Etiquette versus Right/Wrong?!?

Question

We live in a PC world, and it really sucks. So my question relates to small children and cigerettes. Here's the scenario. A five year old (who is very open and honest in a very unPC sort of way) spots a smoker. She stares right at the smoker and proceeds to hold her nose as the parent leads her past the smoker. The child is being extremely rude. The smoker, who is gross for the habit, is very much aware. The parent, who is not so open and honest due to the nature of the PC world is torn between teaching the child that cigerettes are horrible nasty things that the child should avoid and never try and the breech of etiquette...respecting this smoker's right to destroy his lungs while spread noxious second hand smoke. Also note that the child has been diagnosed with Asthma...a breathing condition that predisposes the adult to wanting the child to avoid these situations. Unfortunately, smokers have rights in public that don't account for non-smokers rights. What would you do?

Answer 1

Well now a days, smokers aren't allowed to smoke in the park districts due to the law... Ur asking if we as parents should teach our children not to hold their noses around ppl that smoke, due to the fact that that attitude would affect the smokers view on the parent?...

I think that smokers would or should not be affected of the nature in which we teach our children how to behave when they meet smokers on the street or anywhere... I come from a family of smokers... my kids hold their noses and breaths when passing them... my kids always tell them honestly what they are doing is wrong... and that they are risking the health of others... but needless to say... u should not feel threaten on how to teach your children the proper way not to inhale smoke when smoke is present, is retarded... who cares what they think(Smokers)... you as a parent are protecting your children from the threat that most parents ignore due to rudeness

Answer 2

Yeah, that's just as rude as pointing at someone. You can teach right and wrong but be respectful of others decisions at the same time.

Answer 3

I don't see what's the problem. First, if an adult spots a smoker and he\she knows that passing by the smoker is dangerous for the child, steer the child away from the smoker and explain why. If the adult failed to do it, then we have to conclude that passing near smoking person is not THAT dangerous. If you wish to explain to your child that smoking is dangerous, you are absolutely free to do so, but there's absolutely no need to do it right in front of the smoker, which would be bad manners. Wait 2 minutes, and then when you can not be heard anymore, start explaining. As for a child making faces and holding her nose, if you think it's extremely rude, then tell so to the child. Smoking is a bad habit, but being rude to people is a bad habit too, and the smoker's having bad habits does not justify your child's bad habits.

Answer 4

no  difference.  smoking  in  the  presence  of  children or  anywhere  in  public  is  already  illegal in many  palces so  there  is  no need  for  etiquette  or  pc  when  it  comes  to  dealing  with  smokers

obviously you  arent going  to  get  far  in  dealing  with  jerks  who  will smoke  in public regardless who is  around

the  child  didnt  even  say  anything  just  protected  herself  from  the  smoke  .  that  is  the  least  rude  or  offensive  way  she  could  have  handled  it.  .

smokers  have  no god given  right  to  pollute  the  air. nothing  is  written  in  law  to  give  them  that  right .  it  is  only  that  no laws  are  yet  in  force  to  stop them in  some  places.

most  civilized  places  have  a  ban  on  smoking  in public access areas.  and  near  entrances to  buildings or  bus  shelters.  anywhwere  that  people  have  to be  or  pass  by..  but  some  people  are  just  ignorant enough to  ignore  those as  well

if  people  want  to smoke  let  them  do it  at  home.or  in  their  cars.  why  should  we have  to  smell it. ?

Answer 5

Well, although I do agree with you on this smoking matter, I also believe it IS your responsibility to teach her not to smoke and respect for her elders.

My daughter also has these health issues, I taught her that she has a choice to live or die. But, you can not take this choice away from anyone esle.

Answer 6

Smoke stinks and people should not have to walk past a smoker's smoke outside of a public place.  Maybe the kid doesn't like the smell...if smokers insist to smoke in inappropriate places they should be prepared to take the consequences.  Or maybe you think that the child should breathe in that smoke so the smoker doesn't get insulted?