POV Season 11 Episode 2 Tobacco Blues

In POV season 11 episode 2, titled "Tobacco Blues," viewers are taken on a journey through the tobacco fields of North Carolina. The episode explores the impact that the tobacco industry has had on both the state's economy and the health of its citizens.

The episode starts by introducing viewers to the history of tobacco in North Carolina. The state is home to some of the largest tobacco companies in the world, including Reynolds American and Altria Group (formerly Philip Morris). Tobacco has been a major part of the state's economy for generations, with many families relying on tobacco farming as their main source of income.

However, the episode also highlights the negative impact that tobacco has had on the state's population. North Carolina has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the country, and smoking-related illnesses cost the state billions of dollars each year in healthcare expenses. The episode features interviews with doctors, public health officials, and anti-smoking advocates who shed light on the devastating toll that tobacco has taken on the state's residents.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is its focus on the complex relationship between tobacco farmers and the tobacco companies. Many farmers have a deep loyalty to the tobacco industry, which has sustained their families for generations. However, they also face significant challenges, including fluctuating prices and an increasingly uncertain future as more and more consumers turn away from tobacco products. The episode features interviews with several tobacco farmers who share their perspectives on the industry and the challenges they face.

Another important theme of the episode is the role of race in the tobacco industry. Historically, many tobacco farmers and workers in North Carolina have been African American. The episode delves into the ways in which African American communities have been disproportionately affected by tobacco-related illnesses and examines the legacy of racism and exploitation in the industry.

Overall, "Tobacco Blues" is a thought-provoking and informative episode of POV that sheds light on one of North Carolina's most complex and controversial industries. Through interviews with farmers, doctors, and activists, the episode offers a nuanced and multifaceted view of the tobacco industry and its impact on the state's people and economy.