June 28, 2012

Smoker's Area

It seems to me that in most developed countries, smoking cigarettes has to a large extent lost its appeal. Not only is there now strong social pressure against it, prohibitive taxes and legal proscriptions have made the habit inconvenient.

In Asia, many people still smoke. While bans on public smoking are increasingly being introduced, in general nonsmokers remain quietly tolerant of the smoker. The culture values group harmony over personal rights.

And yet, perhaps it's just a matter of time... Here's a fun mixed message I saw at our humble tennis club this week (more fun enlarged):

 Manila, 2012


Earlier this week I saw this advertisement to encourage smokers to quit. Pretty effective, don't you agree?



This joins other fun, creative and interesting signs over at Signs, Signs.

18 comments:

Luna Miranda said...

this is a great anti-smoking ad! i love it! the sign made me grin, reminds me an anti-smoking sign at the pantry of my former office---but then again, smokers just smile at this sign and light a cigarette anyway. i smoked for more than 10 years, i'm so glad i quit!

RedPat said...

It is so interesting here in Canada that even the smokers in their own homes go outside now to smoke. Times have changed.

Photo Cache said...

this has that in your face value to it.

SIGNS, SIGNS

Traveling Hawk said...

A world without cigarettes, without...., without...., without..., and without......would be great! Anybody could fill the spaces with whatever they don't like:)

Taken For Granted said...

What a great sign. Smokers know it is bad for them, but they are addicted so the continue.

Shooting Parrots said...

That really is a well produced ad. Far more effective than the usual shock horror approach.

Pat said...

The sign is "tongue in cheek" as they say.

That video is awesome!

EG CameraGirl said...

I hope that video works! Sadly, many smokers KNOW it's unhealthy... but smoke anyway.

Jim said...

Scary is needed here.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Pat Tillett said...

That's the spirit! I recently saw a documentary about what the huge tobacco companies are doing to generate the next generation of smokers in the third world. It's terrible! They are doing things there and advertising like they haven't been able to do in the U.S. for MANY years...

Dianne said...

cool scary symbol

Halcyon said...

I am sure Asia will jump on the non-smoking ban in the next decade or so. This sign is funny in an ironic way. :)

Simon said...

Hey Cisca..great post. I enjoy images that include text, including signs, graffiti, etc. Pairing your images with the heart touching and breaking video. Brilliant. Happy day to you my friend.

Lesley said...

this makes me smile (and I am not a smoker).

Kranky Granny said...

Rita said...
I would like to see that sign hanging over every cigarette counter in the country.

I know a few folks that I will be sending that video to as well. I see kids at the high school across the street out smoking all the time.

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

How interesting! I have read that US Tobacco Companies have a big marketing push in Asia because people there haven't gotten the message" yet. I hope this video and the ads mean that they ARE getting it.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

It's a pity that many developing countries still bear the brunt of aggressive smoking company advertising campaigns.

Bom said...

I didn't know about the signs meme. It is a good thing that I found your blog. I have several good one on file. Unfortunately my favorite sign is no longer.
"The best way to serve you is the great taste you have."