why is this study disturbing, exactly?

so, kids mimic their parents' perfectly legal purchases of tobacco and cigarettes in simulations.

if this study were shown in france, no one would raise an eyebrow. americans freak out about the weirdest things. we have one of the highest substance abuse rates in developed nations despite (and probably because of) our demonization of said substances. in france, it is not uncommon to drink a glass of wine at dinner and have the older children partake. it's normal. it's moderate. it's healthy. there is no taboo associated with alcohol. here, there is a culture of complete abstinence and "bad bad bad!" which results in underage people obsessed with tasting the forbidden fruit upon leaving for college without much guidance in the matter. (c'mon people, just take yourselves back to college. you know i'm tellin' the truth!) so of course no one understands the concept of moderation!

anyway, had this study shown pre-schoolers making crack pipes out of play doh, i'd say there would be cause for concern.