Finally, someone has set a positive example

In Indonesia, as commonly happen in the developing countries, the tobacco corporations rule the games. Where in U.S. the tobacco companies are prohibited from engaging in product brand sponsorship of concerts, we hardly find in this country a single event of musical concerts or even sport exhibitions without any involvement of the tobacco companies.

The young people who smoke are not stupid, they are just the victims of very aggressive marketing campaign. The tobacco marketers know very well how the AIDA ("awareness-interest-desire-action") works in their brains as a tool, by inverting the 'fool' into 'cool'.

Then A.K. has set a good example for the youth that should be followed by other well-known musicians... But she, did it the first time, No One...

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For immediate release 28 Jul 2008

Alicia Keys Sets Example for Entertainment Industry by Withdrawing Tobacco Sponsorship of Indonesia Concert

Statement of Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. singing star Alicia Keys has set a positive example that should be followed by musicians and entertainers worldwide by demanding the withdrawal of tobacco industry sponsorship of her July 31 concert in Jakarta, Indonesia.

We applaud Ms. Keys for taking quick action to disassociate herself from the tobacco industry and to prevent her name, image and talent from continuing to be used to market cigarettes to children.

It is critical that the tobacco company involved, Philip Morris International/Sampoerna, and concert promoters immediately end the sponsorship and all tobacco-related marketing and branding associated with the concert.We call on all involved in the music and entertainment industry, including performers and promoters, to follow Alicia Keys’ example and adopt policies of rejecting all tobacco sponsorship and other tobacco promotions.

We also call on tobacco companies to immediately cease all such sponsorships and promotions.

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