To think westerners shouldn't smoke

[TonaldDrump]

On holiday abroad right now in Asia. We've been staying at a resort where there are loads of Scandinavians, Dutch and Brits.

It really bothers me when they just light up in places they'd never do at home. We were sitting in a cafe and someone (Scandinavian) started smoking next to us. A Brit did the same at another restaurant.

Locals, including local tourists I can understand because there isn't a no- smoking culture here but anyone from northern or Western Europe or Northern America should have it ingrained that it's disgusting and unhealthy for those around them and it should be second nature.

It feels like they're just taking advantage even though they know it's anti-social!

It's disgusting, right? Or aibu?

user1481214040

Your examples are not really equivalent.

Would you be happy breathing in exhaust fumes directly from a motorbike, say, while eating?

Smokers can choose not to smoke. It's a conscious decision.
And they can make sure to ask anyone sitting next to them if they mind or not.

And playing loud music or eating smelly foods (say in public transport) is just as inconsiderate, yes. Just read the threads about it.

I agree with the op and can't believe so many smokers see the issue with this. I suppose they are used to the smell of smoke but others really dislike it. I hate the idea of it going into my lungs (due to family members with lung cancer), so it's frustrating when others are smoking and it wafts into my face. Had this in the week with a man smoking in the bus queue behind me and I asked him to move away.

The impression I'm getting is that smokers are saying they wouldn't do it in the uk because others don't, but if others are doing it then they can join in, and it doesn't matter if it affects people around them so they have to move, which is basically very selfish behaviour.

I actually also feel the same regarding e-cigs as I don't think we know enough about what's in those either!

evidence that has not been selectively chosen and filtered by the anti-smoking brigade while suppressing any contradictory studies.

I think you'll find that study suppression has been more a feature of the smoking "brigade" (and manufacturers').

BTW, using the word "brigade" to attempt to dismiss your opposing side is just childish, really.

Love that all smokers are selfish and stupid, love the bias
Note that a lot of the horrible comments are from non smokers, yet it's the smokers that are defensive?

all smokers are selfish and stupid

Perhaps you'd also show where that is written.

lweji multiple people have said smokers are selfish, And onestated smokers were 'not the brightest sparks' .
I'm not a smoker, i don't like it, but i don't like more people lumping others into one category.

That's one of my favourite things when I go abroad, being able to smoke in a civilised manner. Tis like a breath of smoky fresh air!

Where do you go?

Smoking seriously impacts on your health and the health of others. Irrefutable fact.
Smoking is therefore and irrational (stupid?) act.
You harm yourself and other -this is not an altruistic action - harming others for your own pleasure is by definition selfish.

Stupid and selfish. I don't think this would be an insult so much as a logical conclusion.

I have this urge to go back and count all the stupid and selfish that's been spouted throughout this thread.

It's like it's lost all meaning

Stupid = doing something that will lead to harm to yourself.
Selfish = doing something to harm others.

There you go gamerchick that is what people mean.

Was your question directed at me user? The last place I stayed who allowed smoking in the hotel (rooms only though) was the Merrion in Dublin.

I'll do the count:

Up until kali110's post, 4 uses of "stupid":

Bailey101

So it's ok for the locals to smoke, but westerners shouldnt be so stupid hmm

MarjorieSimpson

Nope waitrose I don't.

Because I don't smoke inside, or I always put my seat belt or I always put my child in car seat because I know the opposite would be harmful (to myself or to others). Not because there is a law telling me to do it.

If the law was stupid, then your comment would make more sense

Hysterectical

As someone who lives in Asia, you may want to ask them if they realise that young prostitutes hanging off your arm is both abusive and ugly. But to answer your OP, I think fuck off sums up a timely response to your stupid and ignorant words.

MarjorieSimpson

Olivia yep I'm sure this is where it's coming from. At least I don't feel like a paria. And that feels nice.
It's an interesting discussion on the tension between what I know I ought to do and what I really want to do as well as do I only follow a rule because it's the law (and I will do even if said law is stupid IMO but as soon as the law isn't there I will jump at the opportunity) or because I truly believe it's the best choice (for the society, people around me, even if it is an inconvenience for me) and therefore I don't need a law to do/not do xx.

Only one calling someone stupid and that was to the OP!

Also the selfish comments, bar one, have been in relation NOT to all smokers but those who smoke indoors when they know it harms other people or those who smoke close to other people without their permission. Which they are.

Oh I didn't realise I have been using the word stupid that much

Yes, twice. :)

I know. I'll have to be careful and improve my vocabulary

Op are all the countries you are flying over have a full population of people happy with the effects of the aeroplane fumes you are inflicting on them? You are of course western and have been educated on this.

When in Rome....

Yes, secondand smoke is quite obviously damaging to people's health. But if you aren't willing to deal with this when on a holiday you maybe should chose another destination?

I don't get the outrage. But then again, I'm not a UK native... and no, I don't smoke.

And no, I haven't read this whole thread...

If I piss off the nearby adults I think they can move whereas children have less choice.

So non-smokers should have to move because you decided to light up a disgusting cigarette right next to their face?

Christ. The entitlement of it all.

Some non-smokers like the aroma of tobacco smoke.

Some non-smokers like the aroma of tobacco smoke.

I also like the smell of petrol, but that doesn't mean I'm senseless enough to inhale it constantly.

user

I like the smell, makes me think of my childhood. But I still wouldn't want to inhale cigarette smoke in any way.

However, if I choose to travel to a country where smoking inside is common I'll simply accept that.

YABTU. I don't smoke in pubs because it's illegal. Doesn't mean I agree with the law. If I am somewhere smoking is legal I'll lit up with enthusiasm. Why we Westerners should get busy setting backward foreigners a good example is quite beyond me. I've always liked the smell. It's kinda cosy.