Here in the Netherlands, statistics are mostly about older people smoking (with all kinds of education) and younger people that have less high education. To say

Here in the Netherlands, statistics are mostly about older people smoking (with all kinds of education) and younger people that have less high education. To say it in a rude way, only old and dumb people. I do think it is progress. Recently, on a Saturday evening, I passed by two young girls. One said to the other, a bit disgruntled, "I will only fake smoke tonight, I will not smoke for real anymore". Fake smoking here means a real cigarette, but not inhaling. Which ofcourse looks a bit silly. Strange thing though, advertisements about smoking were always about being independent and tough/rebel. Rebel against your parents ofcourse. But independent? Naah... Starting with smoking is more about giving in to social pressure. A few tough people in your social group start smoking, and telling the others to also start smoking, otherwise they are not tough and independent. I do hope we get more people who can say no and not give in to that social pressure. In the end, smoking simply signals that you give in to social pressure, very unlike the advertisements tell you.