encourage the habit, nor to promote a positive view of smoking. In fact, I recommend no one to start smoking, I encourage any smoker to quit, and I'm well aware that I should. I spent the first 18 years of my life DESPISING the habit - the above is just an expression of my personal view of a smokers' mentality, as a smoker. Please don't take offence, or, take it up on yourself to lecture me on it. I get it, I just don't care enough right now.
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