#STOPPROFILING: Tobacco is a social justice issue

Tobacco is not an equal opportunity killer. For decades, African Americans, low-income neighborhoods, LGBTQ communities and those with mental illness have been disproportionately affected by tobacco use—a result of profiling by the tobacco industry.

A new truth® campaign called #STOPPROFILING shines a light on how the tobacco industry deliberately singles out communities that already face adversity and inequality with aggressive marketing tactics that equal profiling. The campaign features television host and comedic actress, Amanda Seales, known for her ability to take serious topics and make them resonate with a youth audience. The #STOPPROFILING campaign underscores that tobacco use is more than a public health issue, it’s a social justice issue.

Do low-income neighborhoods really have more tobacco retailers near schools?

A recent study found that low-income neighborhoods are more likely to have tobacco retailers near schools than other neighborhoods. The tobacco industry even went to the Supreme Court to ensure they could continue to sell their products near schools.

Do cigarette companies really advertise more in black neighborhoods?

In major cities like Washington D.C., there are up to ten times more tobacco advertisements in black neighborhoods than other neighborhoods. 

The #STOPPROFILING campaign, which received coverage in Mashable, is part of truth’s Finish It campaign that launched in August 2014.