Katie+Journal+3

There are many different arguments considering smoking. Ronlonda Burris touches on each point in the essay she wrote about cigarette advertising. In this journal I stated and defended my person feelings toward smoking. Arguing Smoking is a major health hazard that affects many Americans today. It often causes lung cancer, bad breath, and yellow teeth. However, television and magazines advertise smoking cigarettes as an attractive and stylish behavior. Ronlonda Burris discusses advertisements that promote smoking in the article, “Why Films Should Carry Warnings about the Hazards of Smoking”. Burris begins her essay mentioning specific scenes in the movie __Casablanca__ that permit smoking as socially acceptable, and almost required in order to maintain a sophisticated image. She then points out that the actor, Humphrey Bogart, who was the main character in the movie, died from lung cancer. This evidence starts the essay off with a valid point and a strong approach to persuading the audience that people need to be made aware of the dangers involved with smoking. The most effective details of the essay are when Burris addresses the fact that the media is sending false impressions of smoking by having attractive movie stars participate in the act. Burris talks about the public unconsciously wanting to imitate these actors. Therefore, people engage in and accept smoking themselves. Another strong point made throughout the essay is that cigarette manufacturers use this admiration others have for famous actors and actresses to their advantage. They not only push to have smoking on the movie screen, but also work to advertise a specific brand. This benefits the cigarette industry, while leading millions of people to illness. Warnings must be included in movies that show smoking. They have the power to save so many lives and keep Americans healthy. People need to be aware of the hazards involved with smoking so they can protect their children, families, and most importantly, themselves.