Lifes like that – Is there a difference between smoking and graffiti?
Smokers choose to smoke, non-smokers choose not to. Smokers should therefore pursue their habit in a way that shows respect for those who don’t. I am not against a smoker’s right to smoke. I am not against any legal act of freedom or expression of autonomy. Tattoos for example are an expression of ones thoughts as is body piercing.
Tattoos can look extremely artistic when applied by a professional tattoo artist. I wouldn’t get a tattoo myself because I don’t personally believe in the chemicals used in them. But I admire some of the images I see. It doesn’t effect anyone else in any way. They are an individuals free right to express their autonomy.
Besides Ear piercing, I think body piercing looks terrible. But it does not effect anyone but the individual. If those who do body piercing are comfortable with the look, good on them for expressing their individuality.
Graffiti is a major cause of vandalism around the world. The damage cause by graffiti artists costs taxpayers millions of dollars to eradicate. Graffiti on private properties can cost the properties owners thousands of dollars.
Like body piercing and Tattoos, Graffiti is an act of expression of an individuals autonomy, the problem now, however, is that an individual is expressing their autonomy on property that does not belong to them. These individuals are committing vandalism by damaging others property.
Anyone of legal age can purchase cigarettes. They are legal in most countries. Besides personal health issues there is no problems associated with cigarettes if they are used in an environment away from non-smokers.
If a non-smoker is forced to breath in cigarette smoke simply by waiting for a bus, walking into a shop or sitting having a coffee in an Alfresco setting they are forced to consume the smoke of smokers enjoying their autonomy in the same environment.
Is there a difference between smoking and graffiti? Spray paint is legal, Graffiti is illegal. Just because a product is legal and freely available does not automatically give us the right to spray it around. Is there a difference with smoking other than damage we see verses damage to our health?
The owner of a property has the right to expect their property will not be vandalized by graffiti. Non-smokers have the right to ensure their health is not vandalized by cigarette smoke.
With any hobby or lifestyle choice we make, we should do so in such a way that shows at least some respect for those who don’t do it. If that happens, by default, we won’t need laws to make sure it does.
June 5, 2010
Tags: Autonomy, body piercing, graffiti, smoking, tattoo Posted in: Society
2 Responses
I wonder why equal consideration is not given to the dangers of deodorants, perfumes and fragrances in a wide range of other products? Close to 100% of the population are using these chemicals, and sharing them with the people around them without a thought to the damage it might be doing to their health.
Then there is the ubiquitous vehicle exhaust. A person standing at the traffic lights on a busy street can be consuming a couple of cigarettes-worth of ill health without a smoker in sight, but nothing is said about that because of course we all need to drive, and if the subject were broached we’d all realise we’re hypocrites.
How can we complain about smokers when nearly each and every one of us is doing exactly the same thing to our fellows with our car exhausts and body sprays and scented soaps and laundry detergents etc etc? Smokers just make an attractive target because they do stand out from the mass these days. Generally all vilification comes with a hefty dose of hypocrisy.
Why is it that only smokers should be required to have respect for their fellow humans, and the same demand is not levied upon the rest of society?
Vehicles are mechanical objects not flesh and bone. Yes we do breath a lot of pollution from cars and industry but we do it as a result of day to day life.
We don’t stand behind a car and talk to the bumper bar while breathing in the fumes from its exhaust. A large percentage of smokers just light up in groups of people and begin blowing their smoke around as if those standing around them do not matter.
Removing body sprays, scented soaps and other chemical skin contaminants from our Environment is also important. Companies are now making healthier products to eliminate these toxins[http://milifestyle.miessence.com]. The difference with chemical based skincare is these types of products are a personal choice that can only harm the user. Much like a tattoo.
Smokers seem to want to protect their freedom and choice but never give any consideration to those who do not want to have smoke blown in their faces.
I am not against an individuals choice to smoke. However, many smokers are selfish in their habit giving no consideration to those who don’t. You want us to respect your right to smoke – Fine (and fair enough). Its equally fair that you respect a Non-Smokers rights and go somewhere else to light up. Fairs fair!!
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