Why menthol cigarettes have a chokehold on Black smokers
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Historical Context and Industry Influence on Menthol Cigarettes
The historical influence of the tobacco industry raises skepticism about the arguments against a menthol ban as some organizations, like Altria, fund polls to suggest black voters would oppose the ban. These arguments, aimed at connecting the ban to civil rights issues and increased police surveillance, are financially supported by the tobacco industry. The case of Eric Garner, whose confrontation by police for selling loose cigarettes resulted in his death, exemplifies the complex relationship between menthol cigarettes, civil rights, and industry influences.
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