Why do so many Europeans smoke cigarettes? (living, restaurants)

[califantastic]

Why do so many Europeans smoke cigarettes?

Whenever I travel in Europe I am always amazed by the extremely high percentage of Europeans that smoke cigarettes. This seems strange to me considering that people in Europe tend to be better educated and more affluent that people in many other parts of the world. I would think that the more educated and affluent a person is the less likely they would be to smoke. But this is clearly not the case in Europe.

A couple explanations I thought of: Herd behavior (people in Europe smoke because everyone else does), Europeans do not care as much about their health, they are more concerned with enjoying themselves than living a long healthy life.

If you have any opinion or insights into why such a high percentage of Europeans smoke please let me know your thoughts.

[pigeonhole]

Why do so many Europeans smoke cigarettes ?

Because they are STUPID

(from an European who doesn't smoke cigarettes, only reefers in my salad days...)

[Scotslass]

As Europe is a continent it depends which country you go to rather than "tarring the whole continent with the same brush" Spain, Italy, France has alot of smokers compared to here.

But you'll find that not everyone smokes. I myself am disgusted by smoking and would never ever try it.

[acrylic]

Lots of people in former Yugoslavia smoke. It's quite saddening. I've told a couple of them about how bad it is, and they get so mad and defensive. Including my mom. *sigh*

[BRAZILIAN]

Originally Posted by pigeonhole

Why do so many Europeans smoke cigarettes ?

Because they are STUPID

(from an European who doesn't smoke cigarettes, only reefers in my salad days...)

Why stupids my friend? I am not european but I am cigarettes' smoker and I don't feel a stupid.
I think smoke cigarettes is less dangerous than:
-Drive high speed
-Parachutes
-Bung jump
-Radical sports
-Smell diesel smoke
-Heavy traffic
-Air pollution, water pollution
-Live near nuclear plant
-Walk at night (or day) some cities streets
-Fire guns
-Politicians
-Political economist
Etc..., Etc...and Etc...
How you can see, have many, many things very much dangerous in the world than Smoke Cigarette.

[acrylic]

Originally Posted by BRAZILIAN

Why stupids my friend? I am not european but I am cigarettes' smoker and I don't feel a stupid.
I think smoke cigarettes is less dangerous than:
-Drive high speed
-Parachutes
-Bung jump
-Radical sports
-Smell diesel smoke
-Heavy traffic
-Air pollution, water pollution
-Live near nuclear plant
-Walk at night (or day) some cities streets
-Fire guns
-Politicians
-Political economist
Etc..., Etc...and Etc...
How you can see, have many, many things very much dangerous in the world than Smoke Cigarette.

Hmm. No.

You'll see... it doesn't per say affect you right away, but when it does, it'll be a lot worse than sitting in heavy traffic, firing a gun, or anything to do with a politician. You're just killing yourself slowly.

[pirate_lafitte]

I don't know if this is the case for Europe as a whole, but I read about a case in Germany. It isn't so much that Americans smoke less than Europeans, but in the USA, smoking in public is frowned upon, but in Europe, smoking in public is accepted, therefore, people will smoke in cafes and the restaurants.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by califantastic

Why do so many Europeans smoke cigarettes?

Why are Californians so obsessed with health even though they live in one of the most polluted states?

Originally Posted by califantastic

Whenever I travel in Europe I am always amazed by the extremely high percentage of Europeans that smoke cigarettes. This seems strange to me considering that people in Europe tend to be better educated and more affluent that people in many other parts of the world. I would think that the more educated and affluent a person is the less likely they would be to smoke. But this is clearly not the case in Europe.

The few times that I have been to Europe I didn't notice an excessive amount of smokers, even when I was in France and Italy. Yes, I saw many smokers, but not any more than I see in the states. The reason why so many Europeans smoke is that it is relatively socially acceptable, and unlike the US, most Europeans do like to have the government tell them how to live, let alone some health nut. Besides, if two world wars, numerous smaller wars and countless uprisings/revolutions were waged in your front yard, back yard and living room, you might be a little bit more relaxed with the idea of smoking. Anyways, to answer your question; it is a cultural thing just like how in the South (US) they love to eat excessive amounts of fried and greasy food.

Originally Posted by califantastic

A couple explanations I thought of: Herd behavior (people in Europe smoke because everyone else does), Europeans do not care as much about their health, they are more concerned with enjoying themselves than living a long healthy life.

Herd behavior? That is a pretty ignorant statement.

There is an old George Carlin joke that goes, Eat right, stay fit, and die anyways. A good friend of mine watched his dad pass away of cancer a few years ago. His old man was only in his fifties, eat healthy, played racquet ball a few times a week, never smoked, and blah blah blah. If you are concerned about the ill effects of smoking then I suggest that you do not live in a city. Aside from the general amount of pollutants in the air, car exhaust is just as carcinogenic as cigarets and diesel exhaust contains the most highly carcinogenic substance known to man. Just breathing city air is the equivalent of smoking at least half a pack a day.

Originally Posted by califantastic

If you have any opinion or insights into why such a high percentage of Europeans smoke please let me know your thoughts.

My thoughts are that Europeans do not smoke any more than anyone else. It is a stereotype and a generalization.

[orangeapple]

There's some overly defensive smokers in denial in this thread

[Greatday]

I might add that MANY Asians also smoke cigarettes. As do Russians. As do many in South America and Africa.