Fridays don't get any better than this
Thank you George Washington University for inviting The United Pro Choice Smokers Rights Newsletter to your campus for "Smoke In" day.
*******************************
"Fridays don't get any better than this," said a male student, grabbing one of the free "Smoke In" ashtrays provided by the University for the last day of what was billed "controversy week."
But where was the controversy? Actually, there wasn't. It was a celebration of smoking. Free ashtrays and more than a few incidents of "hey, can I bum a cigarette?"
Oh, there were many non-smokers. But no antis. "I don't smoke," said another student. Glancing at the ashtrays, he added, "these free?" I said "sure." He picked one up and explained, "my psychology professor smokes all the time. This might help my grade."
The "Smoke In" was the last of four "controversy week" events at George Washington University. The first, on Tuesday, featured a "carnivore or vegetarian" fair. It was followed on Wednesday by the great marijuana debate. Thursday was devoted to the question: "Why Alcohol Education Sucks." The Smoke In came last. All were held in a little plaza next to the University's Gelman Library.
And the weather was lovely - bright and sunny, though a bit on the cool side (temperature in the upper sixties). Because of a breeze that kicked up regularly, I had to divert several of the give-away ashtrays to anchor piles of literature. There were about 100 to 150 of the little black ashtrays that were specially made for the occasion. "SMOKE IN, April 26, Controversy Week," they read on one side. And on the other: "Program Board, The George Washington University."
Food and drinks were provided free, as well. And many students hung around to talk while they ate burgers and hot dogs.
The response of the students to this official "cigarette day" could be broken down into three categories. First were the smokers, many arriving at the table with lit cigarettes in hand.
And there were the non-smokers, but none that wanted to argue the anti-tobacco line. Some hurriedly rushed by without even giving the conspicuous set-up so much as a glance. Others stayed around to talk. Tolerance? Well, they felt they could tolerate that.
And finally, there were the promoters. One enthusiastic student found himself a podium, a circular, stone bench where students sit and eat. And smoke. "Smoking is cool," he preached to everyone passing by. "Smoke a cigarette, save American industry."
He stayed until the program ended.
Another hung around and doubled as cigarette promoter and distributor -- he'd come "borrow" cigarettes for anyone too shy to ask.
Others sat around the table for a while, helping to hand out literature. Even the non smokers, for the most part, were interested in the handouts, if they bothered to stop long enough to notice.
There were a few who hung around to "debate," but there really was no debate. "I can see why people like smoking" was a typical response. So was "I don't believe in telling people what to do."
Another youth accepted my offer of a free ashtray. He didn't smoke either. "It's for my mother. This'll keep me in the will, at least."
"Our tuition dollars at work," laughed one student as she proudly showed her friends the free ashtray she'd acquired - she, too, was a smoker. And another who hung around for most of the two-hour event commented, "Hey, I should have bought cheap cigarettes in Virginia and sold them for three dollars a pack."
They say that young people tend to be more socially libertarian and fiscally conservative than past generations. And that seemed to be the case here, judging by remarks made by non-smokers. Condemnation of smokers is "gross." Let people decide for themselves. But have well ventilated spaces for people who don't like it. And that's fine with me. More importantly, it's fine for everybody.
More than a few people were surprised and curious to see the "smoke in." I was asked on one occasion if we are "promoting" tobacco use. No. That's not it. We like people - everyone, smokers and non-smokers alike. We are just promoting an attitude: tolerance.
"Hmmmm," came a slow, thoughtful response. "I guess that's pretty good."
Another student belonged to a local band, and stood silently, his a guitar on his back, taking in the signs and flyers. We started talking. "Nab yourself an ashtray. It's free," I said. "You know you can't be a rock star if you don't smoke." He laughed. "Yeah. That's sorta right."
"You giving away cigarettes, too?" another wanted to know. I explained what I was told by program coordinator Faith: The school had asked Philip Morris to donate some and they refused. "So, hey, write to them if you want to complain," I suggested. "We tried."
What to do about the anti-smokers, another wanted to know. "Ignore them and they'll go away."
Okay, I admit that's a bit optimistic. But if everyone did that, the anti's really would be looking for work. And, after all, the "Smoke In" was a day for optimism. It was all about freedom.
Light up. Enjoy.
It couldn't have been better. The antis, I had been told earlier, were invited but declined to come. Their only presence at the table was two large, spiral-bound books, each about an inch thick and labeled "Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids." They showed up about an hour into the occasion. And, quite appropriately, they evoked a visual image of a tedious, boring class assignment.
By 1:00 p.m. when it was time to start packing away the literature, nearly all of the ashtrays had been given away (I got to keep two). There were flyers to spare, but those that didn't take it away did, at least, look it over and read parts of it.
And our biggest promoter was still out there. "Real men smoke cigarettes," he called out to a group of three guys that were obviously friends of his. "Smokers are better lovers," he announced as the table was being dismantled. A young woman looked over at him curiously. "Oh, so you don't believe me....?" he asked playfully, a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
Yes, it was fun. It was great. Or, as that first young man said it so well, Fridays don't get better than this.
Liz
April 27, 2002