A Nonsmoker With a Smoker, by Phillip Lopate

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In the passage `A Nonsmoker With a Smoker' written by Phillip Lopate, the writer discusses his hatred as well as his fascination with smoking. He tells a story about his girlfriend Helen, who was a smoker, and how her smoking bothered him not only in a distasteful manner but also in a manner of not understanding. Because he didn't smoke he didn't realize what it means to those who do. He couldn't understand why, although Helen didn't like the fact that she smoked, she couldn't quit. He couldn't understand the addiction aspect of it. He goes through many of his life experiences of smoking and tries finding understanding with in them.

Merriam-Webster defines smoking as; to inhale and exhale the fumes of burning plant material and especially tobacco; especially: to smoke tobacco habitually. The key word in that definition would be habitually. One who smokes generally is addicted or formed a habit of smoking. Although distasteful to most people, those who smoke are generally willing to quit smoking yet they're unable to "kick the habit." Smokers understand how hard it is to quit. They admire those who were able to quit. We realize the risk of smoking and the obvious side effects that could result to death. Although all the studies show the death effect of smoking many of us are still unable to quit. In the essay, Phillip brought his girlfriend to a social gathering of which she pulled out a cigarette and started to smoke. The hostess apparently was not fond of smoking when she asked her to put it out or go outside. This started a big debate over smoking of which the smokers went outside and the non-smokers stayed inside. Phillip stayed inside although he should have gone with his girlfriend. He was unsure whose side he was on. He wasn't a smoker but he wasn't fully against it. Throughout the essay he was unsure of which side he should have been on. He discussed his opinion and stories that support both arguments.

A smoker knows the effects of smoking as well as the obvious outcome. Some smoke for the image of smoking and most continue to smoke due to the affects of nicotine. Everyone seems to have an opinion on smoking regardless if they do or don't. Recent television commercials that are against smoking has impacted a lot of the population's opinion on smoking. Recent laws in cities around the country are now banning smoking in a lot of public places.

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