To puff or not to puff this seems to be topic on everyone’s lips. With stricter anti-smoking laws the question of e cigarettes seems to come into play. Do we consider them to be a healthier option or is just an instrument for the weak willed. No matter which side of the fence you come down on this, the most important question do you allow e cigarettes where you ban smoking …..yes? then how about Disney World?
Do you think allowing e cigarettes in the park is something the people at Disney should consider?
There are obviously two conflicting points of view on this, one is the staunch anti-smoking lobby that would say the mere presence of a cigarette (whether E, F or G does not really matter) would influence impressionable young minds, act as pseudo advertising for the big tobacco and would encourage children to start smoking. They will be quick to remind us that Disney says they actively try to limit smoking in their movies. many including myself would agree with this point of view, if e cigarettes are indeed allowed in the park at Disney World the sight of people smoking can influence children who are otherwise sheltered from the very sight of people smoking by not only their parents but also by society at large. The current trend to vilify smoking is aimed at countering the entrenched notion that smoking is cool. By allowing e cigarettes in the “most magical place on earth” the campaign of vilification is dealt a body blow. The main reason is that although an e cigarette is considerably safer it still looks like a cigarette, is used like a cigarette and to the eyes of a child is a cigarette.
The other point of view is that smokers who are trying to change are being unduly punished instead of being encouraged. The advocates of this idea will be quick to counter the augment of the anti-smoking group and remind us that a lot of the most famous Disney characters not only smoke but cigars in particular are often some of the most important props used in many a gag. They will add that you cannot shelter children form the act of smoking and the even with the statutory warnings most children see smoking not only in movies but also on almost every program on T.V. and the only way to stop children from smoking is to educate them in the perils of the habit and demystify the act. The website over at does a pretty good job of talking about how to prevent minors from getting their hands on electronic cigarettes.
Although both groups make very valid arguments, in my view I believe even though children see smoking all around them and complete censorship can never be achieved “the most magical place on earth” should remain magical, a place where the real world melts away and children can be children. The world in general should be open to e cigarettes maybe just not in the world where fantasy rules.
But spare a moment to think about the hassled parent with hyper active children on a sugar rush struggling to keep them in check and maybe all the arguments don’t seem to matter.