These are comments concerning smoking during the WWII era, and the l940's.
During those days, it was the "fashion" to smoke, and be socially accepted. Also, there was no air conditioning. When you walked into a restaurant or bar, or dance hall many times the smoke was so thick you could barely see across the room, oftentimes.
This photo represents the attitude females struck when hoping for a light. We merely held a cigarette up in a fashionable manner. A gentleman would immediately move , and you could hear lighters clicking all over the room. It was NEVER proper for a lady to light her own cigarette in public.
These were glamorous times, everything was about looking attractive and feminine. Including smoking.
This was at a time when WWII was extremely vivid in everyone's minds, even though the war was over. Of course, many of our serviceman who served in combat, were enjoying the "luxury" of being home again, living a normal life. Recall while waiting for a table at a restaurant, we were sitting at a bar, which was common procedure. We struck up a conversation with a man. There was a full ashtray the bartender had not cleaned out on the bar and were many cigarette butts. He looked at it and stated, "looks like a bunch of dead soldiers". Have never forgotten that statement.
Of course, probably the majority of the movie stars smoked, both male and female. This is a photograph of Marlena Deitrich wearing a service uniform, and preparing to light her own cigarette. She probably would not have done so, as a civilian movie star.
Viewers who are non smokers, and not old enough to recall the l940's will read these words in disbelief, undoubtedly. There were no Federal or State laws enforced which prevented us from smoking "in public" then. Practically everyone did. There were ashtrays in elevators, retail stores, airplanes, and all public facilities, including bars and restaurants. It was our right to smoke, should we wish.
Myself, started smoking in l942, and have ever since. Is enjoyable. Calms the nerves under stressful conditions. When in doubt, an illness is blamed on smoking, and then of course some actually are. I realize this. Am surviving as well as can be, even attempting to avoid motor accidents, or other accidents which can kill also. Drunk drivers kill many innocent people, still they are free to drink in public whenever they choose; however, light up a cig and you are fined and/or placed in jail.
Have never participated in marijuana or drugs, and do not intend to now. We take chances every day with our health for a variety of reasons, as well as accidents; however, allow us to practice a habit we enjoy --- without criticism and bitter words. We have heard them all, the choice is ours, thank you. The freedom to choose how we live our lives, we have a right.
Note: I am not condoning smoking. Am merely pointing out our lifestyle during the l940's and WWII. Our generation smoked, a true statement. If is to be added to the pages of "history". So be it. Therefore, should you non-smokers be having a "cat-fit" over this page, merely delete it, you have that choice!!! We do not have a choice to smoke in public anymore. "Our" rights have been violated. Go have another whiskey, and drive away terrorizing other drivers with your lack of judgment. That is legal.
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