A recent article about a proposed ban on smoking in outdoor public location has some similarity to themes in “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” Mayor Bloomberg proposes the idea of passing a bill that makes smoking on beaches, parks and boardwalks illegal. This proposal can be a seen as a continuation of his “journey” to end second hand smoking. Gilgamesh went on a long journey to kill Humbaba. Both of their “journeys” are tough to complete. Gilgamesh has to kill a fierce some beast. The extent of the danger is shown by the line “In order to keep the Cidar safe, Enlil assigned him as a terror to human beings.”(A, 68) Bloomberg has to gain the support of both smokers and non-smokers while still showing that he isn’t encroaching on their civil rights. Bloomberg is also facing the challenge of disgruntle smokers after the recent tax on cigarettes.
As leaders, both Bloomberg’s and Gilgamesh’s journey has benefits for their society. The killing of Humbaba would allow the citizen’s of Gilgamesh’s kingdom to access the cider trees that Humbaba was guarding. The ban on smoking in outdoor public places further protect children from second hand smoking as well as allow people to get a fresh air at places that were once filled with smokers.
“Mayor’s Next Target for a Smoking Ban: Parks and Beaches” (Sept 16, 2010 A26)
