Where there's smoke...what's easier than taking candy from a baby?

The following post is from guest author and contributor to Hip Hop Hypocrisy, Ron "Kwesi" Harris.

Over the years the tobacco industry, through slick advertising and marketing, has woven its long string of avoidable death into the fabric of America.

Even James I condemned it as a "heathen fume." The king reputedly became ill after his first attempt at smoking. He warned his subjects that smoking led to depravity and stated that it is "a custom loathsome to the eye--hateful to the nose--harmful to the brain--dangerous to the lungs--and, in the black stinking fumes therof, nearest resembling the horrid Stygian fumes of the pit that is bottomless."

By playing on the ideal of wholesome and robust lifestyles, the tobacco industry has created an image of positive, delightful indulgence in the highly detrimental consumption of tobacco products. These insidious practices are presented in highly visible eye-level ads in stores and service stations that offer various "prize rewards" for the consumer. Tobacco corporations have reaped tremendous profits. For the new smoker, these tactics appear to offer money saving benefits as well as the added special "prizes" for consumer patronage.

These multinational corporations have been and are major contributors to many social and entertainment events that attract public interest and, most importantly, media coverage. This strategy provides the greatest exposure to the consumer while impacting a broad and diverse demographic base.

Products designed for consumption must appeal to the consumer in very significant ways. The product must look good, smell good or taste good. These are the three basic areas by which the “uneducated consumer” is inclined to select a product. The psychology of sales recognizes this consumer as a great prospect and loyal customer. Consumer bases come as a result of targeting by corporate marketing. Advertising strategies are determined by geography, age and lifestyle.

Some tobacco products are designed to appeal to the sense of taste; they use flavor additives, including chocolate, mints, fruits, and crème flavors. Contrary to corporate claims, they are designed with the youthful consumer in mind. In the world of retail sales, the young customer is like a baby. Taste greatly determines and influences consumption. There are flavored medicines, cereals, etc. designed to appeal to the young.

So what's easier than taking candy from a baby? Answer: giving candy to a baby!