I previously wrote a post about smoking, but since it seems to be the sujet du jour in Beirut, I thought I would give it another round.
The link below is for a video from CNN posted in November 2009.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/11/16/lebanon.smoking.ban/index.html
Or Watch it on Youtube
First, I applaud CNN for delving into our society’s problems away from the glamour and glitter culture that they marketed throughout the summer.
When I lived in Istanbul, I found similarities between my host culture and mine.
Hands down, Lebanese and Turks can pride themselves for being serial smokers, or “chimneys” (can I say that?).
Yet Turks have somehow managed to abide by the smoking ban in public places initiated in July 2009. Most happening nightclubs witness a crowd of smokers blocking the sidewalk just to take their smoke outside.
In Lebanon, such public smoking bans are met by resistance from smokers and of course tobacco companies which have docked in nicotine paradise where tobacco control legislation have yet to see the light of day (Check this article about the role of tobacco companies in delaying any smoking regulations in Lebanon).
So far so good…in the sense that, for those who have lived in Lebanon long enough, can understand that this resistance is legitimate and expected.
Our government is apathetic by default towards most issues, let alone smoking issues, which with all due respect to all anti-smoking activists, is not really a pressing cause in the midst of such havoc.
But for a young adult on CNN (at 2 minutes 15 seconds of the video) to boast that Lebanon is a freedom culture and to be so proud of not respecting any laws is more than my humble mind can process. FREEDOM CULTURE?… SERIOUSLY?
I think some are confused about the true meaning of freedom.
I cannot fathom the following either. Even the most anarchist Lebanese can abide by the simplest laws and protocols of any country they live in: Standing in line for instance, only applies outside of Lebanese borders. But we forget these civil habits as soon as we set foot at Beirut International Airport (actually even before the plane lands…we are in such a hurry that we unfasten the seatbelt and rush to the overhead bins). And we are so proud!
Now back to our smoking hot topic…Enough with empty arguments already. It is about time we practiced some civility in our country, just like we do elsewhere. At least, those who can’t stand the smell of cigarette smoke, don’t have to endure it everywhere they go. Just, kindly take your choking outside.
Good to have you back!
It is interesting that in Sweden, it is only uneducated people who are smoking. It is very much low-standard to smoke. Nothing intellectual, nothing mysterious etc.
Wow! I half expected you to be gone for ever! Glad that is not the case! I am with you 100% on following rules and such; I have hope though that once our bigger and more important issues will be solved, we will solve the smaller ones: (like safety of our borders, refugee status, war etc)
Joumana am still here…posts might take some time to be out, stay tuned
I just stumbled upon your blog. It’s lovely, keep up the great work!