• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

New Cigarette Warning Labels

L

Longhair

Sep 12, 2009
134
4
#1
I just saw that the tobacco companies are fighting over the new graphic warning labels.

As an ex-smoker, I can honestly say that I never noticed the different changes through the years in the warning labels. If I were smoking today, I wouldn't care about the smoking labels.

The fact of the matter is that this campaign will end up putting cigarettes in more people's hands, mainly young, non-smokers, because of the shock value of the new smoking labels.

With that being said, why aren't there any warning labels on health food and exercise equipment? Something like: everyday use will greatly increase your chances for alzheimer's, dementia, loss of friends, assisted living, adult diapers, and what ever else goes with growing too old.
 
#5
The need to put a warning label on rainbow chip frosting.

51oG-XucrVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Well we need our government to protect us from ourselves since we are apparently incapable of making simple health decisions.
Ex here smoker too and I really, really don't care.

When has a warning label deterred any of your behavior?
Put all the labels you want on anything you like doesn't harm me in the least bit.
 
#6
I'm a non-smoker and to be honest I really get pi$$ed off at the attitudes and carelessness of a lot of smokers out there (no, not all, but there are a lot who give plenty of reason to be annoyed). In fact, I'd bet most smokers would tend to get pi$$ed off at my obnoxious attitude toward smokers and smoking.

Having said that, based on what I heard on the radio driving to work this morning the proposed warning label requirements sound pretty stupid to me. Though I think very little of the tobacco companies and their products, I agree that they're being singled out for that kind of mandatory labeling. You could make the same kind of argument for putting the same kind of "warning" on Big Mac wrappers, gun ammo, beer cans, soda bottles, Twinkies wrappers, etc., etc., etc. Where does it end? How do you measure effectiveness? How do you ensure enforcement of proper labeling standards? And what will this cost the government? And how will they pay for it?!?!

So cigarette cartons are now the biggest issue facing our government must face today? I missed the news this morning, you mean that overnight the government has solved our credit problems, restored our credit rating, eliminated the deficit, balanced the budget, and put millions of Americans back to work? Damn, how did I miss THAT story?! Score one for our elected officials!!! And here I thought they were a bunch of power hungry egomaniacs that cared about their constituents only enough to get their privileged, self-centered butts back in office next term. Boy was I wrong!!! :eyeroll:
 
#7
Whatevs. I predict that the new warning labels will have zero measurable effect on smoking rates in this country.

Honestly, at this point, who doesn't know that smoking is bad for you? It's all over TV, radio, print media and billboards. You would have to have been living under a rock AND have a learning disability not to know this stuff.
 
#8
dave64o said:
I'm a non-smoker and to be honest I really get pi$$ed off at the attitudes and carelessness of a lot of smokers out there (no, not all, but there are a lot who give plenty of reason to be annoyed). In fact, I'd bet most smokers would tend to get pi$$ed off at my obnoxious attitude toward smokers and smoking.
Click to expand...

Hmmm..you sound like one of the residents at my apt complex. I had quit for years and recently started socially smoking again. The complex used to allow smoking inside your own unit. Now we go off property and one resident claims she can smell the smoke across the complex and makes it her business to verbally tell us at every opportunity. If it bothers her so, why does she walk out of her way to ramble on?

Smoking is foolish. I am not a person who says it isn't, but when I obey the rules and am considerate towards people it bothers me when these constant complainers raise their venom towards smokers.

As for the packaging, if it helps to deter only one person, then I think its worth it. It appears that I may be getting a job and I will be driving their vehicles. They have already stated their no smoking policy to me.

It's a great additional reason to quit.

Edit; and Dave, I posted my reply with respect.
 
#11
Maybe it should just be written smartass answers to the usual smoker's arguments.

"Die of something? Come on. At least, die of something fun!"

"I'm pretty sure your first pack *was* freedom of choice. That one? Pay up, sucker."
 
#12
L-A said:
"Die of something? Come on. At least, die of something fun!"
Click to expand...

There was an episode of Mad Men in which the company's client, Lucky Strike Cigarettes, was sweating research about smoking being harmful. Pete Campbell pitched the idea of cigarettes being dangerous as a selling point, and the cigarette executive basically said that his pitch was, "You're gonna die anyways, so why not die with us?"

On a more serious note, I do find the tobacco and government relationship to be hypocritcal. On one hand, you have things such as the warning labels, but on the other hand, you don't have anybody rallying to outlaw cigarettes due to the tax revenues. I don't smoke and find it to be a horrible habit, but a lot of the self-righteousness from the anti-smoking crowd rubs me the wrong way. I think that Southpark episode with Meathead is a pretty good commentary on that whole scene.

I had a friend from grad school, a non-smoker, who had a very deep intellectual interest in the tobacco industry and smoking culture. He literally could cite internal tobacco company memos from 25 years ago. He used to wear old cigarette t-shirts he procured from thrift stores. :D
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back