Lighting Up Again: How ‘The Bear’ and ‘The Materialists’ Revive Smoking in Pop Culture

In the new dramedy “Materialists,” Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a matchmaker in New York who unapologetically smokes cigarettes. Her character lights up effortlessly in social settings, showcasing a return to cigarette glamor in popular culture. This trend isn’t isolated; smoking is once again on the rise in various entertainment forms.

Musicians like Addison Rae and Lorde refer to smoking in their recent tracks, while the cast of “The Bear” smokes both on and offscreen. Even iconic figures like Beyoncé have incorporated smoking into performances, signaling its cultural resurgence.

The prevailing attitude seems to be that while smoking is harmful, it can also be seen as a style statement. Lucy, for instance, carries her cigarettes in a sleek silver case, making them look chic and desirable. This reflects a larger societal trend where smoking is viewed as glamorous despite its health risks.

Jared Oviatt, who runs the Instagram account @Cigfluencers, has noticed a growing amount of smoking-related content featuring celebrities. When he started the account in 2021, it was harder to find such material, but now it’s everywhere, indicating a shift in perception.

Smoking’s re-emergence in entertainment might be surprising, especially given the extensive awareness of its health risks. In fact, recent research shows a concerning trend: reports from public health organizations indicate that smoking rates among young adults are stabilizing after years of decline. It raises questions about the impact of media portrayals on smoking behavior.

As smoking returns to the spotlight, it’s essential to consider its implications on public health. The glamorization of smoking could counteract years of anti-smoking efforts, particularly among impressionable audiences.

This cultural shift highlights an important conversation about choices and influences, reminding us that while trends come and go, the health ramifications remain critical. Whether we glamorize smoking or not, informed decisions are key to understanding its risks.

For more insights into public health and trends, consider checking out CDC’s tobacco control resources.

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