Smoking Cigarettes & Tobacco Use
______________________________________________________________________
Day 1 - Introduction
______________________________________________________________________
Day 1 - Introduction
Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst habits that people can do to their bodies. It is the major cause of cancer fatality in the United States and is responsible for an estimated 434,000 deaths per year. This is approximately around 1 in every 5 deaths due to smoking. Cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors and activities that people choose to do. In fact, because of this, cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death not only in our society, but also around the world.
What is tobacco?
Tobacco is a green, leafy plant grown in warm climates. After it is harvested, it is dried up and grounded up. Tobacco can be used in many different ways - it can be smoked in a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and it can also be chewed (chewing tobacco) or sniffed through the nose called snuff. Tobacco also contains nicotine.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a toxic colorless or yellowish oily liquid that is the primary component of tobacco. Its chemicals act as a stimulant and it is what makes the tobacco use so addictive. When tobacco is used, the nicotine goes into the bloodstream and it changes the body by speeding up the nervous system and increases the heart rate and blood pressure.
Who smokes?
According to the American Cancer Society, the percentages of smokers are broken down and categorized by their race and ethnicity. Here are the numbers:
Whites - 22.1%
African Americans - 21.3%
Asians - 12%
Hispanics - 14.5%
American Indians/Alaska Natives - 23.2%
People of Mixed Races - 29.5%
In 2010, there were more than 46 million adults that were current smokers in the United States. For adolescents, 20% of high school students were smoking nationwide, while 5% of middle school students started to as well.
What are the health effects of smoking?
According to the American Cancer Society, smoking can harm nearly every organ in the body and can cause many diseases such as heart, respiratory, and cancer. It can also greatly affect a person's quality of life in many ways as well. Smoking can change the way people behave, their senses, and the basic enjoyment of life. Long story short, smoking kills and quitting smoking is not easy. To live a long and healthy life, it is best not to smoke.
For my 14 Days Experiment, I will go around town looking for smokers of any race/ethnicity/age and conduct an interview with them. I will interview one person per day.
Interview Questions:
- When did you start smoking cigarettes?
- How much do you smoke per day?
- Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
- Have you ever thought about quitting?
- Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
- Are you addicted to smoking?
- Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
- Do you regret smoking?
Everyday millions of people are smoking cigarettes throughout the world. But why? I highly doubt all of them smoke without some sort of reason behind it. There must be some logical explanation for each individual as to why they smoke. Throughout this experiment, my main goal is to figure out and understand why do people smoke and continue to do so. With the help of the people I will encounter and interview, I hope to accomplish my objective.
___________________________________________________________________
Day 2
Name: Yas
Sex: Male
Race: Asian - Japanese
Age: 21
Occupation: College student
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking cigarettes when I was 17.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-It really depends on my mood. But the average is about 2-3 cigarettes per day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-There wasn't any peer pressure because I wanted to smoke. It became a habit after I started smoking socially.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, of course. I've tried quitting numerous times, but ended up smoking again. The longest I've been without a cigarette was 3 years, but it was because my girlfriend didn't like it. Long story short, we broke up and now I'm smoking again.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Most of my relatives smoke and some of my friends smoke. I guess when watching my relatives smoke when I was young builded up my curiosity about smoking.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-No. For me, smoking is more of a habit than an addiction.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-I guess smoking tends to make me out of shape, but other than that, not at all. Also, people tend to look down on smoking, so their perception of who I am might be wrong because I smoke.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Never.
Sex: Male
Race: Asian - Japanese
Age: 21
Occupation: College student
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking cigarettes when I was 17.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-It really depends on my mood. But the average is about 2-3 cigarettes per day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-There wasn't any peer pressure because I wanted to smoke. It became a habit after I started smoking socially.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, of course. I've tried quitting numerous times, but ended up smoking again. The longest I've been without a cigarette was 3 years, but it was because my girlfriend didn't like it. Long story short, we broke up and now I'm smoking again.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Most of my relatives smoke and some of my friends smoke. I guess when watching my relatives smoke when I was young builded up my curiosity about smoking.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-No. For me, smoking is more of a habit than an addiction.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-I guess smoking tends to make me out of shape, but other than that, not at all. Also, people tend to look down on smoking, so their perception of who I am might be wrong because I smoke.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Never.
