Should smoking be treated like

movie ratings?

o you think the inclusion of

smoking scenes in a movie is

enough to influence its rating? In
other words, does “smoking depiction”
belong in the set of criteria, such as
“graphic violence” or “intense horror?” A
group of Ontario teens think so.

From south-western Ontario, they’re

on their way to Toronto to propose to
the Ontario Film Review Board that
the presence of smoking scenes should
be considered when a movie is rated.
Apparently, seeing tobacco use may give

viewers the idea that it’s a normal thing to
do.

Now, I’m all in favour smoking
bans in public areas, as I think they save
non-smokers from having to breathe in
disgusting and poisonous fumes, but
regarding this issue, I’m sort of sitting on
the fence.

On one hand, I think, yes, it’s
reasonable to be lobbying for this change; a
lot of young people can be easily influenced
by what they see. For them, it’s a time of
fitting in, and as a result, they develop the
will to do anything to blend in. Thus, if
taking up smoking is what it takes, then

swearing when it comes to

that’s what they’ll do. Needless to say, the
more they see smoking on the big screen,
the more the idea is reinforced. On the other
hand, why not work to address this lack of
reasoning and discipline? One would think
that eliminating exposure to all smoking-
related stimuli is a last resort.

Instead of modifying movie ratings,
teens, under peer or parental guidance,
should be pointed in the right direction. But
if that fails, then by all means, the suggested
measure may be required.

I suppose ultimately, movie ratings
could take into account any scenes with
tobacco use and young people could work

on strengthening their self-restraint. But if
I had to choose one, I’d go with the latter
because building up discipline in one area
could lead to better self-control in other
areas.

To sum it up, I don’t think one has to
accept that developing the habit of smoking
is a natural part of life. Instead of escaping
from it, we have a choice to confront it and
endeavour to prevent its onset. Of course,
it’s easier said than done, but the hard
work will be well worth it in the end when
one is secure from mental and physical
health issues—and most importantly, life-
shortening illnesses.

 

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