Smoking cigarettes can be a polarizing issue. The simple views on smoking cigarettes is simple to or not to. However there are many different ways of looking at the issue. This post will deal with smoking cigarettes on campus at FGCU. The first stance is that people should be allowed to smoke anywhere they want. These people feel this is America and this is a freedom that should be given to them. If they need a smoke so that they can relax in class why not. The problem with this is that many people would want to avoid second hand smoke. This option would not allow them to do that. Plus there is the problem of smelling like you smoke even if you don’t want to.
The other side of this polarized issue can be that people just shouldn’t be allowed to smoke period. I mean smoking is one of the leading causes of death amongst people, why allow something that is so dangerous to our bodies. Besides that, people around them have to deal with second hand smoke which can in turn cause harm to their bodies too. Also, who wants to be around the smell of it anyways, not to appetizing. This option would be many people’s favorite, but since smoking isn’t illegal and many people love smoking, it just wouldn’t work out and would cause massive debates from smokers and the tobacco companies.
Another way to look at people smoking on campus is to allow them to smoke in designated areas on campus. This seems to be the current method that is used now on campus. This allows people to smoke, but other people can know where they are to avoid them. If you don’t want to be around smokers just don’t go to the designated areas. The problem with this is that smokers might begin to feel as if they segregated against. This might create a feeling of separation from the rest of the faculty and students by the smokers.
An alternative to designated smoking areas can also be a law that smokers are allowed to smoke as long as they are a certain distance from the buildings. This plan is in action too, mostly with office buildings and hospitals. This allows people who don’t want to be around smoking as they walk around their office buildings to not have to deal with it. Also it keeps smokers from throwing cigarettes on the ground around the office buildings.
As you can see, there are many different ways the issue of smoking on campus and around society can be taken care of. Whether they allow smoking or just outlaw it, or they come up with alternative plans, this is always going to be a big issue that should be taken care of by the office building or school.
I think that smoking in public places is definitely an issue. I know I grew up with smoking so i'm used to it, and even though it's something i'll never do and I know the harms of it I prefer not to be around it but it doesn't bother me to the point where i'm sick.
ReplyDeleteI think because of the known health risks involved with smoking, the locations where people can smoke should be regulated because it is those people's life choice to deal with the health implications of smoking, not mine. When someone drinks alcohol they are the only people dealing with the health risks, with smoking everyone who walks by inhales the toxinogens and deals with the side effects even if they are miniscule.
Smoking has been around forever now. Banning smoking from campuses is not a realistic solution. People will still smoke on campus regardless of the consequences. I think it is a good idea to have designated smokers stations because that way non smokers don't need to be bothered by the smell. I don't think by designing smokers stations its making smokers feel segregated, because it is something they want to be doing, its not forced on them. If they don't want to feel segregated than simply don't smoke on campus.
ReplyDeleteMany people have bias toward smoking from their past, possibly personal past events. This issue is constantly debated, foolishly. I personally must say I have a bias on this subject, because I myself am a smoker. However, I can understand the uncomfortable situation some are put in, when they are forced to be around smoke produced by smokers. I would not want anyone to feel uncomfortable in their own environment, although there can be many precautions to this dilemma. Those who are extrememly offended when walking past smoker stations, when easily avoided, can simply wear gas masks or face masks to avoid the smell. Though these individuals would probably not be able to muster up enough energy to go out to a dollar ganeral, due to the unfortunate fact that they don't have enough energy to walk around these smoker's stations to avoid them. Although I do think the 'higher ups' of the school will put forth enough energy to eventually come up with an appropriate solution, so everyone can be content.
ReplyDeleteI think that the smoking situation on campus is a really good one. If the smoking stations were to be taken away people would just smoke where ever they wanted. If the smoking stations did have to be changed i would suggest moving them away from the heavy traffic areas. But until that happens i think the school did a good job making designated areas so people know where they are and if people dont like the smell of smoke they can avoid them.
ReplyDeleteI think smoking should be allowed on campus. However, it is important to have "smoking designated areas". It bothers me that people are inconsiderate about the places they smoke. Wherever their is a public ashstray is game. Outside of restaurant entrances, or food stores, or eating areas is not acceptable. It irks me to no end when I see inconsiderate men smoking outside of "babys r us". I always give them evil stares when I see a man smoking outside of baby's r us, and then they feel bad and walk away. Smoking should be allowed, but every campus should have a few designated areas.
ReplyDeleteTo say that smoking should never be allowed period is rediculous. People smoke. It has been this way for centuries. People are going to always smoke... whether it be cigarettes, cigars, or an herbal mixture picked from the ground and rolled into a paper.