WhiteRussianOnline: The history of smoking
Following a thorough literature search, it is immediately apparent that smoking was invented in London, in the late 1700’s, after drake returned from this long fight with the Spanish inquisition.
Drake: Pictured above, after pulling out the sword. Potato not shown.)
Initially, Drake greated the queen of England armed with a potato. Poised, in an elaborate overarm swinging position. Before the queen could utter the words “Off with his head”, Drake rapidly constructed what is now viewed as the modern day Reefer.
The first drag was a long one, and terminal.
Drake started a new craze in England that day. It is rumoured that Mary, Queen of England, was “Fond of the Drake Reefer”, during the birth of her first born.
Officer and a Gentleman
When “Reeferism” was in Vogue, only the very rich or the very posh were entitled to the benefits of “A Wee Puff”.
(A Bird, smoking, 1800’s - of course in those days, girls had class.)
As the rich enjoyed the health and social benefits of smoking, when the 1900’s approached, war was on the horizon.
The social scene had changed. Smoking, whilst still remaining an elitist pursuit, was enjoyed by men who could kick the bucket at any time.
Nicknamed the “The 20 minuters”, this group of valiant young gentlemen, standing proud and tall, were about to herald the end of “Elite Smoking”
(My, aren’t they pleased. And sexist.)
Although, many of these courageous men, were in fact killed by friendly fire, rumours of a smoking related cause, ran rampant.
Smoking had ran its day.
Smoking and its downfall
Although the phrase “Have you got a light” remained socially acceptable and functioned as a non-threatening chat-up line, rumours of a negative impact on health had destroyed this once great past-time.
Outrageous diseases and even major accidents were being blamed on smoking.
Even the natural processes of aging were attributed to “A smoking culture”
(Chronological age: 30)
It appeared that smoking had had its day.
A once adventurous public had forgotten the positive effects of smoking.
Smoking is associated with “class”, riches and posh-talk. As well as being a polite conversation starter, smoking is a natural contraceptive and plays a major part of a calory controlled diet.
Despite being slightly on the portly side, if she (pictured above), continues to smoke, a thinner, slender, healthier build is on the horizon.
(The link between anorexia and smoking, is a strong and positive one.)
The Future
WhiteRussianOnline believes that smoking should once again belong to the higher social classes. We no longer want to see it being enjoyed by the poor, deprived. They just don’t know how to handle it…
Life patterns go in cycles. What was previously fashionable becomes taboo, before becoming fashionable again.
Example: NHS glasses, the curse of the 90’s kid, the glamour of the 70’s child.
The reality is, we’re all going to die; what matters is that we do it with style and class….
