There are those with the opinion that non-smokers have gotten much too arrogant since smoking bans have been in effect, and that since the e-cig / PV is not subject to these bans, we should be able to use them where and when we choose and don't need their permission or acceptance to do so. For the most part I agree with that, but within reason - obviously there are places where it's just a better idea to refrain either out of respect, politeness or just to avoid an unpleasant scene when one is not necessary. I for one am tired of respecting other people's rights while not feeling free to exercise my own.
But at a time when e-cigs/PV's are on the fence, I feel it best to either win support or at least acceptance from these same people - you never know who their friends are - and first impressions can go a long way towards doing that. It is easier to educate someone who is curious than someone who is hostile and possibly already closed-minded about it. If you vape in a place where the staff is already educated about it, that's great, you probably have less explaining to do and their other clientele may not be an issue. For someone like me who is among the first in my area to be seen out in public with my PV, it's a bit more challenging. I live in an area where this is, for the most part, an unknown.
The problem with e-cigs in an area such as mine would be that they look like cigarettes. They're the same color, they glow when you draw on them and "smoke" (vapor) comes out of your mouth. What are people any farther than across a table from you going to think you are doing? While you know what you are doing isn't subject to a smoking ban, those people do not and instantly they have their guard up. Mind now closed. They will complain to management and management just doesn't want the aggravation nor does it want said closed-minded individual to start a scene in their establishment, whether or not there is an actual issue.
So how do we use these in public, get the opportunity to educate open-minded people and gain support or at least acceptance?
In my opinion, it's by making people curious, not confrontational. First impressions. If a non-smoker sees someone with a black pen with a blue light on the end of it, it doesn't look like smoking - yet "smoke" (vapor) comes out of their mouth. Now, seeing this, they are not necessarily hostile as much as they are curious. This may prompt someone to politely ask rather than assume. After all, it doesn't look like you are smoking, right? And now you have an opportunity to educate. This will help us all in the long run. There are 2 things I try to remember about non-smokers:
1. They probably know or love someone who still smokes that they wish would quit or at the very least, find a less lethal alternative and
2. They vote.
Even if you have an e-cig that looks like a real cigarette, you probably will need to buy extra batteries for it. Maybe consider black or chrome (or any color besides white) with a blue or other colored LED to use when you go out. Or hold the LED end when vaping (no one can 'smoke' while squeezing the lit end of a cigarette, right?). I don't mean to hide it - hiding it just makes you look "guilty", but flaunting it when you know people aren't sure what it is makes you look arrogant and puts people off (again, first impressions). A lot of people have more than one kit - maybe use the penstyle when going out. It's bigger but it doesn't look like a cigarette... and the less it looks like a cigarette the better, IMO.
Should we have to do this? No. We aren't breaking any smoking bans and we have rights, too (or at least, we used to)
Is it fair? No. Life is like that.
But is it a more practical way? I believe it is. At least, it is for me. I have less stress explaining than arguing
Anyway, just my opinion on the subject.
Good post, Avid.
I myself have been smoking for 15 years. I started smoking when I was in the army. Before that, as a non-smoker, I used to tell my parents, who were heavy smokers, to quit. Although the no-smoking laws/bans in some areas or establishments currently don't specifically refer to PVs, imho, we still do have the respect the right of the public. Respect begets respect.
My wife doesn't like smokers and although she's very happy that I have found a possibly less harmful alternative, she still finds the sight of smokers or people smoking distasteful and I can respect that. I've quit analogs ever since I've started using my 510 about 2 and a half weeks ago and I regret not having discovered this earlier. However, I will continue to be respectful when vaping in public places. If I'm asked about what I am smoking, I will be glad to educate. However, if I'm still asked to put it away after that, I will do so. Why cause a problem? Until people like Michael Eriksen, ScD, director of the institute of public health at Atlanta's Georgia State University who states "I have seen no evidence that people switch from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes or other smokeless tobacco products" are properly educated and shown the proof, as I am one, we can perhaps be a little more patient until the public is more educated. Until then, let us all continue to do what we can to educate our friends, families and the general public.
