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The smoke definitely is too much for me, at least.
It was the worst part about living in China, too. Can't go anywhere public without just being overwhelmed by the stench of cigarette smoke because everyone is a smoker.
When I once told a coworker I didn't smoke, they thought I had some sort of condition. Like people couldn't even imagine it was just a preference.
Yeah, smoking bans and discouraging it is absolutely something the US done very well. It's one of the few american things I'm envious of.
I think laws like that wouldn't pass now. It'd be seized as ammo for the culture war and anti-smoking would be woke and all that.
Ok but seriously, how do we start turning this culture war shit on conservatives cuz convincing a ton of them to start smoking would be a net benefit - imo.
You want second hand cancer again? I'll stick with letting them take horse paste to cure the measles.
Freedom sticks.
German here, albeit not a (tobacco) smoker. The only places where you can lawfully smoke nowadays are public spaces and specifically designated areas on private properties, which are also physically separated from the non smoking areas.
There are also some Kneipen (roughly equivalent to pubs) which allow smoking anywhere inside, catering to the smoking demographic; although those tend to be frequented by older people who are used to smoking while having a drink. Well there are also the alternative places which definitely have a younger clientele, some allow it anywhere some don't (and have a designated area outside as most other places do).
Ultimately though I believe we have a fair compromise going; and i am always taken aback by people being zealously anti tobacco anywhere, with no regard for individual liberties. Who then throw up their hands when I ask for a ban on personal cars.
Because smoking anything in public is always intruding on everybody else's right to not have an increased risk of lung cancer. And it smells horrible. I'm fine with smoking in areas where everyone has consented to it, but public spaces like outdoor seating in restaurants aren't that.
That's why driving cars is unconscionable. Especially near schools. Giving lung cancer to children so you can go zoomies is selfish and evil.
So glad I quit. Think it’s been 5 years now. Not precisely sure why but I don’t get cravings and usually feel revulsion when thinking about it, which is different from my first quit attempt
I also had to fake smoking on occasion in China, to avoid offending people. I then learned I could accept an offered cigarette and "keep it for later". By the time I left China though, "I don't smoke" had become pretty acceptable.
When were you there? I live in Shanghai and people still smoke but it’s really less and less every year. Probably similar to European levels now I think, and it’s usually older men.
That people are still smoking in 2025 given the verified risks involved?
You're right, that is incomprehensible
Even with my vape, I move away from other people.
What am I not comprehending?
IDK, it reminds me of my college days in the US.
How we are all the same, the American mind cannot comprehend that
I think it's about mixed use zoning, medium density, walkable car free streets. And perhaps drinking under the age of 21 but not so sure on the last one.
Too funny Reading the comments from Americans insisting they comprehend but then saying it's just about drinking and smoking lol
A woman not wearing a bra?
Drinking under 21?
Smoking?
No fat people?
No flags?
Odd sunglasses wearing style?
Comprehend what? Smoking in public? Drinking in public? Maybe eating in public? Have you not heard of Las Vegas or New Orleans that shit is everywhere. It is also prevalent in many small towns where the local populace has decided fuck it. I worked in a small town bar after they banned smoking indoors in public places but you would never have known because no one gave a fuck and did it anyway.
Maybe it's the walkable historical street, like a lot of American towns have these days?
It could be, I have one in my town.
As an American, the only thing in this picture you wouldn't see at a trailer park are the fancy shops and restaurants in the background. Also the girl in red would be 450lbs (204kgs).
Trailer parks, the pinnacle of US urbanism. I can get on board with that.
Americans thinking the bad part of this is the smoking when it's really the Marbella French restaurant charging you eight bucks for a side of mashed potatoes.
In their defense, there are few minds who can comprehend that one. Nuking this place from orbit could very well be the rekindling of US/Europe military collaboration.
I don't get what I'm not supposed to comprehend. I suppose you can say I'm not comprehending.
Drinking in public...i guess? Or just having enough disposable income to go to a restaurant?
Having public spaces where lots of people hang out instead of TGI Fridays
Can't comprehend what? Proceeds to focus on a single element of the photo and contextualize it within American culture
I comprehend cleavage
Are there proper-sized portions of food being served somewhere in this photo that I haven’t found?
Yeah the lady has every European's favourite breakfast in her right hand duh 🙄
Yes, please lump all of us into the same category of ignorant hicks. I mean we are all so alike.