| Smoking As a Part of Culture | | | | stayed away. |
| 12th June 2006 | | | | How and when smoking tobacco began is not the |
| Author: tima ashar | | | | subject matter here, but the natural product seems to |
| Smoking has a long tradition and history in all major | | | | have been long known to native users. As its use |
| countries. It is not just a personal habit. It is a part of | | | | spread to other countries, new ways of processing |
| our culture. No matter what laws are made and how | | | | and preparing the product were invented, culminating in |
| many campaigns launched against it, smoking tobacco | | | | the modern, sleek version - the cigarette. At once |
| is today a very essential ingredient in the lives of many. | | | | handy and easily procurable from small kiosks the |
| As a cultural trait, smoking is very well known in | | | | world over, it stands as a symbol of the modern man |
| literature, movies, and music. The smoke-filled cafes | | | | and the modern world. |
| and public houses are the first impressions noted down | | | | The ill effects of smoking or chewing tobacco are well |
| by travelers and writers in countries where smoking is | | | | known. These are the rallying points of the laws and |
| popular. The movies too have added their touch of | | | | the campaigns that back them up. It is indeed our |
| glamour and romance to this habit, whether it is the | | | | responsibility to take care of our health and to know |
| scenario as described above, or the gentleman | | | | the adverse effects. The very young too need to be |
| smoker with his girlfriend and a cigar in one hand. | | | | kept away from easy enticements. The final decision |
| There are countries where the younger generation | | | | is ultimately in our hands. If life is to be lived with full |
| has taken heavily to smoking tobacco. It fills their life | | | | meaning, than this decision must be left to the individual |
| with some meaning, provides relaxation in difficult times, | | | | users - how they wish to live. |
| and brings two people together when they might have | | | | |