The Killers

It started off as a simple act, smoking. Breathing in the chemicals, slowly filling the lungs with each intake. Engulfing the human body with chemicals that were not meant to be inhaled. This act continues as our visual culture glamorizes the act of killing yourself slowly to feel temporary relief. It started off as a simple act, shooting. Each shot made to protect, each shot with the capability to kill. Pulling the trigger, quickly filling the body with fear of potential decay. This act continues as our politicians do nothing to protect those that cannot protect themselves. More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. Tobacco usage causes more than 6 million deaths per year. There have been at least 1,518 mass shootings with at least 1,715 people killed and 6,089 wounded as of October 2017. We keep glamorizing cigarettes that kills us, what’s next? Take a shot.

Sarah Baniak