Unveiling the Hidden Truths: The Menthol Cigarette and Racial Marketing

Pushing Cool: Big Tobacco, Racial Marketing, and the Untold Story of the Menthol Cigarette

by Keith Wailoo

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7033 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	410 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In the annals of public health, the tobacco industry's targeting of communities of color stands as a testament to the insidious nature of marketing tactics and the devastating consequences they can have on the health of marginalized populations.

At the heart of this targeting lies the menthol cigarette, a product engineered to appeal to a population historically neglected by the mainstream tobacco industry: African Americans.

The Menthol Allure

Menthol, a cooling agent derived from mint, provides a milder taste and smoother sensation when inhaled. This makes menthol cigarettes more appealing to novice smokers and those who find regular cigarettes harsh or irritating.

By incorporating menthol into cigarettes, tobacco companies created a product that was not only addictive but also masked the harsh effects of smoking. This made it easier for smokers to become addicted and harder for them to quit.

Targeted Campaigns

The tobacco industry did not leave the targeting of African Americans to chance. They employed a sophisticated and aggressive marketing strategy that included:

• Advertising campaigns that featured African American celebrities and models.
• Sponsorship of events and organizations in African American communities.
• Free distribution of menthol cigarettes at social gatherings and community events.
• Targeted marketing to African American youth through magazines, billboards, and social media.

These campaigns were incredibly effective in creating a false image of menthol cigarettes as being cool, sophisticated, and appealing to African Americans. They also helped to normalize smoking in African American communities, making it seem like an acceptable and even desirable behavior.

Devastating Consequences

The tobacco industry's targeting of African Americans has had a profound impact on the health of this population. Menthol cigarettes have contributed to:

• Higher rates of smoking among African Americans.
• Increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
• Greater difficulty quitting smoking.
• Widening health disparities between African Americans and whites.

In fact, menthol cigarettes are now the leading cause of preventable death in African American communities.

Fighting Back

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to fight back against the tobacco industry's predatory marketing practices. This movement has included:

• Lawsuits against tobacco companies.
• Bans on menthol cigarettes.
• Public education campaigns.

These efforts have helped to reduce smoking rates among African Americans, but there is still much work to be done. The tobacco industry remains a powerful force, and they will continue to target marginalized communities unless we continue to fight back.

The story of menthol cigarettes and racial marketing is a cautionary tale about the dangers of corporate greed and the importance of public health. By understanding the tactics used by the tobacco industry, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from their harmful products.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to menthol cigarettes, there is help available. Contact your doctor or a local smoking cessation program for more information.

Pushing Cool: Big Tobacco, Racial Marketing, and the Untold Story of the Menthol Cigarette

by Keith Wailoo

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7033 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	410 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE