UNNECESSARY

As a father of two pre-adolescent daughters, I was somewhat perplexed by David Kronke’s description of Neve Campbell’s dressing room (“ ‘Five’ and ‘2’--It Adds Up,” Dec. 7). He mentions that Campbell had “a cigarette at the ready if necessary.” Necessary for what, to get a case of lung cancer or emphysema?

What I wonder is why cigarette smoking is still being identified with being cool, and why an article about a popular young actress (who has the ability to influence those who idolize her) focuses on smoking as a necessity in her life. This comment unfortunately conveys to adolescents that smoking is a necessity to be like those they idolize.

DAVID APPLETON

Northridge