The Hobbit in July 2007? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Sauron the White · 07-29-2007, 08:31 AM

Smoking in real life and smoking in depictions of Middle-earth are two different things. Why cannot some people keep that straight? Smoking throws hundreds of noxious chemicals and poisons into the air and is a public health hazard. Governments, groups and individuals are correct to take proper and legal measures to discourage it, prevent it and get rid of it. Films and books are an art form and deserve the protections accorded all art. Tolkien was a smoker - immaterial. But was is material is that many of his characters were avid smokers in his creations. Nothing wrong with that if it is understood as part of the culture of that world and people which inhabit it.

07-29-2007, 08:31 AM	#30
Sauron the White Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 903	Smoking in real life and smoking in depictions of Middle-earth are two different things. Why cannot some people keep that straight? Smoking throws hundreds of noxious chemicals and poisons into the air and is a public health hazard. Governments, groups and individuals are correct to take proper and legal measures to discourage it, prevent it and get rid of it. Films and books are an art form and deserve the protections accorded all art. Tolkien was a smoker - immaterial. But was is material is that many of his characters were avid smokers in his creations. Nothing wrong with that if it is understood as part of the culture of that world and people which inhabit it.