The cigar smoker stereotype

[SFG75]

I just wondered if anyone had any views or opinions on this. By visiting many American cigar forums (of which this is the best, obviously!) I've noticed that there are many cigar smokers of quite a young age, by this I mean around 18- 25. Over here in England, there seems to be a stereotype of cigar smokers as being either older men or rich business executives and high power 'city slickers'. Cigars over here just don't seem as popular with regular working class people. I don't know anyone else my age (23) who smokes cigars, and if I were to smoke a cigar bigger than corona size in public, i would be considered a freak, and get some very funny looks. Which is why I smoke privately ion my back yard. It seems to me that these stereotypes don't apply in the US and that younger people who are into cigars is less of a big deal, and you guys seems more chilled out about it.
I'm sure people think i'm smoking a cigar to look like a gangster or a movie star or something, people just don't understand that regular blue collar workers can enjoy cigars.
I was actually born in California, but moved over here when I was 2.......I think its time I moved back!!
I just thought this might be an interesting talking point as to why such stereotypes exist etc.

The old stereotype might be something along the lines of old, wealthy, and somewhat of an elitist. Obviously, cigars have a wide range of appeal these days. If you look in copies of CA, you see "regular guys" lighting up at wedding parties, football pre-game festivities, and that kind of thing. I never thought about it in class terms before, but then again, I know people who make about as much as I do who say: "Oh, I could never afford those!." Of course, they can afford enough beer to drown an entire tavern and who blow their money fixing up cars. To each their own I guess. I know folks who won't smoke anything more than Havana Honeys or black & milds. You have to pity the poor souls.

[Kenyth]

Smoking cigars is along the same lines as enjoying gourmet foods, fine wines, and artesian beers. Trying foreign delicacies and experiencing foreign cultures. It's a matter of quality, not quantity for us. The unique and quantifiable relaxing experience and not the quick nicotine fix. Some folks enjoy eating and smoking the same bland things over and over again, while some have an adventurous palate. Cigars are for the adventurous! The connoisseurs of unique and exciting flavors and experiences!