______________________________________________________________________
Day 3
Name: Mary-Rose
Sex: Female
Race: Filipino
Age: Mid-30's
Occupation: Clinical Laboratory Technologist
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking when I was 18 years old.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-On a daily basis, I smoke around 5-8 cigarettes.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I first started smoking when I was with friends and social gatherings. But recently, I smoke because of stress. There wasn't any peer pressure because it was a personal choice.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes. I quit before for 2 years and there are times when I don't smoke for 3 months, but I still end up smoking during social gatherings. I guess you can call it a "mini-break", but I always find myself smoking again.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-My father's a frequent smoker and some of my friends smoke.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-Yes. It's a part of my life now.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Absolutely. I feel like I can reach my full potential in dealing with work or any physical activities if I wasn't smoking.
8. Do you regret smoking?
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking when I was 18 years old.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-On a daily basis, I smoke around 5-8 cigarettes.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I first started smoking when I was with friends and social gatherings. But recently, I smoke because of stress. There wasn't any peer pressure because it was a personal choice.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes. I quit before for 2 years and there are times when I don't smoke for 3 months, but I still end up smoking during social gatherings. I guess you can call it a "mini-break", but I always find myself smoking again.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-My father's a frequent smoker and some of my friends smoke.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-Yes. It's a part of my life now.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Absolutely. I feel like I can reach my full potential in dealing with work or any physical activities if I wasn't smoking.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Yes.
____________________________________________________________________
Day 4
Name: Ge Chan
Sex: Male
Race: Asian - Chinese
Age: Mid-50's
Occupation: Doctor
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking around 1974 when I was in college. Back in the day (in China) when I first started, everybody smoked, so it was pretty normal. People would look at you funny if you didn't smoke. In China, smoking was ordinary and still is to this day.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-I smoke around 5-8 per day. I used to smoke around 10-12 cigarettes per day. Not too many people smoke in the United States compared to back home, so that's why I cut down a lot.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I started smoking because I felt lonely and depressed. There was a little bit of peer pressure from my colleagues, but ultimately, it was my personal choice.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, pretty often. But lets be realistic, it is very hard for me to quit now at such an old age. In general, I think it's very hard for people to just quit smoking after smoking for so many years.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
Yes. Many of my relatives and friends smoke, but they're in China. My relatives and friends here in the United States don't smoke.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-Yes.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Not much. Smoking became a part of my life. I know the consequences of smoking, but other than that, it really didn't change me at all.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-No, because it becomes a part of your life.
_______________________________________________________________________
Day 5
Day 5
Name: Rico
Sex: Male
Race: Mexican
Age: 48
Occupation: Registered Nurse
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-1981. I started smoking when I was around 19.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-Probably 10-15 sticks a day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-My aunt actually. She taught me how to smoke. Then after a while, I started liking it and was hooked. There was no peer pressure at all.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes. Actually, I tried quitting twice, but it was very hard.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-I don't know if I will call it an addiction. I'm just used to smoking.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-No.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-No. You cannot live your life with regrets.
______________________________________________________________________
Day 6
Name: Kevin
Sex: Male
Race: Asian-Chinese
Age: Mid-40's
Occupation: Software Engineer
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking cigarettes in 2005.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-Just 1 per day. I'm not a heavy smoker.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-For fun. I just wanted to try it. I really like smoking.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, I can quit anytime. I just smoke for fun.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-No, not at all.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-No. Smoking is for my own pleasure.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Not at all. I think its fun.
______________________________________________________________________
Day 7
Name: Bear (nickname)
Sex: Male
Race: American - Caucasian
Age: Mid 50's
Occupation: Driver
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking when I was 21 years old.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-I used to smoke 4 packs a day, but now just under 1 pack a day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I enjoy the flavor of cigarettes. I used to smoke it out of a pipe, but now I buy packs of stogies. There was no peer, just personal reasons.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, I try to cut down everyday. I have been smoking less than before.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes, but very few.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
No, its just an old habit.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Not really.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-No.
