Winston Menthol Makes It
Designer
Designer Unknown
Date1974
Dimensions45 1/4 x 59 1/4 in. (114.9 x 150.5 cm)
ClassificationsPoster
Credit LinePoster House Permanent Collection
Object numberPH.9634
DescriptionThis 1974 poster for Winston Menthol cigarettes is one of many issued by tobacco companies during this decade and beyond in their efforts to target African American consumers; Black communities also typically featured more advertisements for cigarettes and cheaper cigarettes in local stores. The poster specifically relates to the “Menthol Wars” that emerged during this time as companies encouraged Black men and women to smoke menthol cigarettes. These are particularly dangerous since the flavor masks the harsh taste of the tobacco, making them not only an “entry level” product for new smokers but encouraging smokers in general to inhale more deeply. They are also even more addictive than regular cigarettes. The campaigns by companies like Winston, which had been edged out of its position as the no.1 cigarette in the world by Marlboro in 1972, have had a huge and devastating impact on the health of African Americans that persists. In 2022, some 85 percent of Black smokers smoked menthol cigarettes in contrast to around 30 percent of white smokers.On View
Not on view
