Beyonce should be better role model
Monday July 02 2007
WE would like to bring your attention to an event that occurred at a recent Beyonce pop concert in Dublin (June 9 and June 10, 2007).
During the performance, one set of songs opened with Beyonce 'sprawled' across a chair, under a spotlight, simulating smoking. She appeared to inhale deeply, exhale, and said a in a sultry tone; "that was good".
We at the Irish Cancer Society are outraged and disappointed that Beyonce, who is an influential figure among young people, is promoting smoking as being cool and glamorous.
As smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer, the Irish Cancer Society places particular emphasis on advocating for progressive tobacco control policy and promoting smoking cessation. It is well documented that half of all smokers will die from tobacco related disease and of these, 50pc will die prematurely.
In Ireland, 6,000 people die every year from tobacco related diseases. Smoking causes 30pc of all cancers, including 90pc of lung cancers.
Annually 1,500 people die from lung cancer. The overall prevalence of cigarette smoking is currently 24.7pc.
There was a decline in smoking prevalence after the implementation of the smoke free workplace legislation in March 2004, however this decline has now been reversed.
In particular there is a reversal in the decline in smoking among young people generally. It is estimated that 16pc of 12-17 year olds smoke, 18pc of 15-18 year olds smoke and 33pc of 19-35 year olds. As we are aware, young women are strongly influenced by popular culture. Many elements of popular culture help them to achieve their wish to be seen as mature, independent, popular, sophisticated and glamorous.
Despite years of effort by anti-tobacco forces to curb cigarette marketing and advertising aimed at young people, alluring images of smoking are still pervasive in the entertainment industry.
We believe it is imperative that all sectors of society take action to change the cultural acceptance and promotion of smoking. In this regard, we urge singers like Beyonce and others in a similar position to think seriously about the far-reaching consequences of their actions on a young and influential audience.
John McCormack
Chief Executive
Irish Cancer Society
