I have watched as slowly, but surely, my friends have begun to take up smoking. It started with just a trickle, with a few of them taking up a social habit that led to a steady stream of consistent smoking. As a non-smoker, I am naturally intrigued. What happened to the anti-smoking sentiment shared by so many years ago? Call me crazy, but I think I might understand the mere elements behind the cigarette’s triumphant return.
The COVID-19 crisis is described by many as a turning point for our society. I’m sure many people would agree with me when I say that things haven’t felt the same since – they feel significantly worse. The lockdowns contributed greatly to poor mental health, the rise of right-wing media and ideals, and made way for dangerous administrations to rise into power.
Since then, we have watched as the world has descended into a political, financial, humanitarian and environmental crisis, all whilst being told that this is the earth we are to make our paths in.
I wonder that, as youths, are we are so disillusioned with our future that the potential health detriment that comes from cigarettes simply is not worth the worry? Perhaps the damage from smoking seems miniscule next to the everyday risks that affront us on our screens and in the streets every day. When the world seems to burn in front of our eyes, offering the youth no viable future, maybe smoking is the small pleasure that Gen Zs can afford themselves as a luxury of self-aware nihilism.
There’s another aspect to Gen Z’s acceptance of the cig, and it comes in the form of rejection of the vape.
It is true – we were meant to be the smoke free generation and vapes ruined it. At 16, most of my peers were nicotine addicted, courtesy of the brightly coloured disposable vapes we have all grown too used to seeing littered on the pavement. However, as the culture changed, vaping became a little embarrassing – there was something inherently uncool about suckling on the neon tube, and a far cooler, sexier, plant-based alternative was calling their names.
Smoking’s social appeal must also be addressed. Yes, there is something undeniably sexy about smoking. I personally realised this the first time I watched Titanic and watched in awe as Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio puffed away. In a society deprived of connection, cigarettes offer brief moments of escape from the function all for a breath of (not so) fresh air and the sheer possibility of interrelation with others. I personally love trips outside of bars and clubs into the smoking area, even if I don’t indulge. It feels like forming an elite group, where select members have been deemed cool enough to be invited. Neurodivergent friends have suggested the smoking ritual in itself is regulating – consistent excuses to leave social situations, an opportunity to stand in silence, a moment of recollection, and a self-regulation tactic in the form of a nicotine hit.
With the West’s consistent attempts to abolish women’s rights, anti-immigration riots close to home, the media’s ignoration of genocide and an ever-looming climate crisis – I suppose what’s a cigarette?