New Smoking Ads -Too Far or Not Far Enough?
April 11, 2009 by Liz Lewis
Filed under Announcements, Exposed!, Extreme, Smoking
Image from flickr
Ads about smoking have changed dramatically over the years. Once upon a time, when none knew any better, cigarettes were advertised as something that would make you feel good, strong, happy, even healthy.
But as more and more evidence pointed to the dangers of smoking on your health, the ads changed. They were no longer put out by tobacco companies trying to entice people to buy their product. Instead, they were produced by government departments and non-profit health organizations trying to encourage people to quit (or not to start).
And along the way, they’ve become increasing gruesome and graphic. For example, cigarette cartons with pictures of blackened lungs and rotting gums.
But many of the television ads, such as this one recently released by the New York City Department of Health, aim straight for the heartstrings and elicit strong emotions.
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Some people say these public service ads are going too far.
Personally, I don’t think they are going far enough.
I really hate watching these smoking ads as I am not a smoker and I do not need to know about all new smoking brands.
Hey, how about everyone backs the f*** off of smokers? y’all realize as a country we have the lowest amount of smokers per capita? The government should not be allowed to jack up taxes on high demand items just to get people to quit. Do you know how much s*** you inhale when a city bus goes past you? do you know how much s*** you inhale when you start your car in your garage? Just back off…it’s a choice so if people chose to smoke, let them smoke. As far as this commercial goes, it pisses me off b/c lets think about all the things out there that can let your kids be left alone…are we going to start taxing all of them? Are soldiers going to be taxed for being in the military b/c it is a danger to their health? Are airline pilots, policemen, firemen…they all have dangerous jobs that could lead their kids to being alone…are they going to be forced to quit or pay outrages taxes?
Liz, your question makes me wonder: How far would you want to go with “hard-hitting” and intrusive TV ads? From bad taste to obnoxious to repulsive to downright sickening?
Do those of us who watch TV and do not want to be bombarded with disgusting images have any rights? Or is it only sanctimonious anti-smoking zealots who have rights?