The story of Tobacco is millennial and has been well covered by historians. Although it fits multiple uses, Tobacco is mostly appreciated smoked – burned and the smoke tasted or inhaled. The first usage by American natives dates back about 3.000 BC. European had to wait until the discover of new world before enjoy it. However, it did not take too long before its consumption became popular in Europe as well, making tobacco one of the most lucrative good traded between the old continent and the colonies. It can be wisely argued that Tobacco growing had boosted the settlement of outposts more than anything else. The very foundation of the United States owes this business much, while even today the tobacco industry – one of the most globalized business on earth – is still a driving force of the American economy. There’s plenty of news about tobacco in everyday’s headlines.
The art of smoking has evolved along centuries. Nowadays Tobacco is widely consumed via cigarettes, a paper-wrapped cylinder containing cut leaves. Although its use is as old as the Maya and the Aztecs civilizations, cigarettes consumption grew enormously during the XX century to become a worldwide habit, de facto closing what is known as the Age of Cigar. In 1900, cigarettes accounted for only 3% of all U.S. tobacco consumed; this increased to 50% in 1937, 77% in 1967, and close to 90% at present. (The 1980 global figure was 70%).
Iconic Hollywood movies – From Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Pulp Fiction – portraying actors and celebrities smoking cigarettes played a pivotal role rising smoking to a status symbol, periodically switching between a low class routine and a sophisticated, recreational practice for the wealthy. Great artworks displayed on cigarettes and cigars labels, boxes, bands, logos and advertisements have also contributed to the definition of smoking as an art.
Smoking bans in public places – as put in practice in some Western countries –seemed to have rallied tobacco and cigarettes consumers under the same flag, eventually raising the question of smokers rights. The existence of groups such the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco and Smokers Against Discrimination is quite meaningful. Ultimately, the reason why smoking tobacco remains so popular is perfectly described by Oscar Wilde, who said: “A cigarette is the perfect type of a perfect pleasure. It is exquisite and it leaves one unsatisfied. What more can one want?”
The further development of social media has also given the chance to people to share their common passion for smoking. The number of smoking related blogs, forums and groups within social networks is never been so high.
But why do we smoke cigarettes? There’s plenty of reason people would cite. Apart for being an oral pleasure, smoking is fun, sexy and mannerist. It’s a reward we give us, it helps blowing troubles away while helping us to relax. It has huge social significance, too. With a cigarette we’re not alone. Asking for a lighter or a match is the perfect way to start a conversation, which can go on by telling smoking memories – from the “first cigarette story” the less romantic but evergreen topic of “how many a day”.
