How Does Tobacco Affect The Culture Of Native Americans?
Riley Joliet
Matt Vallus
Government
Research Paper
February 23, y
Tobacco Industry Tobacco, a plant that is today looked at with a slight hint of disgust by most, has a long history in America. The tobacco plant, native to north and south America (apart from a few obscure species originating in Australia), has existed as far back as 6,000 B.C. (Randall). This plant once played a large role in the culture of Native Americans; it existed in ceremonies, healing practices, and religious rituals. After America was discovered by Europe, it made it’s way over to Europe and eventually made its way around the entire. As of this day and age, tobacco is seen on nearly every street corner being smoked by someone who looks like they’ve had their fare share of living. In the eyes of Native Americans tobacco was seen as so much more than just a plant. It was a spiritual plant; it was the “unifying thread of communication between humans and the spiritual powers” (Skinner). It was believed that the spirits were highly fond of tobacco and the only way it was obtained by these spiritual beings was through smoke or ceremonial offerings from the Native Americans. While there was no official modern government in Native …show more content…
Tobacco has been a cash crop in America since the first colonists settled here. In fact, many historians have said America would not exist as we know it without the original routes of tobacco here. While there are significant health risks with tobacco, it is an essential part of the American economy. In 2011, the huge sum of 17,653,708,000 dollars were collected in revenue from taxation on cigarettes (Tobacco Tax Revenue). Apart from this immediate benefit of the taxes, it also dissuades people, particularly youth, to smoke. “Every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes reduces consumption by about 4 percent among adults and about 7 percent among youth”
Matt Vallus
Government
Research Paper
February 23, y
Tobacco Industry Tobacco, a plant that is today looked at with a slight hint of disgust by most, has a long history in America. The tobacco plant, native to north and south America (apart from a few obscure species originating in Australia), has existed as far back as 6,000 B.C. (Randall). This plant once played a large role in the culture of Native Americans; it existed in ceremonies, healing practices, and religious rituals. After America was discovered by Europe, it made it’s way over to Europe and eventually made its way around the entire. As of this day and age, tobacco is seen on nearly every street corner being smoked by someone who looks like they’ve had their fare share of living. In the eyes of Native Americans tobacco was seen as so much more than just a plant. It was a spiritual plant; it was the “unifying thread of communication between humans and the spiritual powers” (Skinner). It was believed that the spirits were highly fond of tobacco and the only way it was obtained by these spiritual beings was through smoke or ceremonial offerings from the Native Americans. While there was no official modern government in Native …show more content…
Tobacco has been a cash crop in America since the first colonists settled here. In fact, many historians have said America would not exist as we know it without the original routes of tobacco here. While there are significant health risks with tobacco, it is an essential part of the American economy. In 2011, the huge sum of 17,653,708,000 dollars were collected in revenue from taxation on cigarettes (Tobacco Tax Revenue). Apart from this immediate benefit of the taxes, it also dissuades people, particularly youth, to smoke. “Every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes reduces consumption by about 4 percent among adults and about 7 percent among youth”