Tobacco Use and How it is Portrayed in Society

Essay by heenanCollege, Undergraduate October 2004

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Tobacco use is a very common issue that continues to arise in today's fast pace ever-changing economy. Nevertheless, with the present increase in stress, people seek for different ways to help indulge cravings or reduce overbearing and endless stress related problems. Cigarette use these days seems to be a helpful and resourceful way out for many people as they can easily become addicted and crave tobacco. Ironically, despite the health conscious generation we are assumed to be, cigarette use is quite common. Taking this into consideration, many tobacco companies try to appeal to different types of smokers, offering a variety of types of cigarettes, ranging from 'mild', 'light' or 'ultra light' brands, differentiating them from the ever so common 'regular' brands. Despite the different type however, what is commonly overlooked or ignored by the individual purchasing the brand, is that these impressive types of cigarettes do not lower the risk of lung-cancer.

In fact, such popular 'light cigarettes' are designed to work well on health regulated machines, but manufacturers failed to mention that smokers would actually have to puff harder and in turn, would still get as much tar and nicotine as with a regular cigarette.

In the article assigned by the Toronto Star entitled, "More tobacco suits likely to come", the main argument or purpose held is regarding a $10 billion law suit against Altria Groups Inc.'s Phillip Morris USA. Essentially, the suit accused Phillip Morris of defrauding Illinois smokers of Marlboro Lights and Cambridge Lights by marketing the cigarettes as lower in tar and nicotine. It is evident to see that throughout the article the negative effects of different types of cigarettes are continually mentioned as well as different types of advertising methods tobacco companies use to try and appeal to different audiences. There is ample amount...