Smokers and non-smokers have been at each other’s throats (charbroiled and virgin, respectively) for decades. And they will be for decades more, at least until e-cigarettes make their triumphant arrival in the greater public consciousness as a viable alternative. In the meantime, we can expect to see frankly inevitable tiffs occur between these two passionate camps.
An example of one such row occurred this July, when a Carleton student discouraged by the perpetual cloud of smoke encompassing MacOdrum Library’s entrance wrote to the administration. It was stated there is no smoking allowed in the quad, which includes the entrance to the library “by extension.” It was also suggested that the student confront these smokers. To this, the concerned student cited fears for their safety in confronting the “gangs of eight or nine” smokers.
This problem, it seems, is two-fold. Administration isn’t doing an adequate job of making smoke-free/smoke-friendly zones clear. These boundaries, regardless of where they lie, are not being properly enforced, either. Secondly, as it has already been established that smoking isn’t leaving anytime soon, it is up to students to gather the chutzpah required to face fellow students and make their bodily desires, be it air either clean or chemical, be known. If you don’t enjoy second-hand smoke, speak up.
Chances are that these smokers, while full of illicit substances, are people too and will gladly shuffle to the side, cigarette happily in hand.
