Have you ever had to walk into Century College through a haze of cigarette smoke which caused you to cough or make breathing difficult? The health warnings no longer apply only to the person smoking the cigarette but also to those standing nearby. The effects of secondhand smoke are harmful to all. With the increase of health advisories for smokers and non-smokers, Century College should ban smoking on campus.
According to the American Cancer Society, each year 3,400 non-smoking adults die from lung cancer and 46,000 die from heart disease due to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke immediately affects the heart and blood circulation in a harmful way but over a long period of time it can also cause heart disease and lung cancer. Secondhand smoke can also cause certain respiratory illnesses to worsen, for example, people who have asthma can often have a severe asthma attack if exposed to smoke.
Although Century College has attempted to keep smokers from non-smokers by making smoking shelters available and signs designating where you make smoke, many students still stand near the doorways. Many non-smoking students feel frustrated when these smoking shelters are not used and they have to walk through cigarette smoke to get to class. Century College does have a policy for designated smoking areas that includes a $25 fine if caught smoking in a non-designated smoking area. However, this does not seem to be enforced often enough.
Since so many smokers on campus are disrespectful to non-smoking individuals by not following Century College’s policy, we feel that smoking should be banned completely at Century College.
Jamie, John M., Natalia
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I like how you presented your evidence, but I must say, that last sentence was one hell of a sweeping generalization. I'm pretty sure that non-smoking students are equally disrespectful to smoking students. Furthermore, I don't see why someone should have to walk 25 feet away in the middle of winter to have a 5 minute cigarette break. Sounds like discrimination to me.
ReplyDeleteI like that your group had a nice essay that had a nice flow to it. All of the information seemed strong and backed your argument. I do agree with BeeSayBuzz that the last sentence could be interpreted wrong, but I understand you were trying to make a point. I think you have some strong evidence here and hopefully it can stand up. I could also see it being discrimination too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with BeeSayBuzz about the last sentence too, it is a bit of a generalization. I do not agree with the comment about discrimination though. If something is potentially damaging to the health of others then it should be stopped. It's disrespectful. Also, I was a smoker for 8 years and have stopped for a while now. Walking past smokers is torture, because I've gone through all this effort to make myself healthier only to have it undone by the people blowing it in my direction!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I like your arguments and you had a lot of interesting facts on the subject. Nice job!
I honestly don't see any discrimination here. Century College has a policy that states smokers must use the smoking shelters or smoke in other designated areas, if not you could be fined $25. If you choose to risk the fine and put other peoples health at risk by smoking at the doors...that IS disrespectful. Drugs and alcohol are also banned by Century..do you think we should allow those on campus? People are addicted to those substances too.
ReplyDeleteI used to smoke but quit 3 years ago. I never felt discriminated when I had to go smoke in a certain spot. When it was cold...I went to my car.
You may choose to smoke but I choose not to. I shouldn't have to worry about lung cancer/heart disease from YOUR cigarette. The whole point was to be respectful of those around you who choose not to smoke.
Respectfully,
Jamie
Actually, I think your point is quite good here. You might have presented a bit more evidence to back up your assertions, but overall I think this works well.
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