Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Sunday, March 02, 2008

A decent metaphor for American culture

(Storytelling Sunday?)

Once upon a time...

I was walking to the subway at 6:35 a.m. Even at that early hour, the smokers were out and I was forced to dodge toxic clouds of tar and nicotine. This got me thinking: The tobacco industry, like all industry, is subsidized by taxpayers with no say in the matter. Meanwhile, everyone—except hack scientists and smokers in denial—recognizes that cigarettes are both slow suicide and homicide. Yet, even at 6:35 a.m., the smokers were out.

To me, the tobacco business works as a decent metaphor for American culture: destructive, addictive, and designed to keep the money at the top. Until we kick the habit and cut off the upward financial flow, we’re doomed.

The End