Things That Exist But Shouldn't - Part 19

19) Teen Smokers

This should be an obvious one, but, unfortunately, it really is not.

Since elementary school, I was educated by health teachers and school police officers about the harmful side effects of tobacco. We spent hours making posters encouraging our peers to quit (perhaps a bit young of a target population). I vividly remember the times my brother and I would boldly walk up to our chain-smoking neighbor to tell him about the dangers of his habit. He didn't seem to mind the lecture, but he also didn't stop.

I realize that when cigarettes were first introduced, their toxicity wasn't recognized. Therefore, everyone smoked - and encouraged others to do so - and it was a socially acceptable habit (at least according to Mad Men).

What I don't understand, however, is how the young generation - teenagers and up - who, like me, have grown up with D.A.R.E. propaganda fed to us on the daily are actually inclined to start smoking. I remember when restaurants had smoking and non-smoking sections; now, you can get kicked out for smoking within 10 feet of the entrance. College campuses are going smoke-free, making it harder and harder for individuals to keep up with the habit (if they are dumb enough to start it in the first place).

Despite the existence of incredibly powerful anti-smoking ads like these, there are still people continuing to smoke and those who are starting a new. I just don't get it. 

Also, it's freaking expensive. If that's not reason enough to avoid the habit, then I'm not sure what will do it.