People hate vapor. But the cops don't care.

[c_b]

Thing is I would be willing to bet that a yonger person, supporting a band, being their own selves, maybe looking a little different doesn't get the "benifit of the doubt" respect that us cookie cutter people enjoy.

I know this first hand, again my brother is an incredibly well spoken inteligent person who would get stopped by cops, held for hours at a park, looked down on at church, all becuase he chose to look different. He didn't even act all that different but years of the lack of respect for him as a human being or just another person jaded his view of things where he didn't care what people thought. He'd start the issues by being different, and I'd finish them for him in court, or a nice big old guilt trip.

I think the reaction is funny when tattoo'd people or people who have their best punk/goth/emo pick your look rocking get normal responses from me. I'm mid 30's kids, regular joe guy, who does lend them the initial respect. They are usually suprised when I can talk to them about old school bands, or my tattoos or the way my hair used to be. I know they laugh when I talk about how blink 182 was actually cool, or NOFX befor they got all plitical, or even having toured the country in an F150 with my bro's 3 piece.

People automatically think she is doing something wrong, why don't they lend her the respect and benifit of the doubt that she is obeying the law and is smart enough to know what she can do where.

Cookiecutter folks will ask eachother where did you get that sponge bob book, or I love those shoes where did you get them, or what is that thing you have there, but they won't approach a younger individualized person, and just assume they must be breaking the law.

I love my dad's generic term for individualized persons "Hoods"

Keep rocking your own individual self, I like putting the end of it in your eye routine and maybe tell em "It's not smoke it's vapor, I'm smart enought to know the law and to know the difference."

 

[providence]

The trouble is they could just as easily get this banned as well.

Bingo! Let's not bite the hand that hasn't slapped us yet...

 

[incineradma]

your parents taught you to be creative by dying your hair different colours and shoving metal in to your face? i wouldnt call that creative, i would call that trying to be individual with the sole purpose to shock and get attention.
i would guess that you are the youngest sibling who in your parents eyes never quite matched up to your elder brother or sister. you probably felt that they didnt pay you much attention so dying your hair and getting peircings is your way of saying "look at me, i exist!"
all of your actions, from the hair dye to vaping in public is for the sole purpose of attention seeking..........of which im sure gives you a buzz!
you complain of people giving you "looks" but what do you expect? your image and attitude to others is on one hand screaming "everyone, look at me!!!" but then saying "dont look at me, dont judge me".

being an individual is great, and i have no issues with that at all. i dont care what a person looks like.........they could be black, white, pink or green, they could have a skin head or a mohican........it doesnt matter as long as they are nice people who are condiderate to others.

true perception of a person is based on their actions, not on their looks.
for example, im a big 6 foot 5 guy and for many years i had a number one shaved head (skinhead basically) and i only shaved once a week. quite frankly i looked like a member of the NF (national front, a highly racist group of thugs who were making a storm during the 80's).
people would stare at me, cross the road, feel intimidated etc.......especially the elderly who im sure thought i was about to mug them. but i would make a point of being polite to those people, to say hello to them, open doors for woman with pushchairs, help old ladies cross the road etc
to see the people then react to me in a very positive and friendly manner is something very special and rewarding. it was great to be able to think that even though i chose to look like how i did, people realised not to judge me on my looks but on the way i treated them.

and the reactions i would get when people saw me in the street holding hands with my wife was very funny!
my wife is indian! we soooooooo dont look like a couple! lol (together 10 years though now!)

so my whole point is........YES! be individual, be different, wear what you want, look how you want BUT be nice to others, and others will be nice to you.

try it!

You have no idea what you're talking about, sir. I am not the youngest, I am the middle out of three. I've been very quiet and introverted, very shy from the first day I went to school. I got into anime, something I could identify with because for whatever reason I related to the characters. That was my inspiration to dye my hair, I thought it looked neat. I hated getting attention and the such, but I felt like I should be a strong person and be myself despite what others think -- something you MUST overcome if you are the bashful type and hope to have any understanding of the world we live in, which was something very important to me. Piercings were inspired by the friends I made, most of them artists, and I liked the way it looked. Simple as that.

Right now, I have long straight brown hair, and I dress in jeans and tee shirts. I don't look wierd. I'm just very straight-forward, and some people don't like that because I believe they may have learned to interact socially by hiding parts of themselves and therefore appeasing others. This is my best guess. I came from a part of myself where I hid everything, and found that to be adverse to my nature as a human -- wanting to express myself as I am.

I never said I was mean to these people, and I don't come in all loud and crazy expecting a reaction. it's just what they give me, and any time I try and be nice or explain, they look away or give me this look like they're wincing away in pain. Why does everyone make so many outlandish assumptions just because I speak my mind? You'll find that when you strive to be honest there isn't much to be negative about when you accept things as they are and proceed accordingly.

 

[incineradma]

If people aren't going to read my posts, they shouldn't respond. I said I used to have dyed hair and piercings. I have none anymore, and a single heart tattoo I have on my wrist. Big deal. I don't strive to be different or to be a jerk. I was taking the opportunity to recap some of the rude things people have done to me, related to electronic cigarettes. By having a good laugh, I'd say I'm taking the right approach instead of turning into a jerk and throwing it back at them. I'm sure they talked about me to their friends. So Why shouldn't I do such? Harmless. No names have been named.

