
Posted by vesperae
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on April 14, 2009, 2:43 am, in reply to "Re: The Dark Psychological Gratification of Smoking..."
"I'm not certain if it was an exercise in rebellion or masochism."
I believe that smoking is both...with an equal measure of sadism as well:
Rebellion against the Taboo of Health Endangerment.
Masochism in the physical discomfort / smothering sensation of repeatedly inhaling drags of cigarette smoke.
Sadism in the domination of your Will over your natural respiratory and physiological defenses against deliberately forcing your body to do something that it is evolutionarily programmed not to do.
So there are the social / tribal implications of being a "Rebel", as well as the psychological implications of the whole self-contained S&M trip between your mind and your body...not to mention the social sadism of subjecting others to your smoke...if you happen to be into that.
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