Finally, a good ban!

It seems that the tobacco industry's world just got smaller, at least over here in the Philippines. Last Tuesday saw the start of the ban on all tobacco/cigarette ads on radio, television and all forms of print media. The Philippines has followed other countries, decision to totally ban all forms of advertisements related to smoking. I was informed that in Formula 1 racing, tobacco ads on the race cars and on the track have been forbidden for years, delivering a blow to all the teams that compete as tobacco companies make up a large chunk of their sponsorship funds. We all know how Ferrari is associated with Marlboro, and McLaren-Mercedes with West cigarettes. Now, the places where you would normally see their logos are blank, with only hints of what they once were.

I believe that this move is a step in the right direction. Out of sight, out of mind. Tobacco smoking has long been blamed for an array of ailments, from a simple cough to the more deadly cancers. And it is not without basis. It has been proven that cigarette smoking is indeed hazardous to one's health, and to others as well. The latter part of the statement has been the strongest point of health advocates in furthering their cause, even crusade. Cigarette packs have long since carried the surgeon general's warning.  This latest move banning cigarette ads is another victory of sorts. Smoking has long been banned on commercial flights, in malls and practically all restaurants, even some bars like those in Makati. And all with good reason, as these particular ads more often than not, target the youth. Get them while they're young, so to speak.

Have you ever seen an ad wherein the smoker is approached by a not so pretty woman? Or does the smoker drive a jalopy, instead of a flashy, blood red sports car? Has he ever ridden a mule, instead of a thoroughbred? Or is he rowing a small boat, instead of standing on top of an 80-footer sailboat or speeding on a jet ski? Noooooo. The good, luxurious life has always been associated with smoking, at least that's what the ads want you to believe. And no minds are more susceptible to suggestion than that of the youth. Who doesn't want a life of a rugged cowboy, or a secret agent, or even a philandering, carefree billionaire? The youth are also often times influenced by their peers. This is also true with smoking. A smoking parent will more likely have a child who smokes.

 For smokers, the defense has always been that it is their health, or their lives at stake. That is no longer true, as second-hand smoke is even worse than that which passes through filters. Some may say that eating large amounts of fat is just as deadly as smoking. True. But I doubt that if I was enjoying a really good bag of chicharon and Cebu lechon, the guy beside me would die of a heart attack as well! As with everything nowadays, I think it is the time for smokers to have a change in lifestyle. It is never too late to quit. Sadly, this was not the case for one of the persons who portrayed the Marlboro Man. Wayne McLaren eventually died of lung cancer at the age of 51. Upon diagnosis of his terminal illness, he acknowledged the bad effects of smoking and was an anti-smoking activist until his death. What could be more convincing than that, even ironic?