January 23, 2000

I have this really big pet peeve: cigarettes.
Not simply because they stink,
Stain,
Addict,
Destroy and make people look stupid.
What bugs me the most about cigarettes
is that they're in.
It seems like every 12-year-old can't wait to
wrap their lips around one and
get an early start on their addiction.
Teenagers pick these things up,
Trying to look suave...

Trying to get hooked.
I hear 15-year-olds muttering in school,
"Fuck, I need a cigarette."
Kids cluster around semi-secluded
portions of my high school campus,
risking heavy fines... just to take a smoke.
It's so lame.
If this was only a trend in circles of
Very Stupid People,
I wouldn't really care very much...
I'd encourage Those Folks
to erradicate themselves.
However,
Damn Good Kids,
Smart Kids,
Worthwhile Kids,
At least superficially aware of how stupid
this is,
are racing to whatever liquor stores will
sell this crap to minors,
and filling their lungs with godawful chemicals
... to be stoic,
European,
sophisticated,
like Kerouac,
like Sartre,
like Bette Davis,
like their friends.
Cigarettes are gross.

A very stupid vice.
They don't even get you that high.
Lung cancer is one of the most common contracted, and unlike other forms
There ain't no cure, yo.
What a waste.
Grow up, youth culture!
Don't stink and wrinkle
as much as your forebears!
...And for Christ-sakes, stop supporting those
goddamn cigarette companies...