by Ann Johnstone

Created on: June 11, 2008   Last Updated: June 28, 2008

Today we live in a world that minimizes personal responsibility. A ridiculous example of this is often given of a criminal who, arrested for breaking and entering, sustains an injury in the process. For example, he climbs in the window and falls over the cat, thereby breaking his nose. He later successfully sues the owner of the house for the cost of medical treatment, on the basis that the accident happened on the owner's property.

While this is obviously an extreme example, there are many more subtle ways in which personal responsibility is diminished. Within law, a sentence can be diminished on the basis of ignorance, even though this does not render the accused innocent. However, the situation with regard to smoking and its inherent health risks is vastly different.

Medical research and statistical evidence has shown, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that smoking is the cause of many major terminal illnesses such as lung, mouth and throat cancers, emphysema, heart disease and strokes. This risk factor is displayed on every packet of cigarettes sold today in western countries. In addition, warnings of the dangers of smoking and advice re quitting are given on television and in other media.

Are today's youth blind and deaf to these warnings? Or does the attitude of society in general speak louder than our words? Have we short-changed our children by not reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility?

I remember a neighbour who had 12 children, one of whom (a teenager) would consistently leave her dirty clothing on the floor of her room instead of taking it to the laundry as her mother had repeatedly requested. Finally Ruth was given an ultimatum. "Pick up your things or they'll be given to those who appreciate them." A week later nothing had changed. Ruth came home from school to find all her clothes had gone. Her mother had kept her word. It took quite a while to save up for more clothes, and henceforth she never again left her cast-off clothing on the floor!

Today we are taught that it is wrong to say 'no' to children in preschool. We are taught that 'right' and 'wrong' are judgmental words that should not be used. The 'experts' tell us not to inhibit our child's sense of freedom and personal discovery by laying down rules. In fact, they appear to be saying that Dr. Benjamin Spock was right the first time!

Are we prepared to see today's generation of smokers go to an early grave because they are merely taking our implicit advice and exercising their right to freedom? Are we ready to take the blame when this happens? After all, they won't be around to blame, and we have taught them by our lifestyle that 'whatever feels good, do it!'

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