What the Hell Was Going on with Cigarette Ads in the 70s? (2024)

Site / Article Access and Format

• Original article briefly went down with a database error; commenters shared a Web Archive link.
• Some minor UI gripes: page-down scrolling sideways through galleries felt unintuitive.

Everyday Smoking Culture (70s–90s and Beyond)

• Commenters recall smoking being pervasive: in offices, universities, hospitals, bars, restaurants, trains, planes, even maternity wards.
• Non-smoking sections on planes and trains were effectively meaningless; smoke permeated cabins and fabric, leaving residue and strong odors.
• Several note how shocking it felt when indoor bans first came in: bars and restaurants suddenly not hazy, but also revealing new “baseline” smells (sweat, food).
• Similar conditions still exist in parts of the world (e.g., shared taxis with closed windows and people smoking near babies).

Air Quality and Safety on Planes

• One claim: air quality might have been “better” when smoking was allowed because of higher fresh-air exchange.
• Counterpoints: direct memories of thick smoke and terrible air in “non-smoking” sections; the smell and residue were overwhelming.
• Technical note: modern planes recirculate ~50% HEPA-filtered air to save fuel; this doesn’t change CO₂ levels much.
• Historical anecdotes: smoking in obviously risky places (airplanes, spacecraft, the Hindenburg’s smoking lounge), plus design compromises like ashtrays in plane bathrooms to reduce fire risk.

Perception of Health Then vs Now

• Some feel the past “seemed” healthier despite ubiquitous smoking.
• Others respond with life expectancy figures showing clear improvement since the 1970s.
• Discussion on what portion of gains might be from reduced smoking vs medicine, anticoagulants, occupational changes; considered unclear.

Science, Marketing, and Manipulation

• Recalled: mid‑20th century ads claiming cigarettes were sophisticated or doctor‑approved; doctors once prescribing cigarettes for weight loss.
• One commenter wrongly suggests there was no scientific proof smoking was harmful until late; others rebut with references to research from the 1940s–50s.
• Mention that tobacco companies have reused similar marketing tactics for other products (e.g., weed).

Addiction, Quitting, and Cognitive Effects

• Multiple ex-smokers describe quitting as extremely difficult but ultimately life-changing.
• One person misses the “clarity” and mental focus cigarettes provided, likening it to “overclocking” the brain at the cost of health.
• Suggestions include non-substance habits (meditative activities, music), caffeine/matcha, nicotine gum, or considering evaluation for ADHD; effectiveness is debated.
• Distinction made between genuine stimulant effects of nicotine and purely ritual/meditative aspects.