His attitude was formed from the socially prescribed symptoms of smoking - those being cynicism, perceived intelligence and hedonism. I’m sure many readers at the time, upon discovering this quote, rushed out to tobacco vendors in need of a smoke. Then, fast forward to the next century, Robert DeNiro puffs out a cloud of smoke into the camera lens during the 1980 movie Goodfellas and countless teens who watched the film the night before with their fathers stop by the corner store on the way to school to sneak a pack of smokes.
The desire to oppose a status quo has transcended
For as long as ‘pop’ culture has been popular, so has the cigarette. Its influence and what it has come to stand for has captivated audiences for centuries, and will likely be in fashion for years to come. It seems that the desire to oppose a status quo has transcended the screen, literature, and music to encourage viewers to internalise the cigarette’s reputation as a prop of rebellion.
It is similar to other long-standing pop culture tropes like the ‘drunken intellectual’- great minds like Lord Byron - or the ‘high as a kite rockstar’- think talents like Kurt Cobain. Except the cigarette is much more universal; it could be the average man’s vice and at the same time, a habit of a president or royalty. The accessibility and social norm of the cigarette makes it a favourite in pop culture, as so many people can relate to its hold.
Pop culture has a habit of using the cigarette to indicate an individual's creativity, neuroticism, or rebellion
Even across all social classes, it is a symbol of style. In TV, teens who smoke are portrayed as the coolest on their council estate, but likewise, trophy wives in Hollywood often sport a thin cigarette to emphasise their glamour. Pop culture has a habit of using the cigarette to indicate an individual's creativity, neuroticism, or rebellion in ignorance of one’s status.
Naturally, romanticism of the cigarette in pop culture is harmful, especially to youths or impressionable souls. Whilst awareness of its harm isn’t hard to come by either, it seems the masses - aside from a few disappointed parents - are ignoring its detriment in favour of aesthetics. So, for those who have fallen into the cigarette's trap, maybe reconsider its effects. But for now, at least popular culture thinks you look cool.