Smoking is Kool - Part II

Following up yesterday's story, I thought it would be interesting to share one cultural tidbit: It's considered rude to smoke outside near older people. Inside, that's okay. But outside, be mindful that there are no older people around. It's considered very offensive.

I was reminded of this taboo during a debate class I run with my advanced students. The debate was "Smoking indoors should be banned". The negative team brought up the cultural point above and in the context of this debate, it was a very valid reason as to why smoking indoors should NOT be banned.

I have some Korean friends who, if outside, will shoulder check and look down the path we're walking to ensure there's no elderly before lighting up. I even have one hiking friend who will drag me off the hiking path several feet so that he can have a smoke break, for fear that older people might hike by.

Because of this troublesome double-checking, most of my Korean friends don't even bother to smoke outside. Inside, they're virtually chimneys.

Dunhill Dan