Do you feel less sympathy to those who have lung cancer resulting from smoking?

Do you feel less empathy or sympathy for those who suffer from lung cancer as a result of long term smoking?

A person in my sociology (tutorial) class mentioned, that those people deserve no sympathy because they caused harm to themselves voluntarily. His other example was people who suffer health problems from obesity. He says that people who smoke themselves to death or eat themselves to death deserve no respect or sympathy.

I disagree with it. I think it is just as devastating as other illness which aren't a direct result of lifestyle. Smoking and overeating (or eating fattening foods) both are unhealthy, but can be a coping mechanism to emotional problems. It does not mean that these people "deserve" to die. They chose an unhealthy lifestyle, and it was a mistake, and they deserve some sympathy, at least.

What do you think?

Yeah I remember that. He just made a complete a** out of himself. He's always trying feed us his perspective, and he doesn't listen to others. Either way, to be diagnosed is terrible news, and frustrating for the person, and their family.

As not all types of smoking equally cause cancer then the culprit might be the chemicalls added to tobaco. Also vehicle exhausts probably add to the problem so the smoker breaths in lots of other toxic fumes, as do non smokers. Still a think you should never blame the victim as lung cancer causes so much suffering by itself.

Yeh, I can't stand listening to his heartless views in class...thank f*** the semester is over...next sem, we've got to make sure he's not in our tut class.

Fair enough. And I agree, I don't think anyone with an illness should be terrorised just because of their lifestyle habits, when clearly they are suffering anyway.

Duly noted. We'll sign into a different class, one that doesn't involve him and his sadistic nature.

I don't understand why he's so hateful though.

Probably had a difficult life. Maybe it's his upbringing.

Exactly.

So...?

Well he deserves SOME sympathy. He must be hateful for a reason, whether it's just jealousy or has suffered a traumatic life...right?

You always have to find a justification don't you Tas?

Yes i would feel sympathy. People make mistake and get trap in bad habits. That doesnt mean they deserve to die from horrible cancer.

Not always. Not for people who purposely inflict harm upon others. Well sometimes, I feel sorry for them...it could normally be a result of bad upbringing...ok fine...so I always need to find a reason...you win Tess!

Nicely said skittle.

That's ok Tas. I still love you!!