Public smoking bans have been successful over the years to curb health – related concerns of smoking in America. The rate of heart attacks in Pueblo, Colorado has dropped by 41%. It started smoking ban in public areas in the year 2003. Similarly, smoking ban in Massachusetts in 2004 led to a drop of the heart attack rate by 41% there. These are the facts reported by the Centers for Disease Control. But the cigarette advertising companies are now targeting the psychosocial needs of the women in order to improve their sales amidst smoking ban. This article tries to build awareness against such campaigns.
Knowledge gained from research on this topic:
- A Study was conducted by the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA (dated April 2005).
- It found that the cigarette advertising companies are trying to show, how cigarette smoking can meet the psychosocial needs of women, from different age groups.
- They are endorsing age group specific cigarette brands.
- The intention behind these endorsements is to relate with the spirit of these age groups and glorify smoking habit.
- They are projecting smoking as a fashion statement and epitome of self confidence and independence among the young successful working women.
- Cigarette smoking is shown to provide pleasure, relaxation and social acceptance among the elderly women.
Is their a ray of hope: Cigarette advertising companies continue to target the psychosocial needs of the women. President Barack Obama signed an anti-smoking bill on Monday, June 22, 2009. This bill now provides authority to the federal government to regulate tobacco. Nicotine presence in tobacco products can now be reduced by the regulatory Food and Drug Administration. Large graphic warnings with cartoons should be a part of all tobacco products. Hope that these positive developments will protect the health interests of women in our society better.
1 Comment
Very informative article. I hope the health officials take a note of these facts.