Nope, that’s not a typo. It’s called A pun, and it’s a play on words for my next rant. Over the past decade social media has become part of the fabric of our lives, and our livelihoods. That insurgence of downloaded internet to one person is in large part to the younger generation, I.e Millenials (whatever that means). There are hundreds of cigar related channels, reviewers, online brokers and distributors, and a plethora of Instaface influencers. Posting all kinds of cigar smoking selfies, different lounge visits, traveling, advertising, and even some starting their own line.
Our economic situation has put a strain on B&M stores and lounges, along with increasing product prices and covid lockdowns, a large portion of cigar smoking society are ordering online and making lounging arrangements at home; myself included. However, I still go to my local lounge to support them, as I'm sure most of you do as well. Maybe. As there is a shift in the increasing number of influencers and social media posts, there is an equal shift in social perceptions of cigar smokers. The title is called Davidoff Millenials to poke fun at the “Millennial” generation, but the truth is not all young people are responsible for “a**hole smoker” look.
Cigar smoking, in my opinion, has become a “cool thing” and we have to be careful about how we go about looking cool. As I’ve said many times before the cigar smoking reputation is still a controversial edge for most people. When cigars went boom in the early 90's everyone thought it was just going to be a fad and just fade away. That is not what happened. In the early and mid 2000's there was a massive surge of smoking awareness campaigns, regulations, indoor and outdoor bans, and taxes to root out the devil's romaine. Take into example the Deeming Tobacco Products To Be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as Amended by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control which went into effect in August of 2016. Which basically gave the USFDA full authority to regulate anything even remotely related to tobacco, including premium cigars. I'm not going to go down this rabbit hole all over again, I have other posts for that.
However back to my original pointe, over the past few years since the battle for the FDA has been losing like an Amber Heard trial, there has been a noticeable growth on social media with influencers; people who makes enough presence online they can actually make a living from it. This online network can reach more people in shorter time with less effort than ever before in history. These influencers are becoming more creative and can affect peoples' behaviors, brand recognition, and buying habits. Cigar smoking is no longer seen as a shameful and rebellious act of society like tattoos, mohawks, or Crocs. This still albeit niche community is a way for us to come together and enjoy each other's company, especially after a COVID lockdown. Many women, especially younger women, are using their genius and sex appeal to make a mark and market for themselves without feeling like it's only a husband or boyfriend-y thing to do.
Millennials and influencers are the new generation and now in charge of shaping our beloved tobacco landscape across the board. It's a newer world we live in and like it or not, Social Media advertisements and YouTube channel subscribers can basically auction off a cigar brand. Their reviews and opinions can affect a company's profit in a much shorter timeframe.
I say all the more for it. If the worst-case scenario that happens is the increase of people enjoying and relaxing with cigars, and companies making better and more creative products and services, then let it fly. People should be allowed to enjoy their legal vices without interference from big brother or his b**** sister. What are your thoughts on this new generation of cigar smokers? Is ia bad thing or a good thing? Write us up and let us know!