2008 Woodie Awards
*Your Voice*
Don't belittle smokers
Mackenzie Malchow
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Opinion
Just last week I was walking to class, minding my own business while smoking a cigarette, when I was approached by a fellow student who decided that it was his responsibility to tutor me on the health hazards of smoking. For anybody that wasn't sure, yes, I understand the dangers of smoking. I took health class in eighth grade just like everyone else and was informed of all the hazards of smoking. I don't need people trying to educate me on the subject; I know that smoking causes lung cancer and has been linked to heart disease as well as various other diseases.
I am also aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke, and have not ignored them either. I put a valiant effort into not smoking in crowded places, indoors, or around children and senior citizens. And if people are walking near me, I try not letting smoke get near their face, which sometimes happens on accident (I am not Mother Nature and do not control the wind).
So, instead of arrogantly approaching me with information about the dangers of smoking (which I'm sure I could get from my 16-year-old sister), maybe it would be more helpful for anti-smokers to inform me of strategies I could use to quit smoking that I may not know about. I may actually listen to you if I feel you're trying to help me and not belittle me with your plethora of knowledge about smoking. Quitting smoking isn't easy and, even if smokers want to quit, it can be difficult because SMOKING IS ADDICTIVE. So I will take any advice somebody could give me about making quitting easier.
So, unless you are actually trying to help me and not demean me, stop trying to mentor me about smoking being unhealthy.
Mackenzie Malchow
-UW-L Student
I am also aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke, and have not ignored them either. I put a valiant effort into not smoking in crowded places, indoors, or around children and senior citizens. And if people are walking near me, I try not letting smoke get near their face, which sometimes happens on accident (I am not Mother Nature and do not control the wind).
So, instead of arrogantly approaching me with information about the dangers of smoking (which I'm sure I could get from my 16-year-old sister), maybe it would be more helpful for anti-smokers to inform me of strategies I could use to quit smoking that I may not know about. I may actually listen to you if I feel you're trying to help me and not belittle me with your plethora of knowledge about smoking. Quitting smoking isn't easy and, even if smokers want to quit, it can be difficult because SMOKING IS ADDICTIVE. So I will take any advice somebody could give me about making quitting easier.
So, unless you are actually trying to help me and not demean me, stop trying to mentor me about smoking being unhealthy.
Mackenzie Malchow
-UW-L Student
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