Posted on April 12, 2007
The tobacco industry will always remain a cultural cornerstone, because of the power it possesses in the global economic and political scheme. Corporations, consumerists, politicians and professionals all play a part in the tobacco industry’s policy decisions.
Two decades ago, tobacco companies only had access to about half of the world market; now, tobacco companies hold a lot more access in their hands as tobacco sales have skyrocketed, pervading publications, media outlets, even world cultures with their agenda. Tobacco companies have gained power because their ubiquitous messages are tantamount to propaganda, engaging all ages, races and places in endorsing the industry.
Cigarette smoking can be considered its own subculture and is promoted in First and Third-World countries alike. Those involved in the industry have ignored the dangers and risks of this premier pastime, turning their backs against endless statistics and cases that clearly denounce their causes.
The only groups that haven’t turned their cheek on this issue are the medical researchers and public health officials that have been waving the red flag on smoking since the ‘60s. They have been screaming for reform, or at least some sort of legislation that would push smokers to practice their nasty habits in private, or with reserve.
However, even though a restrictive smoking movement has emerged, tobacco use is still prevalent throughout many cultural aspects around the globe. Movies, commercials, plays, pictures, even art, display this dastardly addiction on a commonplace basis.
The most appalling question is why the U.S. government would be so pro-tobacco, when such strong opposition exists toward this commodity. Why would the most economically powerful country in the world, with all the resources it possesses, still allow the tobacco industry to go unchecked despite the woeful warnings against tobacco consumption?
The answer lies in one word: profit. Even from the dawning days of this country, tobacco was considered quite a profitable cash crop. The government could easily make a profit by swindling its citizens to become addicted to the plant. A similar trend can be noticed in the fact that the government called for the prohibition of alcohol, yet quickly assumed its mistake once it discovered how it could profit from taxing such a popular commodity.
Taxes on tobacco produce a profit that the government can easily take advantage of; however, corporations have snatched the government’s task of promoting tobacco use. Corporate gains are growing every day as more and more people are lighting up, and those indulging in the profits of the industry are sharing in the tobacco booty.
The most tragic part of this culture is that those who have the power to regulate the harmful habit of tobacco use are not only hesitating to take a stance, but advocating the silencing of those who oppose the cultural spread of this cash crop.
It seems that those controlling the tobacco industry are very successful in relaying their message, particularly to the innumerable shareholders, who barely care about the public good, and only thrive to see an increase in their investment numbers.
It’s shocking that those in power really don’t throw both feet in most proposals that shape public policy or create absolute change in our world. We can only wonder how extensively our democracy is striving to address everyday economic, environmental and health issues.
If you smoke, you are taking advantage of the power that corporations possess in manipulating advertisements and information to pursue their own private interests. They care little if you develop a disease from their products. You are merely a number to them, another decimal to their dollar sign.
Anna Young is a freshman sociology and SMAD major.
