photo by Aetas-Art
There aren't that many female Maranao smokers.
Apparently, there are only two kinds:
1. Those women who are considered "worldly", exposed to outside culture. Probably students, or career women, or the ones who "don't care" what other (Maranaos) say about them. There are many words I've heard used to describe these women, including "(over) educated" and "jaded".
2. Older women. They are usually chain smokers, too. One cigarette right after the other. They are candid, with lots of stories of the old, glorious days. I love talking to them. They seem more open-minded.
Smoking is taboo in Maranao culture not so much because of health reasons, but because of what society might say about these women. An unmarried smoker might be considered a little too wild, with some degree of "experience". Not good.
But it's also not such a big problem in our society. Most women who smoke quit once they are married, or when they have kids.
Is it something worthy of address?
Are YOU a smoker?
