Now there can be no doubt that smoking is a health hazard. Worse, the Liggett company admitted to enticing children to smoke in their advertising campaigns. In light of the recent events, it would be reasonable to expect the Mills community to reduce their consumption of cancer sticks. However, walking past the Tea Shop steps and witnessing the number of Mills smokers creating a communal smokestack, it is clear that students remain unconcerned with the health hazards of smoking. Worse, tobacco companies also target young women.
Mills is a women's institution aimed at educating women and furthering their success in the world.
By not acknowledging that smoking is unhealthy and ultimately fatal, students are only hurting themselves. Sadly, there are several circumstances that exacerbate the problem caused by the lung-killing companies. Many movie stars can be seen smoking on-screen, luring more and more people into the idea that dying young can be sexy and cool. Closer to home, the very school we attend is willing to share in the tobacco profits by selling cigarettes in the student book store. Ultimately, the blame cannot be placed on Mills, the film industry, or the companies that are sacrificing lives for a hefty profit margin.