I was OK with not smoking near non-smokers. I was always, what I considered, a considerate smoker. In fact, I try to be considerate in whatever activity I'm taking part in. I don't want to sound all prideful, and self righteous, but I think that's an important virtue. "Do unto others", and all that. That said, I see a lot of people in the vaping community that insist on pushing the envelope in public places, and with smoking restricted areas. While we, as "vapers", are fairly convinced that vaping is far, FAR, less dangerous than smoking cigarettes, the general public may not be as convinced, or they may not be familiar with e-cigarettes in general, and therefore apprehensive as to the effects it may have on their health. In my opinion, it's important to educate these people about what we're doing, and why we're doing it. BUT, is it irresponsible of us to just walk around indoors, in restaurants, on the bus, on the train, etc., and force people to accept what we're doing as "OK"? Or, would it be better to get the word out some other way? I'm not sure what the best approach is, but I know that when someone else's activity infringes on my comfort zone, I become defensive. I think that that's a natural reaction that we, as humans, have ingrained in us. And, I don't think that forcing our vapor on others is going to produce a different reaction in "outsiders".
Like I said, I don't know what the best approach is, but I do see a lot of you that take the time to ask before you vape, which I think is the considerate thing to do. Then there are those that walk into Starbucks, and start puffing away like they're trying to start a revolution. I guess it comes down to this: does anyone REALLY need to vape that badly, that they can't wait until they're bus ride is over, or until they have an opportunity to go outside? People are still going to see your device, and will most likely ask questions, if they feel comfortable. They're NOT going feel comfortable, and will probably just get defensive, if you're going to blow it their face, so to speak. I think we need a positive message, and an educational one, if our habit/hobby/common joy is to be accepted by others outside of the vaping community. And, it may go a long way in our fight against severe regulation. Brute force never yields that kind of message.
So, I would just like to prevail upon people to consider how they want to be seen as a vaper. The "I don't have any .....s to give" attitude isn't helping anyone, especially you, and the rest of the vaping community.
<end rant>
Like I said, I don't know what the best approach is, but I do see a lot of you that take the time to ask before you vape, which I think is the considerate thing to do. Then there are those that walk into Starbucks, and start puffing away like they're trying to start a revolution. I guess it comes down to this: does anyone REALLY need to vape that badly, that they can't wait until they're bus ride is over, or until they have an opportunity to go outside? People are still going to see your device, and will most likely ask questions, if they feel comfortable. They're NOT going feel comfortable, and will probably just get defensive, if you're going to blow it their face, so to speak. I think we need a positive message, and an educational one, if our habit/hobby/common joy is to be accepted by others outside of the vaping community. And, it may go a long way in our fight against severe regulation. Brute force never yields that kind of message.
So, I would just like to prevail upon people to consider how they want to be seen as a vaper. The "I don't have any .....s to give" attitude isn't helping anyone, especially you, and the rest of the vaping community.
<end rant>
