History of Tobacco
Where did tobacco originally come from?
It originally came from South America and the Americas.
Name one use of tobacco.
Cigar, cigarette, religious ceremony...
Name one serious disease caused by smoking.
Lung cancer, heart disease...
Do you think smoking is still seen as cool by some young people? Why?
Yes, because some young people associate smoking with maturity, confidence or rebellion.
Can films make smoking look attractive? Give an example.
Yes. When a popular character smokes and looks confident, smoking can seem attractive.
What was the original function of nicotine in the tobacco plant?
It was a chemical defence against insects.
What is the difference between smoking a pipe and smoking a cigar?
A pipe burns tobacco inside a container, while a cigar consists of tobacco leaves rolled together and wrapped in another tobacco leaf.
What addictive chemical is found in tobacco?
Nicotine.
Should smoking be banned in all public places? Why or why not?
Yes, because it protects other people from second-hand smoke.
Do you think teenagers are influenced by what their favourite actors do?
Yes, because teenagers may admire actors and imitate their behaviour.
Which famous explorer arrived in the Americas when Europeans first encountered tobacco?
Christopher Columbus.
What is the main difference between chewing tobacco and cigarettes?
Chewing tobacco is placed in the mouth and chewed, while cigarettes are burned and their smoke is inhaled.
Why did tobacco companies use celebrities in their advertising campaigns?
To associate smoking with glamour, freedom, popularity and success.
Should celebrities be allowed to promote products that can harm people's health?
I think they should be careful because they can influence their fans, especially young people.
Should films showing smoking have age restrictions or warnings?
Yes, because warnings can help viewers understand the health risks of smoking.
Why was Rodrigo de Jerez imprisoned after returning to Spain?
They thought he was Satan
What are cigars made of?
Tobacco leaves rolled together and wrapped in another tobacco leaf.
How can seeing characters smoke in films influence teenagers?
It can make smoking seem normal or attractive and encourage teenagers to try it.
If tobacco is so dangerous, why do you think it is still legal?
Because it is a profitable industry, governments collect taxes from it, and many adults already consume it
Is it fair to blame the film industry for encouraging young people to smoke? Why or why not?
Not completely, because families, friends, social media and personal decisions can also influence young people.
What invention in the late 19th century made mass production of cigarettes possible?
Cigarette-making machines.
Why did some indigenous peoples use tobacco in religious ceremonies?
They believed it helped them communicate with spirits or higher powers.
What are two ways governments try to reduce tobacco consumption?
Through anti-tobacco campaigns and laws restricting smoking in enclosed public places.
Who has more responsibility for preventing smoking: individuals, governments or tobacco companies?
I think tobacco companies have a lot of responsibility because they promote their products, but governments and individuals also have an important role.
Imagine you are a filmmaker. Would you include smoking in your film if it helped develop a character, or would you avoid it?
I would include it if it were important to the story, but I would show the consequences instead of making smoking look glamorous.