Smoker lifestyle scorned, other vices tolerated

Hateful stares. Forced quasi-coughs. Malicious comments muttered under breath. We smokers all know what it is like to bear the brunt of the anti-smoking sentiment that is so pervasive at Rice University.

This academic year, the Thresher has been littered with articles on racism, anti-Semitism and the like. But when all is said and done, nobody likes a bigot, and despite the complaints about prejudice on campus, the actual number of people who are seriously discriminatory is small or nonexistent.

It seems that the only form of prejudice that is condoned across the board is the hatred directed towards smokers. Unlike most college campuses, Rice has a relatively small population of smokers. Invariably, when I meet other smokers on campus, we find an instant connection with each other, because we know what it means to be singled out and scorned.

Almost every smoker has a story in which he or she faced this rampant anti-smoking discrimination. The other day, I pulled out a cigarette on my way to class, and a complete stranger yelled, “You know, smoking is bad for you.” Well, no shit, Sherlock. I don’t think there is one smoker who is ignorant of the inherent health risks of smoking.

Smoking is a lifestyle choice, just like deciding to drink, use drugs or be sexually active. All these decisions carry certain risks. All can be unhealthy. But I have yet to find someone who will randomly yell at a stranger for drinking. I see hardly any mass judgment passed on those who decide to have sex.

So where does this double standard come from? Why is it socially acceptable to hate smokers, while every other form of discrimination is considered politically incorrect or is looked down upon?

The first instinct for many would be to jump on the second-hand-smoke bandwagon. Smokers are deemed selfish because they expose non-smokers to the often-irritating smoke from cigarettes. While this argument is a valid one, it is becoming less so, as indoor smoking is now nothing short of an anachronism.

Now, smokers at Willy’s Pub are relegated to the outside stairs in the back of the building. Moreover, most smokers will politely ask those non-smokers around them if they mind the smoke. Thus, second-hand smoke cannot be an excuse for the way smokers are mistreated on campus.

While my complaints may seem a bit trivial, I don’t think it would be asking too much for non-smokers to afford us just a little respect. College is supposed to be a friendly, safe environment where people of all different races, religions and lifestyles can peacefully coexist. For the most part, Rice achieves this environment. However, students should make an effort to include smokers in this milieu as well.

Also, the sale of cigarettes at the Ley Student Center would be a welcome and lucrative addition to 13th Street’s inventory. If alcohol and coffee can be sold on campus, I think it is appropriate to make another addiction available to the student population. Then, the smoker’s trek to the Mecca that is CVS would be unnecessary, and Rice would profit.

Although selling cigarettes on campus may seem like a far-fetched dream, it would be the ultimate gesture to smokers that their decision to kill themselves slowly has become socially acceptable. I can truly envision Rice becoming a haven for the smoking minority. All we need is a change of perspective. However, I’m not going to hold my breath. I may start coughing.

Hajera Blagg is a Brown College freshman.

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