Why should we care?

While watching a movie, an actor lighting a cigarette and smoking it may not be offensive in any way. But it subconsciously motivates young people to smoke—crazy we know. Tobacco use in the movies and on television is portrayed as fun, exciting, sexy, rebellious or connected to wealth and power. It reinforces the common advertising themes of the tobacco industry.  While the glamorization of tobacco may not be the intent of the entertainment industry, the end result encourages tobacco use amongst young people. 

The amount of tobacco used in movies suggests that smoking is more common in society. But in reality, twice as many people smoke in movies than in real life. And all of this smoking on screen has a subconscious effect. No, seriously. Research shows that the more times a young person sees smoking in movies, the more likely they are to start smoking.

When it comes to influence in Hollywood, big stars have a lot.  Celebrities bring in high box office returns. People look up to big stars. They can also influence millions of people with just one movie. Now that’s power! Stars know they have this power and should choose not to smoke in movies. More importantly – they should allow themselves to be paid off to smoke.

Movies are supposed to be for action, drama, laughs… not smoking. We need to take a stand. Demand that Hollywood keeps big tobacco out of its movies, especially when they are movies that we plan on watching.  Join the fight! 

Xpoz the truth about the tobacco industry’s involvement in the entertainment industry.