Cheap Beer, Women, and MIA Feminism

My husband has always been a very thoughtful person and never forgets special occasions. Many years ago, he sent me flowers, just on a regular kind of day, no special occasion. My daughter asked if it was my birthday or anniversary. I answered No.  “Then why did Daddy send you flowers,” she asked? “Because he loves me,” I answered. She seemed satisfied with the response.

That night at dinner, she asked my husband why he sent me flowers when it wasn’t my birthday or anniversary. “I don’t know, I just felt like it.” “Uh, Oh, Mommy thinks you love her.”

Perception is everything and it can be tricky. I am attempting to figure out what in the world Anheuser Busch thought would be the perception of the American beer drinkers of their latest stunt. They can’t possibly be stupid enough to think their trick was a good idea.

The company has locked arms with a transgender woman, Dylan Mulvaney, in an effort to promote its product, Bud Light. Now, do not ask me why on earth anyone thought this was a good idea.

Until recently, I had never heard of Dylan Mulvaney. I understand that Dylan is a transgender activist and a noted “influencer.” I am not sure what that is but I understand that Dylan gets a lot of attention online. 

What is it with these corporations who think they must be “woke” and jump into political craziness? I’m not a beer drinker but I feel certain that most of Bud Lights customers don’t really want lectures about sexuality from the company. They just want cheap beer. 

Bud Light’s biggest target customer is blue collar, hardworking, America loving good ol’ boys. Dylan Mulvaney is not one of those and not someone this group wants to see promoting a product they love.

The backlash has been severe…. And then some. Bud Light customers have not only stopped buying Bud Light but they are filming themselves destroying the beer that they already have purchased. The internet is full of videos of these good ol’ boys using the Bud Light beers for target practice. Some bar owners are seen loading cases and hauling them to the dumpster. 

I heard Anheuser Bush had lost $5 billion in value. The stock has tanked and I’m betting the company is in panic mode. This large company has many other brands and will likely weather the storm, but the distributors are feeling the hurt from this decision. 

So what’s a company to do when you get in trouble? Do just like the guy or gal who gets dumped on the dance floor at the prom, you go back to the one who ‘brung ya.’ Anheuser Busch is going back to basics. They’re bringing back the horses. Who doesn’t remember all the great commercials with the Clydesdales? Bringing back patriotism might not be a bad idea, though it may be too little, too late. 

In an attempt to undo the damage of the Mulvaney debacle and win back their customers, the company has launched a patriotic ad. The ad shows a beautiful Clydesdale walking past famous American landmarks from New York City to the Grand Canyon.

The voice over says, “This is a story bigger than beer. This is the story of the American Spirit. Brewed for those who found opportunity in challenge and hope in tomorrow.” You gotta love it. 

The Anheuser Busch CEO, Brendan Whitworth put out a statement trying to explain and bring back customers. He said, “We have thousands of partners, millions of fans, and a proud history supporting our communities, military, first responders, sports fans, and hard-working Americans everywhere. We never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people. We are in the business of bringing people together over a beer.”

Dylan Mulvaney promoting Bud Light was bad enough but there’s one even worse. Dylan is also seen in an ad promoting a women’s sports bra for Nike. Where are the feminists when you need them? When is it finally a bridge too far? 

Perception is reality and the feminist movement is missing in action on this important issue. There are real women who can actually fit into that sports bra and look really good in it.