Kool (cigarette)
KOOL is a brand of menthol cigarette currently produced by the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, introduced in 1933, that has marketed itself towards the "sophisticated man". Originally introduced as an unfiltered "regular" size (i.e., short) cigarette, filtered 85 mm king-size versions were later added to the lineup as filtered cigarettes gained popularity in the 1960s. Since then, mild (milder menthol flavor), light (reduced tar), and 100 mm long varieties have been introduced. As a menthol flavored cigarette, the tobacco taste is dulled, and the menthol numbs the mouth, which allows for a less harsh inhalation. [citation needed] Though, the health hazards of smoking it are just as adverse as normal cigarettes, if not worse.
Marketing
Kool cigarette advertising began with the character of "Willie" the penguin who was portrayed as several different professions, among which were a doctor, a soldier and a chef. In the early 1960s, the image of the cartoon penguin was no longer used, and Kool instead began marketing their cigarettes by linking the cool taste of menthol to cool outdoor scenes portraying water or snow.[1] In the newest Kool ads, male/female encounters and sports references are prominent.
Kool, and other mentholated cigarettes, have been criticized for extensive marketing campaigns designed and intended to attract more African-Americans to smoke.[2][3]
Newport is the number one menthol cigarette in the United States as of 2005, and the second most popular menthol is Kools.[4] Menthol cigarettes are particularly popular among the African-American community; the same 2005 survey stated that 79% of all cigarette sales to African-Americans were of the menthol variety.
References
- ^ Kool asks: Is Your Menthol Cigarette Tasting Flat?. Brandhot.de. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
- ^ Lochlann, Jain S. (Spring 2003). "Come Up to the Kool Taste": African American Upward Mobility and the Semiotics of Smoking Menthols. Project Muse. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
- ^ Gardner, Phillip S. (June 30, 2003). The African Americanization of menthol cigarette use in the United States. Taylor & Francis health sciences. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
- ^ Cigarette Brand Preferences in 2005. Office of Applied Studies. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
External links
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