Why Do Black Smokers Seem to Prefer Menthols?
iStockphoto.com
Are black smokers' preference of mentholated brands like Kool, Salem and Newports a matter of cultural preference, tobacco industry marketing, or some combination thereof?
A researcher at the University of California offers his theory via the New York Times:
"The migration of African-Americans to urban manufacturing centers after World War II, coupled with the emergence of black-oriented newspapers and magazines, created various opportunities for niche marketing. In the case of cigarettes, with research showing a slight black preference for Kools, a menthol brand, the industry saw an opening to appeal to black smokers."
And then there's this: Though magazine advertising for cigarettes has declined, the Times reports "the portion devoted to menthol brands -- only 12 percent in 1998 -- had grown to 76 percent by 2006."
More: Cigarette Bill Treats Menthol With Leniency
Tags: Black Smokers | Kool | Newports | Salem | cigarette bill | cigs | menthols | smokes | smoking
11:40 AM ET | 05-13-2008 | permalink
Add a Comment
Please note that all comments must adhere to the NPR.org discussion rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login | Register
More information needed to participate in the NPR online community.. Add this information