I strongly agree to the motion that smoking SHOULD be banned in public spaces. Public spaces include restaurants, hospitals, shopping malls, and schools.
Based on my observation, smoking is slowly being accepted by the modern generation. This 'bad habit' is no longer viewed as an immoral act or is it taboo to the modern generation. Let alone men who smoke proudly in public, the number of women who smoke shamelessly is also showing a drastic increase.
Like many other people, I can't stand being around someone who smokes constantly. I am not sure if its because of their bad breath, or is it the lack of respect they have towards themselves. Sorry for being frank, but the truth has to be told.
Recently, idebate.org carried out a survey to obtain opinions on the motion. As a result, 50% of the readers 'strongly agree' that smoking should be banned in public spaces. Wherelse, 17% of readers rated 'mildly agree', 'don't know' and 'mildly disagree' respectively. Based on these statistics, we do get a rough idea on people's response to the motion.
Before I proceed, let me ask you a question. Why do people smoke? Despite everything that various organizations has organized, this topic still falls on deaf ears. Despite efforts done by creative and hardworking scientists who invented various pills to combat this problem, the number of smokers don't seem to show a decrease. Why does the air still smell so contaminated? I'll salute those of you who dare to answer my question and provide me with a satisfactory explanation. Till date, my million dollar question is still left unanswered.
I decided to pose this question on 'Yahoo! Answers' and the feedback that I received did nothing more than amaze me. I was amazed by how fickle-minded are people are becoming(I am not targetting this opinion of mine at anyone specific).
'A' said that smoking is a form of relaxation after a tiring day at work.
My comment: If anyone has the same mindset as 'A', everyone should be smoking! Feeling tired and worn out is part and parcel of life as an employee. Besides, there are numerous other ways to relax. Try taking a nap, or even indulge yourself in a hobby to take your mind off work.
'B' said that smoking lowers risk of obesity.
My comment: Well, to be honest, this fact is scientifically proven because cigars contain nicotine which also acts as a appetite suppressant besides its addictive property. Furthermore, smoking makes your food less tasty, causing you to lose your appetite. But for goodness sake, by smoking to prevent obesity, you will die due to countless other illnesses such as lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis. If you really want to prevent obesity, try changing your lifestyle for a lasting effect!
Let us look beyond you and I. Let's take a look at the effects of smoking on the whole of humanity. Various international organizations want smoking to be banned in public spaces because exposing non-smokers to smoke goes against their rights. A recent research also proved that people who have partners who smoke have 20% to 30% increased risk of suffering from lung cancer. Doesn't that send chills down your spine? your partner might be silently killing you!
Furthermore, World Health Organization(WHO) also confirmed that non-smokers are also exposed to the same amount of carcinogens as smokers. Now you tell me, how can we allow someone who does not smoke to suffer the same consequences as a smoker? What if the person involved is a child? Aren't we indirectly ruining his/her future? This goes against a humans right to live.
I strongly support the motion because it will encourage more people to stop smoking to abide the law. This in total will significantly reduce health care costs incurred by the government in providing health care services for government servants.
With less money spent on civilian's health, the money paid by tax-payers can be used to develop the nation. Better education facilities can be built, to produce the younger generation of better quality. This is crucial in efforts to improve the economic downfall suffered by many countries worldwide.
Rather than trying to stop everyone from smoking, we should try to inspire those around us first. Sooner or later, this circle of awareness will spread and present a better future for all of us.
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