Me: So you smoke once in a while or regularly?
She: Um, you know, only when I am in the mood, may
be once in a week, or month or even once in two months…
Me: Hmmm, good that you are not addicted! :P
She: Oh, it is just to help me relieve some inner
pressure that builds up from time to time. And, by the way, just out of curiosity,
how do you perceive of a female-smoker, huh?
Me: Well, honestly speaking, I find it amusing and
interesting. Not that I mean cigarettes are “boy’s toys” kinda thing, but you
know, you only get to see a lady-smoker occasionally and that’s what makes it
quite amusing! At least for me.
She: (laughing) That is hell of a compliment, I
must say! But you know what, when people see a man smoking, the first thing that
comes to their mind is “studd” but the first thing that comes to their mind
when they see a female smoking is “s**t”. They will scan you from top to bottom
and build up an image of the girl as if she is too easy to get. Such bigoted
mind-set they have, phew!
This made me wonder, and ponder over my own comment. Was it
biased? No, I still mean it because I have come across very few female smokers
and thus, with no prejudice attached, and no interference on her decision of
choosing to smoke, I find it amusing to see a lady-smoker. It’s sheer numbers
or instances that one comes across. And just to draw some parallel, it would be
something as interesting as seeing a father give a bath to the 2-year old baby.
Of course, there are enough men who understand the
individuality of a human, be it male or female. They do not prejudice on
matters that concern free-will or independence or good vs. evil etc. based on
gender. Yet, there are more than enough people who happen to be around with the
mentality of portraying a female-smoker as uncultured or “out of line”. More often
than not, people tend to give an OMG look when they see a female smoking or
gasp “SHE SMOKES?!” loud and clear if they hear about one. When was the last
time they imposed a ban on smoking for females? Never!
Neither do I smoke nor am I applauding the female (or for
that matter, even male) smokers here. Just the thought, that the lady might be
very well aware of her limitations and knows the cultural boundary. It is not apt
to jump to an evil conclusion about someone solely on such basis. Perception needs
to be freed from biasness. It’s not ipso facto that if she smokes, she drinks
or gets drunk. If you think so, then it does mean that you have a sick
mentality.
PS: Statutory Directive- Smoking is injurious to health.
