What am I?

By Ian Loader

Ian is Chair of Cyclox.

In his third blog about our relationship with cars, Ian poses a riddle.

Since my invention I have become a powerful symbol of individual freedom, celebrated in popular culture. I’ve been enjoyed by masses of ordinary people. Many of them use me to make them look and feel ‘cool’. People have depended on me to get them through the day – even through life. I’ve become a part of rites of passage to adulthood. I’m a lubricant of social relationships. I’ve created countless jobs across the globe. A great deal has been spent on defending my place in modern life. What am I?

Changing perceptions

Over time, and it took some time, people came to realise that I wasn’t harmless. In fact, I was dangerous. I could damage people’s health, especially that of my users. Many had become dependent on my use. They could no longer imagine life without me.

Slowly it was understood that I posed risks to non-users too. I polluted their environment, causing harm to those around me, risking children’s health, and piling up costs on health systems. At first, these harmful effects were denied. Manufacturers spent millions campaigning to discredit the science and prevent regulation. Users’ groups championed free choice, defending the rights of people to enjoy my benefits and make their own decisions about the risks.

Changing norms

For much of the twentieth century, I was permitted to go pretty much anywhere. Non-users had to put up with my presence in their lives and the dangers I posed. But gradually, things began to change. Governments regulated my use more strictly and used tax systems to raise my price. More recently, governments have been placing restricting places where I can be used, even creating whole zones where I am not permitted. Social norms have changed. My use has become much more contested, and in some social groups is actively frowned upon.

Changing technology

As my use has become more controversial, my manufacturers have adopted new strategies. They still promote my use where and when they can. I am still sold in millions. But producers are less likely to deny the science or the harms I cause. Instead, they have created, for those in the Global North, a ‘cleaner’ electronic alternative. The old, dirty version is now for poorer people, especially in the Global South. The environmental and health costs have shifted too.

What am I?

Answer

The cigarette.