The overwhelming majority of Black people who smoke smoke menthols. Why? : Code Swap : NPR

Regardless of being addictive and lethal, menthol cigarettes had been lengthy marketed as a wholesome different to “common” cigarettes — and closely marketed to Black people in cities.

Jackie Lay/NPR

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Jackie Lay/NPR

Regardless of being addictive and lethal, menthol cigarettes had been lengthy marketed as a wholesome different to “common” cigarettes — and closely marketed to Black people in cities.

Jackie Lay/NPR

Within the U.S., flavored cigarettes have been banned since 2009, with one obtrusive exception: menthols. That exception was alleged to go away in 2023, however the Biden administration quietly delayed the ban on menthols. Why? Properly, an estimated 85 % of Black people who smoke smoke menthols — and a few (probably suspect) polls have indicated {that a} ban on menthols would chill Biden’s help amongst Black individuals. In fact, it is extra difficult than that. The story of menthol cigarettes is tied up in policing, promoting, influencer-culture, and the weaponization of race and gender research. Oh, and a real-life Black superhero named Mandrake the Magician.

This episode was reported by Gene Demby, produced by Xavier Lopez, and edited by Leah Donnella.