Thinking Allowed
Smoking
Mar 18, 2025
Ivan Markovic, a lecturer at Durham University, explores the cultural significance of smoking in modern Britain, from its role in boosting morale during WWII to the 2007 public smoking ban. He questions whether smoking still holds a place in British culture. Meanwhile, Tricia Starks, a history professor at the University of Arkansas, discusses the paradox of the USSR being the first mass smoking society while opposing capitalist ideals. Their insights reveal fascinating historical and social dynamics shaping smoking habits in both Britain and the Soviet Union.
28:20
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores how smoking has symbolized social connection and emotional transformation in cinema, contrasting its health risks with its atmospheric significance.
- The discussion highlights the historical context of smoking as a coping mechanism during wartime, demonstrating its role in managing stress and emotional experiences.
Deep dives
The Atmosphere of Smoking in Cinema and History
The podcast discusses how smoking has been portrayed in cinema, particularly referencing a memorable scene from the film 'Now, Voyager' featuring Bette Davis and Paul Henreid. This scene illustrates how smoking transforms tense atmospheres into moments of connection, as the act of sharing cigarettes shifts the emotional tone between characters. It emphasizes the broader cultural significance of smoking, where the smoke itself becomes a medium that influences social interactions and emotional environments. This perspective contrasts the scientific understanding of smoking's health risks by focusing on the sensory and atmospheric dimensions that are often overlooked in traditional narratives about tobacco.
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