You've come a long way, baby
1968. It was quite a year. Apollo 8 orbited the moon, Nixon defeated Humphrey. Johnson, who had gotten us buried in Vietnam, nixed the idea of running for a second term. The Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia, and Janis Joplin could be heard frequently on the AM radio.
Billie Jean King had yet to beat Bobby Riggs. Margaret Thatcher had yet to be British Prime Minister. Sally Ride had yet to be America's first woman astronaut. But women did score one victory in that year, 1968; a cigarette that they could call their very own. All of the ads contribute to displaying the mood of the late 1960's and early 1970's.
Virginia Slims would ultimately take the cigarette industry by storm, becoming a favorite of American women who smoked. Virginia Slims Lights would be introduced in 1978, Virginia Slims 120's in 1985, and VS Superslims and VS Ultralights by the end of the decade. Regardless of the style, Virginia Slims would be an icon for American women for years to come. Even today, 35 years after their introduction, they would be a top favorite, with VS 120's (what I primarily smoke, though I did originally start on VS Lights) today being the #1 favorite among amongst all American women who smoke superlongs
Many other brands would be introduced, which catered specifically to women. But none would surpass the popularity or recognition achieved by Virginia Slims. Many women in the United States smoke, but there's a special sorority shared between those of us who smoke Virginia Slims. If you're a woman who smokes, consider giving us a try. You're certain to find a style perfect for you.
"You've come a long way!" (1968 predecessor to "You've come a long way, baby!", "It's a woman thing!", "Follow your voice", etc.)
