Teens Smoking...Is a Cigarette a symbol of maturity?

What else in America is so inexpensive a symbol of "maturity"? A car costs several thousands of dollars-but a pack of cigarettes can still be bought for little more than a few dollars. What else provides such easy conversation?

Who among us can't explain now-or couldn't explain then, in our teens-that Flubbs are the cigarettes we like best because they're easy on the throat, because they're packed so well, because we like their shape and size and fresher taste?

Moreover, what else in America is so ideally fitted to informal sociability? The Indians extended the peace-pipe; we say "Have a cigarette." We can say it to a new acquaintance; the gesture breaks the ice, and costs us less than a penny and a half (not anymore). We don't hesitate (well, many of us don't) to ask a stranger for a light (and imagine how many friendships have begun that way).

When conversation lags, and boredom might result, the gap can be filled with a cigarette and all the chatter and gestures that go with it. Cigarettes are social first aid for the teenager, and their usefulness lingers on. After oxygen, water and food, in that order, tobacco is the fourth item of human consumption (no pun intended).

Many, in fact most people become smokers in their teens. They think it makes them feel grownup and cool. Below is some of the reasons teens become smokers.

Peer pressure.  One bad apple is enough to make a whole barrel of bad apples. And during the age of carefree youth (most people develop the habit before the age of 25) every one is ready to take up a dare. So when peers compel others to take a puff, one just has to take a puff or else face the danger of being branded as “chicken” or “goody-two-shoes.”

Availability.  Cigarettes are available every where and almost any body can get them and that is one major factor that contributes to the development of the habit.

The Feel Good Syndrome.  Cigarettes are often identified with the “cool factor” and so it is a great way to impress others if you can delicately balance the cigarette between two of your fingers and blow up a puff of smoke while you are in your circle of friends.

Attitude.  This is a good one, but strangely enough this cause is seldom identified as one of the reasons for picking up the habit. One thing about most of us is that there is a rebellious strain in all of us. There is something in us that generates an urge to protest against existing rules and norms and during our teenage, what better way to express our defiance than by sporting a lighted cigarette between our fingers or lips.