Capps Hates Pink Camel
Congresswoman Asks Women's Magazines to Quit Tobacco Habit
Rep. Lois Capps continues to send threatening letters to leading women’s magazines, from Vogue to Soap Opera Digest, asking them to voluntarily stop accepting cigarette ads and expressing particular concern about Camel No. 9 ads that she said are “clearly targeted at enticing young women to smoke,” which could violate a settlement agreement with tobacco companies that prohibits youth targeting.
“‘Light and luscious'” sounds like a tasty treat,” said Capps, a former school nurse, while “pretty pink packaging” adds to the feminine appeal. “Why are these magazines plastering pictures of the pink Joe Camel next to ‘how-to’ articles on healthy living and hip hairstyles?” demanded Capps, who is leading the campaign along with Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Hilda Solis (D-CA). Thirty-five additional House members signed the letter. The publishers did not respond to Capps’ June letter; she gave them an August 15 deadline to respond to this month’s missive.
