Thank you for smoking!
I have a problem. Its a common phenomenon that whenever you pass a building, there is a high likelihood that there will be a group of people smoking right in front of the entrance. Although I have frequently been told that it is against work safety regulation for smokers to enjoy their habits close enough to affect the pollution within the building, there is no safety umbrella to protect pedestrians innocently going about their business.
What do you do? Cough excessively? Hold your breath? Have an asthmatic attack, kneel over and die?
Which brings me to the movie, “Thank you for Smoking.” I have recently seen a trailer for it and it is hilarious. It is full of satire and it shows the worst (or depending on your viewpoint, the best) of human spin doctors and lobby groups. Unfortunately it does not help me avoid the vices in front of buildings, I take solace that my vice is not as deadly nor as expensive.
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I saw the movie at MIFF. It is an excellent satire on the Public Relations industry. I’d give it 5 of 5, except it doesn’t discourage smoking.
As for the smokers at the building entrances, I’ve worked in places where they were strongly encouraged not to smoke upwind of the entrance, but apart from that, I don’t think there’s anything the employer can legally do with their employees on a public thoroughfare. If there’s a group (of anyone) blocking the entrance, I usually loudly say ‘excuse me’ and ‘make way’ or similar.
Personally, I ask smokers to try to talk to me to go away until at least five minutes after their cigarette. It’s a little offending, but it does drive home the point.
Is 1 second of second hand smoke that bad? Im not a smoker but cmon..
Long-term breathing in the city is probably just as harmful.
I really don’t understand what you’re boo-hooing about. I’m an ex-smoker, and I used to be extremly curious and yet I STILL got slack from people. One lady especially was very offensive towards me and told me she hoped I died of cancer!
Walking past them and inhaling a tiny whisp of smoke isn’t going to harm you - harden up!
Yes, Neil, I’ve seen Mosquitoes go into convulsions and die!!
One second is that bad.
Laurie
haha..good point