When Smoking was Glamorous: A Look Back at Medical Endorsements
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Chapter 1: Historical Context of Smoking
The detrimental effects of smoking are well-documented and irrefutable. Cigarette smoking is recognized as a leading contributor to numerous diseases and health complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States reports that smoking results in over 480,000 fatalities annually, making it the primary cause of preventable deaths in the nation—accounting for nearly 20% of all deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tobacco claims the lives of more than 8 million individuals each year, including approximately 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
Despite early suggestions in the 1940s linking smoking to health issues, it wasn’t until 1964 that the U.S. Surgeon General published the initial report detailing the health consequences of smoking. Before this, smoking was not just accepted; it was commonplace in virtually all settings. A Gallup poll conducted in 1954 revealed that 45% of American adults identified as smokers. Whether on flights, at restaurants, in workplaces, or even in medical facilities, smoking was widely permitted.
Section 1.1: The Glamorous Image of Smoking
Smoking was not only socially acceptable but was often portrayed as sophisticated and alluring. Celebrities and athletes who smoked became role models for many, reinforcing the belief that smoking was compatible with success.
"Join the champions — smoke smoother Viceroys!" was a common theme in advertisements targeting young consumers eager to emulate their heroes. Furthermore, as women began entering traditionally male-dominated professions, they too were influenced by messaging that associated smoking with empowerment.
Subsection 1.1.1: Misleading Medical Claims
Advertisements claimed that "Camels are the favorite cigarette with men in the Army, Navy, Marines, and the Coast Guard," suggesting that if these brave servicemen smoked, it must be safe.
Moreover, cigarette companies marketed their products as a weight loss strategy, promoting the idea that instead of indulging in food, one should "reach for a Lucky instead." Such campaigns often included dubious medical endorsements, asserting that "20,679 physicians say that Luckies are less irritating to your throat."
Yet, as health concerns about cigarettes began to surface in the 1940s, tobacco companies quickly sought to alleviate these worries. They insisted that personal preference was the only factor in determining which cigarette was best.
Section 1.2: The Shift in Public Perception
A notable claim was that "According to a nationwide survey, More Doctors Smoke Camels Than Any Other Brand," which aimed to bolster the credibility of smoking by associating it with medical professionals. Even nurses were depicted in advertisements as advocates for tobacco, with promotions encouraging citizens to send cigarettes to troops overseas.
Fortunately, society has made significant progress since those days. The U.K. prohibited cigarette advertising on television in 1965, followed by the U.S. in 1970, and Canada has prohibited all tobacco advertising since 1989. The Lung Cancer Research Foundation reports a steady decline in new lung cancer diagnoses in the U.S. from 2006 to 2023, with a reduction of 2.6% per year in men and 1.1% in women.
Chapter 2: Modern Implications of Tobacco Use
Cigarette smoking no longer carries the glamorous connotation it once did.
The first video, "Doctors say Smoking is Good for you !!!!!! - YouTube," delves into the historical context of medical endorsements of smoking, illustrating how these messages influenced public perception.
The second video, "The Dark Truth of Doctors Prescribing Cigarettes - YouTube," reveals the unsettling reality of how doctors once promoted tobacco use, contributing to widespread smoking habits.
Today, the packaging of cigarettes often includes health warnings and graphic images to communicate the risks associated with smoking. While smoking persists, the influence of advertising and the medical community in promoting tobacco has significantly diminished.