Quitting Smoking; Smoking: The Burning Truth

Part of a four-volume set called Smokin': Somebody Stop Me!, the final program, Quitting Smoking, features a mock televised event--the "Great Smoking Debate"--that pits two teenagers (one a smoker, one a non-smoker), against each other, as they present some facts about smoking, which is then intercut with on-the-street interviews with a variety of teens, sound bites from expert adults, and vaguely related animation. After reviewing the major physical and emotional dangers of smoking, the video tackles the subject of actually quitting, emphasizing the importance of accountability and discussing various techniques for kicking the habit, including cold turkey vs. gradual cutbacks or a nicotine patch. Viewers also learn what to expect if they try to stop smoking--not only are there nasty withdrawal symptoms, but the rate of failure is somewhat high. Regardless, there are plenty of successful quitters (an interesting oxymoron) who failed multiple times before finally breaking their addictions. The information given is factual and fairly thorough; however, the presentation is somewhat inconsistent. While the on-the-street interviews are compelling, the "debate" segments, which anchor the video, seem forced and overdone, and the animation is distracting and not always appropriate to the general tone--it possibly works better in the two titles aimed at grades 4-6 (The Dangers of Smoking and Why Kids Smoke), but not in this one, which--along with Teen Smoking--is meant for grades 7-12. Optional. Aud: J, H. (E. Gieschen)Smoking: The Burning Truth offers up some pretty sobering news, given current trends and statistics: one out of every three teens who try smoking will eventually become addicted, and a third of those will likely die from a smoking-related disease. Teenagers often feel as if they are both invulnerable and immortal, and so smoking seems more "cool" and "social" and "sophisticated" than it does insidious and deadly. Although some may not agree completely with the blame on media promotion (movies and advertisements are targeted here), the fact that the portrayal of tobacco usage permeates American culture is not lost on curious youth. Various statistics are intercut with profiles of two smokers and a focus group of teens voicing their opinions. The quick editing, creative shooting, and no-bull approach make this video an excellent discussion starter or overview of the topic, and the accompanying material doesn't just repeat the video, it expands upon what's been learned. Recommended. Also available in this series: Marijuana: The Burning Truth. [Note: Also, see the note on "Free Videos" on pg. 4 of this issue for information on an excellent free documentary charting the history of the battle between the U.S. tobacco companies and medical and legislative authorities.] Aud: I, J, H. (E. Gieschen)