_____________________________________________________________________
Day 8
Name: Evet
Sex: Female
Race: Mix of Mexican & Filipino
Age: Mid 50's
Occupation: Research Assistant
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking when I was 18 years old.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-I smoke 1 pack per day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-There was no peer pressure. I just wanted to smoke for fun.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, but I feel like its kind of too late for me now because I've smoked for so many years. It'll be a difficult accomplishment.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-No.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-I'm not proud to say that I am addicted to smoking. (I mentioned other people call it a habit, but Evet straight up told me they're idiots and its an addiction).
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Yes, definitely. One of the most important things in life is our health, and I would be healthier if I didn't smoke.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Sadly, yes. Probably the biggest mistake in my life.
__________________________________________________________________
Day 9
Name: Jennifer
Sex: Female
Race: African-American
Age: Mid 30's
Occupation: Office Management
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking when I was 16 years old.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-Back in the day about 5-6 cigarettes a day. Now I only smoke the electronic cigarettes.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-There was peer pressure everywhere from school to home, so that's why I started smoking. As I got older, smoking became my stress reliever.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, and I did quit regular cigarettes. I've been smoke free since December of 2010. Now I only smoke electronic cigarettes. My goal is to quit smoking completely by this year.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-I used to be, but now no more. I just smoke electronic cigarettes, which for me isn't very addicting at all.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Yes, I could've saved a lot of money had it not been for smoking cigarettes.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Sometimes.
_________________________________________________________________
Day 10
Name: Suraj
Sex: Male
Race: Indian
Age: 19
Occupation: Student/Part-time worker
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking in high school when I was 17, but only occasionally. I started smoking daily when I started going to De Anza.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-Probably around 5-10 stogies per day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I started smoking because I wanted to try it and all my friends were doing it, but they never pressured me to smoke. It was more of a personal choice because of my curiosity for it.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes. I have here and there, but I always find myself smoking again. I enjoy smoking.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes, very few though.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-No. I don't feel addicted at all.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Yes. I'd probably be exercising more and I would stop wasting my money to buy cigarettes.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-No.
________________________________________________________________
Day 11
Name: Veronica
Sex: Female
Race: American
Age: 56 years old
Occupation: Cosmetologist
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking 18 years ago.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-Half a pack (10 cigarettes).
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I started smoking as a social activity with friends and was instantly hooked. There was no peer pressure.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, many times. But I enjoy smoking so it'll be very hard for me. Eventually I will quit for good.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes, most of my siblings smoke. I have a few friends that smoke as well.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-No. I prefer to call it a habit than an addiction.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Yes. I would be more healthy and exercise more often.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Yes, and I plan to quit in the future.
-Yes, and I plan to quit in the future.
___________________________________________________________________
Day 12
Name: Al
Sex: Male
Race: American
Age: 66 years old
Occupation: Engineer, now retired
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking cigarettes when I was 19.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-Probably 11-12 cigarettes per day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I started smoking because back in the day it was trendy. Everybody smoked. There was no peer pressure.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Yes, I have quit a year ago, but started smoking again recently.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes. Most of my relatives and friends are heavy smokers.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-Yes, I am addicted. But I prefer to call it a habit because I enjoy it. An addiction is usually something people don't want to do, but they HAVE to do it.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Not at all.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-Sometimes. I'm trying to cut down and eventually quit for good.
-Sometimes. I'm trying to cut down and eventually quit for good.
__________________________________________________________________
Day 13
My apologies. Since today was a rainy day, I couldn't go outside and interview anyone. But I decided to post some links about cigarette smoking. Personally, I think its very interesting as it covers topics such as the history of smoking, teen smoking, the effects of second hand smoking, and many more other facts about smoking. Enjoy!
Also, here is a link that shows which celebrities smoke or have smoked cigarettes. You'd be surprised. Or not.
__________________________________________________________________
Day 14
Name: Yolly
Sex: Female
Race: Filipino
Age: Mid-50's
Occupation: Housewife/Self-Employed
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking when I was 14 years old.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-I smoke half a pack each day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-I first started smoking because it was a social thing and it was very popular and trendy. I also wanted to stand out and looked cool, and basically be a badass. There was no peer pressure.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Sometimes. I have a lot stress at home so smoking cigarettes is like my getaway.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes, but very few of my relatives smoke. Most of my friends still smoke, but many have quit as well.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-Yes, but I would prefer to call it a habit. I like smoking a lot.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-Yes, maybe. I'm not sure.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-No. It helps a lot with my stress and I enjoy it.
