Streak of individualism, lack of a health culture block smoking ban
Jump to full article: Indianapolis (IN) Star, 2009-11-01
Author: Francesca Jarosz
Intro: In fact, in the past four years, more than 250 municipalities across the country -- including 11 in Indiana -- have limited smoking in those public places. Which begs a question: What makes Indianapolis different?
Experts say it is a combination of factors: Hoosiers' reluctance to change; the absence of a strong health culture; and a cautious political climate.
Others point to a lack of support from leaders, including Mayor Greg Ballard, who, after weeks of silence on the issue, last week said the city's current ban on smoking in restaurants and other public spaces works just fine and no further restrictions are needed.
On Monday, the City-County Council voted 14-13 to table the issue. It would take support from a majority of the 29-member council to revive debate on the ban.
Running through the current of opposition, experts say, is an individualistic spirit rooted deep in Indiana's pioneer culture.
"There's a real sort of libertarian streak in this city: Don't let government tell me what to do, and don't let government tell businesses what to do," said Dave Strong, an Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis sociology professor who studies social movements. "There's no question we're months and, in some cases, years behind the curve."
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But there's another powerful business lobby speaking in favor of the ban: the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.
Roland Dorson, the chamber's president, said having a comprehensive smoking ban bolsters the city's progressive image, and that helps attract talent.
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