Anti-Cigarette ads began with PSA’s brought to us by the American Cancer Society in the late 1960s. They were considered controversial at the time, as was putting warning labels on cigarette packages, a practice which started in 1965. It’s astounding to me that sixty years later the damn things still exist, as do the warnings which apparently serve little purpose. I speak as a proudly reformed ex-smoker of 23 years. It’s always fun to watch the misguided, enthusiastic ads supporting the use and enjoyment of Camels, Chesterfields, Pall Malls etc. Those pro-smoking ads are strange now as they make it clear that already nobody was truly enjoying smoking–ad copy like “Not a cough in the pack!” and ‘Won’t irritate your throat!” makes that clear.  But I thought it would be interesting to instead view some of the earlier anti-smoking ads–I remember seeing a few of these in my youth and pledging solemnly to myself that I’d never smoke. So much for youthful sincerity of purpose.  So that’s what we’re doing. Enjoy. I’m going outside for a smoke…