Name: Angie
Sex: Female
Race: Asian - Korean
Age: 50 years old
Occupation: Sales
1. When did you start smoking cigarettes?
-I started smoking when I was 15 years old in Korea.
2. How much do you smoke per day?
-I smoke at least half a pack per day.
3. Why did you start smoking? Any peer pressure?
-In Korea, smoking is very popular and everyone smokes, so that's how I picked up the habit. It was also for exposure as I wanted to express myself.
4. Have you ever thought about quitting?
-Not really. I enjoy it.
5. Do you have any relatives or friends that smoke?
-Yes, a majority of my relatives smoke. Some of my friends smoke, but not many.
6. Are you addicted to smoking?
-Yes, but I don't care. I like it. Personally, I don't think it's bad.
7. Do you think your life would be any different if you didn't smoke?
-No.
8. Do you regret smoking?
-No. I enjoy smoking. ___________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
With the help of this project and the people I interviewed, I have learned many reasons on not only why people smoke, but also why they continue to smoke as well. Personally, I do agree that smoking is honestly bad for you, but I also believe that I shouldn't be judgmental and shove my opinions down other people's throats while doing this project. I tried to be "unbiased" as possible while conducting my interviews. However, there's no denying that smoking is bad for those who smoke and can greatly affect his/her health. So why is it that these millions of people continue to smoke? And why do people smoke in general? The reasons lie below:
Reasons Why People Smoke
1. Curiosity - The majority of the people I interviewed started smoking in his/her teens or early 20's (high school/college days). To them, smoking was something unknown to them and their curiosity sold them to it. At such young age, they were more adventurous and willing to take risks and trying new things, while hoping for the best. For them, smoking for the first time can be a feeling of excitement and joy because it's an activity that was new and fresh to them.
2. Peer Pressure? - Peer pressure refers to the influence by a person or group of people to encourage a person to change his or her behavior, values, or attitude in order to comply with the group's norms. It is one of the biggest factors causing people to start smoking, especially teens. However, this was not the case at all as all of my interviewees stated that peer pressure was the not problem. It was more of a personal choice.
3. Expression - Although society looks down on smoking and tends to discriminate those who smokes, people feel like they're making a statement towards society by smoking. Smoking makes them stand out and a little rebellious. Also, some people say that smoking makes them look cooler and more mature.
4. Trendy - For some people, they started smoking because it was popular and socially attractive. The majority of the people around them smoked, whether it be family members, friends, or random strangers. By not smoking, they would feel left out and be seen as a minority in their society. During their teen years, some people wanted to fit in with their friends in school and simply wanted to be cool.
5. Personal Reasons - Just like any other activity, smoking for many people is just plain, old fun. Some people enjoy the taste of the tobacco, while others smoke to help reduce their stress and relieve other personal problems.
After people try smoking, the progression and development begins. Here are some reasons why people continue to smoke.
1. Enjoyment - According to some people I interviewed, smoking is fun. Smoking is an excitement and a pleasurable experience for them. These people do not smoke just because they enjoy smoking, but rather they smoke because they do not enjoy not smoking. For many, smoking is an enjoyment of life.
2. Expression - Smoking still looks cool. Plain and simple.
3. Social - Believe it or not, smoking is a great way to meet people, especially at a bar or at a club. Those places are the hot spots where people can drink, grab a stogie, and have a conversation. It may not be the best way, but at least these people have found something common about themselves before actually talking. And even though society looks down upon smoking, being a smoker makes them feel they're part of an association with other smokers.
4. Reduces Personal Problems - Many individuals I interviewed claims that smoking reduces his/her stress. It can also help with loneliness, depression, and other personal problems. According to some people, smoking a cigarette makes them more calm and relaxed. Smoking can help them be more carefree, while it clarifies the mind. At such an relaxed condition, its easier for these people to live their life.
Cigarettes smoking and tobacco use has always been a mystery to me. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to know why cigarettes existed and why people choose to smoke. As I finish this project with this conclusion, I'm proud and confident to say that I have gained a lot of knowledge and insight not just about cigarette smoking and tobacco use, but also a good amount of understanding on human behaviors. This experiment was a joy.
