The rate of black teen smoking continues to climb, though it's still not as high as that for white youths, according to data gathered by the Institute for Social Research at University of Michigan. But other experts who have closely studied the tobacco programs say that while Clinton's focus on teen smoking may be good politics, it's not very good public policy. Programs focused on teen smoking won't reduce teen smoking. Saying to teens, 'We're going to keep you from smoking.' is not an effective strategy. They're aspiring adults.
Nobody smokes to look like a kid.
On one hand, the tobacco industry presents cigarettes to kids as a way of looking grown-up. Paradoxically kids also smoke as a way to rebel against grown-ups. Glantz believes there is only one way to get the message out. The important message to get out is that the tobacco industry is evil and exploitative. The industry needs to become socially unacceptable.