Smoking Is My Right !?

Have you come across the smell of someone's cigarette on the street, in the park, and even at home? As annoying as it could be, both mentally and physically, smoking isn't illegal and where the smoke goes isn't regulated, at least not clearly or effectively.

As nonsmokers, our reactions to the smell of cancer could be passive or aggressive. While some may turn a cold shoulder on or their nose away from the scene, others may find ways to fight it, namely reporting, calling for the authority to be involved, and so on. However, no matter which type we are, at the end of the day, smokers will be smokers. For those who are targeted, what can you do but be the same, look away or be a thug? Actually, there is not a lot of information from smokers because they're usually quiet about it or too loud. After all, we live in a culture where a potential conflict is a real one and we should avoid it, even if you're right.

If it is legal, why the fuss? As harmful as it could be, people should be able to pick up a cigarette at will in certain areas or be completely banned. Here in Taiwan, we see all kinds of banners, stickers, whatnot, about shunning this addiction. So much so that it is nearly invisible and practically useless. The reason behind this is because there isn't much about where they can actually smoke. Of course, there are smoking areas but they're so few that the smokers don't bother going even if they want to.

That's it! We should install adequate smoking rooms and areas, right? On the contrary, setting up places for smokers won't really be effective because then you'll have to educate them into going there. According to experience on any social issues, people would soon talk about punishment, which leads back to the conflict-avoiding culture. We all like quick solutions and it always backfires or worsens future discussions.

We must not underestimate the people's potentials for decency. Yes, regulations for punishments are needed. That's not where this ends. What really needs to be done is educating ALL of us, nonsmokers and smokers alike from a younger age, from our parents and schools, that self-respect is the same as respecting others. The issue with smoking is never the addiction but the lack of communication and understanding.

It is indeed your right to smoke. However, it isn't your right to hurt others. You don't know where the smell goes but you can certainly think about how to avoid the discomfort for others, you can certainly keep your cigarette buds and spits to yourself.

Nonsmokers are cool and smokers are poop? No!

We must admit though, that those who didn't cause the issue have the high ground. Because of it, we also have the moral responsibility to look them in the eye, speak softly into their ears, and tell them what's right. Your right to smoke isn't right but before you get it right, try doing it right where you think is right.

#selfreflect