Amongst things I dislike most in the world, cigarettes rank very high. Top 5 for sure. Call it selfish or narrow-minded, but I just don’t want to see anyone have their lungs destroyed the same way Wegener’s has destroyed mine. (I also despise the litter, but that is another post.)
Australia* has taken the initiative in doing something the U.S. has yet to have the temerity to: Australia to band branding on cigarette packets
What a valiant effort by the Australian government who has vowed to cut their nation’s smoking rates by 10 percent by the year 2018. As a designer, this is something I can really get behind—proving to everyone that no amount of clever branding can make smoking sexy or cool.
(above) Is this the future of cigarette branding? We can only hope. From Jeromy of Creative Shift.
*My former part-time and hopefully someday (again) future residence.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Australia, I already loved you.
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3 comments:
Interesting idea.
I'm not sure how effective it will be. Hefty cigarette taxes in the US are already killing smoking (and higher proposed taxes looming). I'm skeptical as to whether the packaging is what makes people smoke versus the greater marketing or culture of smoking.
Either way, I think smoking is already a large public enemy. It's time to move onto other bigger health issues or healthy lifestyles in general.
I'm somewhat skeptical as well, but figure -- it can't hurt to take one more provoking element away.
Every person I know that has quit smoking became healthier altogether -- one friend quit cold turkey and is hiking Mt Shasta in 2 months! Another is now an ultra-marathoner post quitting. I guess I see them as one in the same, but can definitely understand your point.
(To boot, secondhand smoke is an asthma trigger and selfishly, I've found that it worsens my Crohn's symptoms.)
I just want everyone to be healthy. Naive probably...
I of course agree with you that it is an issue, and it's undeniable, in my mind, that quitting makes people healthier (generally). Smoking also aggravates my allergies.
However, having an economics background while taking public health classes has made me think more about the priorities placed on these health initiatives.
It takes a lot to pass legislation, so it makes me wonder why they are targeting the packaging rather than something with more efficacy.
I think of design in the same way. There's design which can be just for fun, but when it gets down to the nitty gritty of what gets implemented and how many resources are utilized for it- I would like more bang for the buck.
Thanks for stimulating some interesting thoughts. I enjoy reading your posts.
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