I wouldn't want to make a snap judgement but it sounds like some people here may have some preconcieved notions about me as well =) Might I suggest stepping back and re-thinking the situation before deciding someone is outright malicious? I'm not toting a gun and I'm extremely non/anti-violence. In fact, I'd like to think I'm not that bad at all.

And if anything, being bi-polar and therefore extremely prone to emotional mood swings, I have to tone down the niceties.. I get all teary-eyed when I feel like I helped someone. I try to be business-like about it: give them the info if it really does seem that's what they want from me and not press the matter when they try to ignore me. I don't know how to explain it, folks, they just don't like me. Most of them. Anyway, age doesn't mean anything to me as my boyfriend/fiancé is 34, I have friends who are in their 70s and get along with people of all age groups. By others' perception, I am young. In my mind I have passed that way of thinking and just see myself as a person, with attributes.

Honsetly, it's going to work itself out, guys. Some people seem so worried that one misconcieved perception of someone doing something in order to FIND the barriers, and limits, (as opposed to waiting until someone gives you a posted sign, which is just as valid a means of going about attaining this information), that we will lose our rights. I say it takes people from both sides -- those willing to go out and learn through experience as well as those who will sit back and watch and notice what the others do not, to create any kind of widely accepted impression. Just my two cents.

 

[Lika]

Okay, I'll be the first to throw this out there.

Atta Girl!!!

Not necessarily on the OP (that didn't really bother me) but I love your responses to the other comments. I'll explain later. Right now, I gotta run for a couple hours...

[Edit] That should be original post, not OP as in Original Poster. Just thought I'd clarify

 

[DisMan]

I don't remember this forum ever having a more immature, vindictive, intellectually devoid post than that one. I certainly hope the poster doesn't expect responsible e-smokers to shout "attagirl" about irresponsible actions.

Attagirl! I support what you did. People will judge you as they seem fit. People will think you're a jerk for doing what you did...HOWEVER, we need people like this. People who will spit in the face of opposition, so to speak.

Now, I read the posts...this person wasn't being mean but was bragging a bit. And oh no! We're all a bunch of wimpy pansies bowing to political pressure on the possible image this person will set! OH MY GOD!!!

Now, Howard Stern is on every day...pissing people off. And he has had the largest following any radio DJ could possibly hope for.

We need people like this...people who will jump start the battles. Only the people who are afraid they may lose the battle will worry about the method.

So, I will say it...ATTAGIRL!!! Great job!

I still need to find me an anti-smoking rally to attend.

EDIT: Damn you Lika! You beat me to it.

 

[taukimada]

actually... the thought and intelligence within the responses are growing on me...

i still have some reservations about the original post.. but i see and understand the point of view...

and yes... mayhaps the piercings are gone.. the color of hair moderated for "normalcy".. but i get the feel that like myself.. there's still the "rebel" within.. and there is nothing wrong with that..

the impression given by the original post led to belief that OP was CHOOSING to aggravate... my personal reaction was more on OP behalf than any care of vaping in general... my concerns were more for those of us that purposely choose to not fit the norm.. quite honestly... we have an undeserved bad rap already.. mostly due to ones who choose to aggravate other than just BE..

in the long run.. incineradma is beginning to grow on me... which tells me my original impressions were ill concieved.. my apologies

 

[Lika]

EDIT: Damn you Lika! You beat me to it.

Nah, we'll call it a tie! hehe

 

[providence]

And if anything, being bi-polar and therefore extremely prone to emotional mood swings...

Well, that piece of information changes things a bit...

 

[Jim Davis]

Excellent point. I suppose what I trying to say is I think we need a balance between hiding it, and flaunting it.

 

[Idahojo]

After reading all these posts one thing is loud and clear to me. This young person made it quite clear from the beginning that she loves to get reactions from other people and "shove it in their faces". She has been doing this in public and loved every minute of it. Now she has brought it here and quite successfully done it to everyone on this forum. I think we should all let this thread die and not fuel this flame any longer. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[skullsoup432]

Why would you even mention being bipolar and taking meds? I am/do also, it is not an excuse for childish behavior.
I see you have made this "preconceived notion" idea a platform for your arguments. I suspect you like to fall back on this and the mental conditions to vindicate yourself.
As for your statement concerning old/rich peoples reactions, you are the one with preconceived notions. Just because they are old/rich, you think they will give a negative reaction. That makes you a hypocrite about "preconceived notions".
You ignored my point about disgusting or objectionable behavior (nose picking, leering, farting) in public. Why didn't you come out and support me? You can't condone them, because they are wrong and you know it.


I am done with this thread, I have a "preconceived notion" it is liking talking to a brick wall.

 

[DebRich]

I totally am with you incineradma.It is not my job to educate them and to be honest with you,[when smoking analogs]over the years people have became so rude and always being treated like a second class citizen.I say f##k em if they cant take a joke!

