What the Hell Was Going on with Cigarette Ads in the 70s? (2024)
Cigarette marketing from the 1960s–90s prompts reflections on how normalized smoking once was—on airplanes, in offices, hospitals, bars, and even around children—despite mounting evidence of severe health risks. Commenters contrast that era’s pervasive smoke and tobacco-friendly culture with today’s restrictions and longer life expectancies, while drawing parallels to current practices (social media, gambling ads, plastics, ultra-processed food) that future generations may view as similarly reckless. Others note the power of addiction, the difficulty of quitting, and how advertising and industry influence delayed public and political responses to known harms.
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.