The South Falls Again

Cigarette billboards, R.I.P.

The dismantling of the nation’s remaining tobacco billboards, completed last month, has been characterized as the passing of another form of Americana, and of course as a sign of national progress. Gone are the days when motorists, pedestrians, and even wearisome bicyclists could enjoy heroic portrayals of the Marlboro Man and Joe Camel, on whose solitary hump countless youngsters were allegedly carried into the grips of nicotine addiction. Gone, but not entirely forgotten. In their places will be posted stern antismoking slogans, proving once more that Aunt Polly has replaced Uncle Sam as the true embodiment of the American Way.

DS

About the Author

Dave Shiflett

Featured Tags

Cigarette billboards, R.I.P.

The dismantling of the nation’s remaining tobacco billboards, completed last month, has been characterized as the passing of another form of Americana, and of course as a sign of national progress. Gone are the days when motorists, pedestrians, and even wearisome bicyclists could enjoy heroic portrayals of the Marlboro Man and Joe Camel, on whose solitary hump countless youngsters were allegedly carried into the grips of nicotine addiction. Gone, but not entirely forgotten. In their places will be posted stern antismoking slogans, proving once more that Aunt Polly has replaced Uncle Sam as the true embodiment of the American Way.