Anti-smoking group “Truth Initiative” raises the issue against Netflix for promoting smoking and tobacco in their content, especially in “Stranger Things 3”.
But some fans think this is not the right place to raise this kind of issues as it removes the real picture of the show.
Since we all know that smoking is hazardous for our health. And most of us are fighting to cut down the number of cigarettes we consumed daily.
Moreover, it seems like Netflix is also planning to cut back the content that promotes smoking. This step taken by Netflix comes after the release of popular series “Stranger Things 3”.
An anti-smoking group “Truth Initiative” raises this concern in their report. They state that Netflix and specifically “Stranger Things 3” are one of the biggest promoters of smoking.
And shows more use of tobacco in their content as compared to cable and broadcast shows. According to “Truth Initiative” official report:
“The popularity of streaming combined with the pervasive rise of smoking in episodic content points to an emerging threat to a new generation of young Americans. Truth Initiative tracked not just instances of smoking, but any appearance of tobacco products.”
You can read the full “Truth Initiative” from here.
After this report, Netflix agrees with the “Truth Initiative” consent, and for this, they give a green signal to cut down all the scenes that promote the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes.
Moreover, Netflix will also monitor its content, especially that is for young viewers to make it free from such acts that involve use of tobacco and smoking.
In a statement, a Netflix spokesperson said the streaming service has come up with a specific plan of action, which will protect and inform viewers of the dangers of smoking. Specifically, they said this.
Netflix Statement Regarding “Truth Initiative” Concern
“Netflix strongly supports artistic expression. We also recognize that smoking is harmful, and when portrayed positively on screen can adversely influence young people. Going forward, all new projects that we commission with ratings of TV-14 or below for series. Or PG-13 or below for films, will be smoking and e-cigarette free – except for reasons of historical or factual accuracy. For new projects with higher ratings, there’ll be no smoking or e-cigarettes unless it’s essential to the creative vision of the artist or because it’s character-defining (historically or culturally important). In addition, starting later this year, smoking information will be included as part of our ratings on the Netflix service. So our members can make informed choices about what they watch.”
But after all this, Some fans still think this is not the right place to cry about this issue. Since it will remove the actual essence of the ’80s from the show.
To some point, I would agree with the fans that this is not the right place to raise this concern
Moreover, before targeting platforms like Netflix, there are other places where we should raise this kind of issues. Such as our homes, schools and using internet without any limitations.
Otherwise, it will be tough for the content creators to portray the real picture in the content.