The Power of Uno/Un/One

I don’t know if you are like me but I just hate second hand smoke. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate being near smoke or around smokers. I can’t stomach the smell. Especially cigarette smoke. In some parts of China, where I live for example, cigarette smokers have no regard of respect for non-smokers. And most places of business do not have designated smoking and non-smoking areas. So smokers will light up a cigarette pretty much anywhere, anytime. Doesn’t matter where or when or what time of day or night. In my apartment, they smoke even in the elevators. And it’s not uncommon to see cigarette stubs on the floor of the elevator. They don’t care where they are or who’s around. I once saw a man in a restaurant holding a young baby in his arms while smoking. I could not believe my eyes. I don’t know if he was the father of the child but that is besides the point. That’s just wrong on so many levels. This nonchalant disregard and inconsiderateness of another’s personal space, right and boundary is just not acceptable.

Anyway, to get on with the story, a few times in restaurants, cafes etc, I’ve had to tell the smokers to stop smoking or ask them to go outside and smoke. I must say that most of them graciously outed their cigarettes while looking a bit stuped. But they complied. I don’t think they are used to females being so bold LOL. A couple of the men however refused to out their cigarettes. But I did not back down. I argued with them ( in English of course), sometimes their own family members or friends that they were with would coax them into outing it. Other times, I’ve had to go and complain to the managers and/or call on the managers for assistance. Once, a manager even ran away refusing to assist. I held my ground and the gentlemen begrudgingly relented and outed their cigarettes. They did mumble about it. I must say however that by and large, most of them willingly complied.

I shared this just to say that a couple of the places that I usually frequent have now put up no smoking signs and have also implemented areas designated for smokers and non-smokers. And I’m pleasantly surprised and happy. Both the smoking and non-smoking customers are spending their money and both should be satisfied with the services and accommodation offered. I am now so famous that when I go, the staff are quick to usher me to the non-smoking area where before there was none. I smile amusingly to myself. They seemed to be just as pleased about it as I am. Hahaha…. This goes to show that you may think that you are only one person and that you cannot change the world and you’re probably right. But....you can make small changes right where you are. These small changes may lead to big changes later on. You never know. Never underestimate the power of one or the power you have to influence or change a situation/thing/process. I didn’t know that my speaking out about being stifled by secondhand smoke in these restaurants, cafe shops etc would lead to the implementation of smoking and non-smoking areas. I was just a customer who refused to sit down placidly and accept being poisoned by smoke. Indeed, small acts can lead to significant changes.

I’ll end by borrowing the famous quote from Mother Theresa "I alone cannot change the world but I can cast a stone across the waters and create many ripples." Another quote that comes to mind is: 'The man who moved the mountain began first by carrying away small stones." - Confucius

Written by: Carla L. Ibanzo

That's it folks. Thanks for reading. I welcome your feedback and comments. Cheers!