Most Americans are very conscious of their health and try to maintain a nutritious diet and daily routines to sustain good health. Yet, for many years the tobacco and liquor industries had tried to project the image of style, fashion and sophistication for those who use their products. Most have learnt, however, that the dangers imposed to health by tobacco and alcohol can no longer be denied or ignored. It is no longer considered macho or fashionable to smoke a cigarette or take a shot of whiskey straight up to impress others. The campaigns to alert the public to the evils of these two social drugs have been intense and effective. However, most people, young or old, dislike being warned that they shouldn't do something. It is a kind of psychological resistance. Yet, all tobacco and liquor products must now contain a warning on the package or label. The warning is simple, but the message is clear; smoking and drinking are hazardous to the health. The wording may vary, but it is phrased in such a way as to draw the attention of the consumer to the danger. There are currently about nine warnings which are printed on labels. Some of them are: "Cigarettes are addictive", "Cigarettes cause fatal lung disease", "Smoking during pregnancy can harm your baby", "Tobacco smoke can harm your children," and " Cigarettes cause strokes and fatal heart disease." All of these and others appear regularly on the side of a pack of cigarettes and are preceded by the word "WARNING!" Some people have suggested that the word 'warning' should be eliminated since it might increase an interest in smoking among young people. Labels that contain information and do not give orders have proven effectively in deterring behavior. On American TV all tobacco advertising are legally banned, and every ad in a magazine must display the warning. There are many public notices on trains and buses giving out the warning that smoking is linked to lung cancer and other lung and heart diseases. The admonition against alcohol consumption is of a different kind. The warning goes out especially to women who are pregnant and anyone operating a car or electrical machinery. A woman who is carrying a child in her womb can cause damage to the fetus by drinking alcohol. Also, anyone operating a machine runs the risk of an accident which could be fatal. Such warnings appear on all wine and whiskey bottles and even an apparently harmless can of beer. For those who are deeply entrenched in their habit, group help is provided in the form of "Smoke- Enders" and "Alcoholics Anonymous." Also known as AA 'Alcoholics Anonymous' is a worldwide organization dedicated to the curing of alcoholics. This organization helps the addicts to control, curb and eventually eliminate the habit. The organization was established in 1935 by two former alcoholics. The organization, which functions through local groups, is based on a philosophy of life that has enabled countless numbers of people to recover from alcoholism. In 1988, there were one million members worldwide. For spouses, relatives and friends of alcoholics there is even the support group known as Al-Anon. To further encourage the smokers to quit, life insurance premiums may be reduced for those who have quit smoking. The benefits, therefore, can be seen not only in terms of health and safety, but also with regard to finance.
What image have the tobacco and liquor industries tried to project to the public?
Sickness
Wealth
Intelligence
Fashion