 

[Lika]

I have a dear old aunt that I like to affectionately call, Aunt Prudie. My Aunt Prudie doesn’t like anything or anyone that she feels doesn’t fit in her perceived perfect little world. That includes “most” teenagers, blacks, Mexicans, gays, ......s, pop music, rap, unnatural sexual positions and a whole host of others. If it ain’t white, straight and Christian or a missionary position it’s pretty much on her list of all things evil. Oh, I can’t forget the best one of all. Fat People! “Those gluttonous fools,” are her words. That said, my dear ol’ Aunt Prudie wouldn’t even approve of many of you who have commented on this thread. She would chide you for simply being who you are. That’s exactly what some of you are doing to the OP when your attack becomes personal.

We live in a diverse world. That diversity is present here as well. Embrace the differences, my friends. You might be surprised at how much you can learn just from a little open-minded reasoning.

One thing I’ve learned from this thread is that the OP has got it together a lot more than some of you give her credit for. She’s laid her cards out even after she’s been judged. Most people in the category she's been placed here would have told you all to "F" off but instead she opened up. That speaks volumes in my book. It says she’s honest about who she is. It says she’s traveled many roads to get to where she is in life and isn’t afraid to talk about it. More than anything it says she has an open mind with the exception of a preconceived notion here and there.. But more than anything it says she’s willing learn from her mistakes. It says much more than could be said about many of you who have taken it upon yourselves to demean and punish this girl.

 

[surbitonPete]

I have a dear old aunt that I like to affectionately call, Aunt Prudie. My Aunt Prudie doesn’t like anything or anyone that she feels doesn’t fit in her perceived perfect little world. That includes “most” teenagers, blacks, Mexicans, gays, ......s, pop music, rap, unnatural sexual positions and a whole host of others. If it ain’t white, straight and Christian or a missionary position it’s pretty much on her list of all things evil. Oh, I can’t forget the best one of all. Fat People! “Those gluttonous fools,” are her words. That said, my dear ol’ Aunt Prudie wouldn’t even approve of many of you who have commented on this thread. She would chide you for simply being who you are. That’s exactly what some of you are doing to the OP when your attack becomes personal.

We live in a diverse world. That diversity is present here as well. Embrace the differences, my friends. You might be surprised at how much you can learn just from a little open-minded reasoning.

One thing I’ve learned from this thread is that the OP has got it together a lot more than some of you give her credit for. She’s laid her cards out even after she’s been judged. Most people in the category she's been placed here would have told you all to "F" off but instead she opened up. That speaks volumes in my book. It says she’s honest about who she is. It says she’s traveled many roads to get to where she is in life and isn’t afraid to talk about it. More than anything it says she has open mind with the exception of a preconceived notion here and there.. But more than anything it says she’s willing learn from her mistakes. It says much more than could be said about many of you who have taken it upon yourselves to demean and punish this girl.

I completely agree.

 

[wv2win]

Some of you posters are being pretty hard on incineradma. She never waved her vaporizer in someone's face. Most times when people jump to conclusions as some people do, they are wrong. I have vaped in a company class and in a couple of stores and in several resturants. In resturants, I tell the server or manager what it is first and if someone looks at me strange, I will stop and tell them it's a personal vaporizer not tobacco. In most cases, people are pleasantly surprised and like the idea as an alternative to tobacco. One woman made a snide remark as she was walking out of a resturant and was not willing to face me or ask a question but she was the exception to the rule.

I do not think we should hide our vaping but be good will ambassadors for electronic vaporizers. I've made up little cards with the forum web address, other information sites and several suppliers web addresses that I will give people. Be excited about our new device, be friendly and most people will be positive in return especially when I tell them how it has kept me away from analogs and that what they see is water vapor like a vaporizer in a child's room. And if some of them want to be little anti-vaping nazi's, well then, they can stick it as far as I am concerned.

 

[DisMan]

Excellent point. I suppose what I trying to say is I think we need a balance between hiding it, and flaunting it.

Yes...just like the slaves had to hide their desire to be free from their masters by saying "Yes, Sir!", "Glad to do it, Sir!".

We need to do the same....

 

[Lika]

I do not think we should hide our vaping but be good will ambassadors for electronic vaporizers. I've made up little cards with the forum web address, other information sites and several suppliers web addresses that I will give people.

Excellent idea!

 

[Zach]

I can't tell what's worse, the first post or the extremely judgmental replies.
Oh my god! Rebellious teenagers doing stupid sh*t for no good reason!? Stop the presses!

 

[jburns]

I have a dear old aunt that I like to affectionately call, Aunt Prudie. My Aunt Prudie doesn’t like anything or anyone that she feels doesn’t fit in her perceived perfect little world. That includes “most” teenagers, blacks, Mexicans, gays, ......s, pop music, rap, unnatural sexual positions and a whole host of others. If it ain’t white, straight and Christian or a missionary position it’s pretty much on her list of all things evil. Oh, I can’t forget the best one of all. Fat People!

You could have saved a lot of typing by just saying:

My Aunt Purdie is a right wing Republican.8-o