Alienated

PipeProfessor

I was talking with the owner of a local B&M today and we were commenting on how we often feel alienated as pipe and premium cigar smokers. Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just us?

PappyBadger

Yes and no.

I do not recall a time that I have run into a fellow pipe smoker, so people look at me funny or disgusted.

But in the same breath it's nice to be seen as different. I'm not a fan of fads. Which to me cigarettes and e-cigs are. I love the history and tradition of pipe smoking and hope to bring some positive awareness to the hobby.

pipeman83

I agree with PappyBadger , I also enjoy the history of pipe smoking, I am old enough to remember when most men I saw smoked a pipe , including my uncle and the pipe tobacco commercials on TV.

judandhispipe

Lord knows we are a numerical minority. I suppose we may be looked on as odd by some folks.  Not sure  what I am supposed to be alienated from, as s a pipe smoker.

pipeman83

I agree withjudandhispipe 100%!!!

PappyJoe

Alienated? From the idiots who don't smoke a pipe? Ok. Is there a downside that I don't see.

Topaz75

While I respect the fact that many of you guys belong to and enjoy pipe clubs, I can't really say that it's my cup of tea. I guess I just don't view pipe smoking as a social activity.

I smoke a pipe daily, but always at home or while camping in the woods. I rarely smoke in public, so there's little opportunity to experience alienation. It's my business and I like to keep it that way.

The notable exception is my participation in this forum. I really enjoy hanging out with you folks, and it seems like we have a pretty cool community. No need to feel alienated here.

PappyJoe

@topaz75 - a good pipe club is like this forum. Except we're all sitting around smoking our pipes, drinking beer, coffee, tea or other beverages instead of staring at a computer or mobile device.

thebadgerpiper

Personally I don't feel alienated for smoking a pipe. I'm a bit of an odd guy, so I'm used to not having people flock to me. My pipe fits me and my style, so if they have a problem, they can deal with it.

Mangoandy

I have had several say that it was cool, because in a way they think I have re-discovered a lost art. 

I do, however, get a lot of grief from people who can't justify my pipe smoking and my profession as a dentist. I get it, but after a little conversation they can see the difference between occasional pipe smoking for relaxation and chain smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

idbowman

I felt a little alienated when I first started pipe smoking, but after a few years I pretty much stopped caring.  Don't want to be near a pipe smoker or want a pipe smoker in your midst?  Chance are we'd have little in common, anyway...no big loss.  I'm me, and that's the end of it. 

I still get the (incredibly annoying) "So...what are you smoking in that pipe, *wink wink* *smirk*" from time to time when I'm out and about, but for the most part the only reaction I really get is curiosity and/or someone wanting me listen to their trip down memory lane about a pipe-smoking father, uncle, grandpa, etc.

pipeman83

@Mangoandy , my dentist was a pipe smoker at one time, and he gives me an oral exam to check for anything when I see him every 6 months.

pipeman83

@idbowman, it was like that for me also , but like you ,I don't really care what people think, their just jealous because their not happy and contented and relaxed like we are.

thebadgerpiper

@idbowman I've heard those comments once before while outside having a pipe during a concert. It's the only time I've felt the urge to sound pretentious and shoo them away.