Flying The Flag

[deathmetal]

A friend of mine once criticized modern society as having an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. If something is not right in front of us, we do not notice it.
I was thinking of this as I contemplated the condition of pipe smokers. We are not seen, because we are in smoking lounges or tucked away in our dens or "man caves."
To address this, even in a small way, I have come out of the closet ...as a pipe smoker.
That activity involves going, whenever possible, to public outdoor areas and visibly enjoying a pipe. It does not require being close enough to others to bother them with the smoke, only close enough that they see me, the pipe and the happiness.
I have no idea if it will be successful in the long term, but -- and this was disconcerting at first, as I'm a somewhat private individual -- it has drawn some approving looks, and a few positive comments.
If a pipe smoker appeared on every streetcorner, looking happier than the people passing by, it might change some attitudes. One can hope.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I walk my dogs every evening with my pipe, and I smoke at all functions in my town. I also smoke at restaurants, coffee shops, at church, and anywhere I go really. I've had quite a few colks stop in the grocery store, like a rockstar, asking me about my pipes.

I agree, take your pipe with you. Don't hide it. Be a proud pipe smoker!

 

[bonehed]

I bring and utilize a pipe wherever possible too. I like to think I catch people looking and thinking ''That looks enjoyable! I think I'll try that sometime!''

 

[beerandbaccy]

I'm afraid to say, as a fairly new pipe-smoker I am very self-concious about smoking in public. I tend to smoke next to the French Window at home (I have no Garden or outdoor space) or when camping.
As for the park the GLA (Greater London Authority) are threatening to ban smoking in parks! I am in favour of some of the new restrictions, such as a ban smoking while in a car with a minor, or even the mooted ban outside schools while picking up or waiting for the kids from school, but in a park??? Where will it all end?
I am not an unreasonable man and understand public health issues. I used to work in pubs 20 years ago and although as a punter I miss being able to have a smoke inside a bar or pub but from the other side of the bar as a server / barman I do get it!

 

[cobguy]

I've had several Drive-thru employees comment on my pipe ... Is that a real Corn Cob??
Also, when I go to the casino I take a pipe and a couple of cigars which is very different from all the cig-smokers there.
Let your freak flag fly! ::

 

[jpmcwjr]

I walked the streets of London recently, smoking almost constantly, waiting for someone to accost me. A couple of folks commented favorably about the aroma.
I also pipe outside chatting with friends down town in N CA. There's no smoking in any public building, including all restaurants, nor within 25 feet of a doorway, so I don't, unless passing by. I also don't let wafts of smoke visit any mothers with children, etc.

 

[edwinbaz]

I envy those of you who can smoke publicly. Here in Puerto Rico the “Act to Regulate Smoking in Certain Public Places” prohibits smoking in "public or private recreational installations" (among many others), which includes every park. The only lawful places you can smoke are your home, business establishments exclusively engaged in the sale of tobacco, some hotels that have rooms set aside for smokers and your car, except when you're traveling with any minor below the age of 13. Sure, you're going to see people smoking cigarettes in public places, outside bars, at the beach, and most of the time the police turns a blind eye; but a pipe stands out too much, and with a fine of $250 for the first offence and $500 for the second I'd rather not risk it.

 

[phxrock]

When I am out and about I have a pipe in my mouth if it is lit or not. People look me and the Pipe. I'm a can Driver I stand outside of Dr offices, clinics and Hospitals enjoying a bowl. Just smiles and nods.

 

[mso489]

Walking with a pipe sometimes goes all right. Parks and other public places are mostly out of bounds. I've taken smoking breaks outside musical venues on the sidewalk, and this seems acceptable. It's difficult to find a place to smoke that is visible to the public and not regulated. Obviously, getting hassled would not give me a happy aspect. But I agree, smoking a pipe should not be a rarified behavior that no one under 70 years old has ever seen before.

 

[jeepnewbie]

I try to make it a point to bring my pipe with me often. When I go to the B&M at the mall I'll walk in with my pipe in my mouth.

 

[captainprophesy]

I have a pipe with me wherever I go... If my wife is with me she'll even carry my pipe and tobacco in here purse. I've never cared what people say or think, so I smoke whenever I can wherever I am.

Everyone that knows me knows I smoke a pipe... Never been a secret.

 

[deathmetal]

Here in Puerto Rico

You have great metal bands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HEi_eZLfSo

 

[haroldt]

Death Metal - Good post. Perhaps we pipe smokers could arrange for an actual flag; one with an image of a pipe in the center and we can mount it on our car windows to help with the exposure. Here in Florida I very seldom see anyone smoking a pipe.
I often sit out in my front yard and wave to passer-byes as I smoke my pipe. And I always smoke it while on the riding lawn mower. Both the yard and the pipe... about 45 mins.
Funny thing is, when I have been out in public, not a single person has ever said a word (good or bad.) Even when I wasn't smoking a pipe, I loved the smell and would always comment to the piper.
Bonehed - you and the little princess should both go out with your pipes? THAT would get some unwarranted comments!
Beer and Baccy - you certainly look rugged enough in that photo to pull off a pipe. No need to be self conscious.
Edwin Baz - don't ya just love the gov't knowing what is best for you.
Captain Prophosy - sounds like you have a give little women there.

 

[didimauw]

I have been flying my pipe flag very high lately. My jeep, family get togethers, work breaks. I haven't had one negative comment, in the past 3 years I've been smoking a pipe. Some goofy comments, but nothing negative.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

If you cannot smoke it, at least walk around with it in your clench. There can't be laws against "having" a pipe. Right? The just light up when you get to where you can.

 

[deathmetal]

Good point. It's not smoking unless the tobacco is on fire.

 

[johnnyreb]

It increases my paranoia, like looking at my mirror and seeing a police car.

But I'm not giving in an inch to fear cause I missed myself this year.

I feel like I owe it to someone. -- CSNY

 

[ssjones]

I wish I had known Puerto Rico had a pipe club, we were there in May. I also didn't know about the fines and smoked my pipe pretty much everywhere without any issues, did I get lucky?

 

[ssjones]

I did get confronted by a NYC policeman last year, smoking my pipe on the steps of MacArthur Park. He was kind and gave me a warning, so I moved along.

 

[deathmetal]

Sounds like you found a good cop. You never know, maybe someday he will take up the briar...