In this world there are many injustices that deal with our children. Amain injustice is the advertising of tobacco directed to our youths. Every day3,000 children start smoking, most of them between the ages of 10 and 18. Thesekids account for 90 percent of all new smokers. In fact, 90 percent of alladults state that they first start smoking as a teenager. The statisticsclearly show that young people are the prime targets of tobacco sales.
The head of these media companies are Marlboro and Camel. Marlboro usesa western character known as The Marlboro Man, and Camel uses the smoothcharacter Joe Camel. Joe Camel who is shown as a camel with complete style hasbeen attacked by many Tobacco-Free Kids organizations as a major influence onthe children of America. Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia reportthat almost as many 6-year olds recognize Joe Camel as they do Mickey Mouse.
That is very shocking information for any parent to hear. Children areattracted by these advertisements because they like cartoons, and they thinkthat a cartoon is harmless and what the cartoon does is harmless too. There isso much cigarette advertising out there a child is sure to be struck by itsattention.
The companies deny that these symbols target people under 21 and claimthat their advertising goal is simply to promote brand switching. Illinois Rep. Richard Durbin disagrees with this statement stating If we can reduce thenumber of young smokers, the tobacco companies will be in trouble and they knowit. The companies go toward a market that is not fully aware of the harm thatcigarettes are capable of to keep their industry alive and well.
When kids were asked why they started smoking, they gave twocontradictory reasons: They wanted to be a part of the crowd. Children don’twant to be left out, they want to be wanted. If their peers are smoking thenthey will want to smoke too. They also wanted to reach out and rebel at thesame time. When children are told over and over by more authoritative peoplenot to do something, then they are going to do it. They do this just to getback at the authorities or to satisfy their curiosity. Teens also think ofsmoking as a sign of independence. The surprising thing is that these kids knowthat they are being influenced by cigarette advertising.
Here are three things on how to stop the future of America from smoking. Try to convince your children that smoking is not cool. If a child is talked toby there parents then they will listen to what they have to say. Talk to yourkids at a young age about the dangers of smoking. If children are informed ofthe dangers cigarettes provide then they will prevent themselves from smoking.
Identify family members who smoke and ask them to quit. If children are notaround the habit then they won’t have a reason to pick it up. Children are the most valuable assets we are given in life. Let’s tryto educate them while they’re young to be independent thinkers and to not beswayed by the tobacco companies who are trying to take advantage of their mindand body.
