Those mud-wrastlin' Miller Lite women

[beer editor]

http://www.realbeer.com/news/images/miller_mud.jpg

If the goal of Miller Brewing's newest commercial for Miller Lite beer is to create buzz, it seems to be working. CNN's "Crossfire" debated the ad called "Catfight" last week, and Stuff magazine hopes to feature the commercial's stars in a photo layout. The whole story (http://www.realbeer.com/news/articles/news-001820.html).

A poll in USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/2003-01-14-beer_x.htm) indicates about twice as many viewers find it sexist as don't. But there seem to be other questions to ask.

What is your first thought after viewing this commercial?

[davesarman]

While this ad is par for the course for macro-beer advertising, the ads that really make my blood boil are those stupid Coors Light football commercials. I like watching football, but I see those commercials and I think "THIS is what's wrong with America!" I even was so peeved off one night that I send Coors an email voicing my displeasure and the fact that even though they would never admit it, they are aiming these ads at underage drinkers. To my surprise I received a response, albeit an automated one, that basically said, "We don't advertise to underage drinkers, we think it's wrong, we are saints in the community. Thank you and please buy our product." I HATE those spots! And I hate to say it, but I think Sam Adams is on its way down this path as well. Has anyone else noticed how over the past couple years they have, in a subtle way, changed their advertising. They started with changing the likeness of Sam Adams on the label from a stoic, stern faced patriot, to a smilin', drinkin' colonial dude! Now the likeness is completely gone and they refer to it as "Sammy". I used to like you, Sam Adams, but alas, you are now no better than Miller, Coors, Bud, et al.

[CA Stu]

Originally posted by davesarman
While this ad is par for the course for macro-beer advertising, the ads that really make my blood boil are those stupid Coors Light football commercials. I like watching football, but I see those commercials and I think "THIS is what's wrong with America!" I even was so peeved off one night that I send Coors an email voicing my displeasure and the fact that even though they would never admit it, they are aiming these ads at underage drinkers. To my surprise I received a response, albeit an automated one, that basically said, "We don't advertise to underage drinkers, we think it's wrong, we are saints in the community. Thank you and please buy our product." I HATE those spots! And I hate to say it, but I think Sam Adams is on its way down this path as well. Has anyone else noticed how over the past couple years they have, in a subtle way, changed their advertising. They started with changing the likeness of Sam Adams on the label from a stoic, stern faced patriot, to a smilin', drinkin' colonial dude! Now the likeness is completely gone and they refer to it as "Sammy". I used to like you, Sam Adams, but alas, you are now no better than Miller, Coors, Bud, et al.

Those ads are selling fun, not beer. Let's face it, beer is fun. I drink beer, I have fun.

And is there anyone on this board that waited until their 21st birthday to have a beer? No.

What is really "wrong with America" is people that don't take responsibility for their actions, i.e. blame ad agencies for underage drinking. Bullshit. If parents would take responsibility for the parenting (or lack thereof) of their offspring rather than blaming it on outside forces, I would be both pleased and astounded.

CA Stu <---likes them ads just fine, thank you.

PS No one in their right mind believes that drinking Coors Light will get you laid more often than drinking Sierra Nevada Bigfoot do they? ... if it does, I'm going to go buy a case! :D

[davesarman]

Maybe I didn't articulate myself as well as I had intended. I agree with just about everything you said as well. Parenting and upbringing is probably the most important aspect in how a child views alcohol and how to use it. Parents should be more responsible. The only point I would have to respectfully disagree with is they are selling "fun". I'm sorry, they are selling beer. They can't make any money by selling fun. They spend millions of dollars on marketing research to determine what will get someone to remember their name and buy their product. I suppose just the fact we are discussing this ad on a message board is a success for them. They are selling beer disguised as humor and fun. I don't have a problem with that I guess. I guess what I have a problem with is that too many people can't recognize that.

[CA Stu]

Ten bucks says Ben Franklin would have liked that commercial.

I have to admit,sometimes it is disappointing and disheartening to look at stuff that is so obviously aimed straight for the lowest common denominator, but what are you gonna do? Cry in your beer? Hell no! Just take it for what it is and enjoy it. And I agree, that ad man is a fleekin' genius!!

CA Stu <-- Not much for Miller Lite, stilll likes the commercial.
" Honey, those women have great big personalities !"
:D

[tjthresh]

The only problem that I had with the commercial was the ending (Let's make out). I'm glad that they cut it. At least I think that cut it. That part hasn't been there the last few time I've seen the commercial.

Theses ads are selling beer to men. What's the quickest way to get to a man's attention. T and A!!!!!!!!! They sure have my attention every time the ad is on. If that make me the lowest common denominator, then some of you should come down off of your high horses and join me. It much more fun down here.

Hooray for boobies!!!!!!!!!!

[Richard English]

Quote, "...And is there anyone on this board that waited until their 21st birthday to have a beer? No..."

Certainly not me. But the pemitted age for consumption of alcohol is considerably lower in most countries than it is in the USA.

In the UK 18 is the minimum age at which a person may purchase alcohol, although persons of 16 may drink beer or cider (but not spirits) with a meal. Most pubs allow children in although they may not buy or consume alcohol.

To come to the topic, though. I have not seen the mudwrestling advertisement (I suspect it hasn't been shown over here) but it is an undeniable fact the the adverising and other promotional activities of the major brewers is of a very high order.

Over here Anheuser Busch probably spend a thousand times more on promotion than do all the Real Ale brewers put together. Let's face it, if they didn't nobody would buy their products - they certainly wouldn't sell on their quality!

Promotion is probably the single most expensive ingredient in a bottle of American Budweiser.

[gatorbri]

I'm afraid my first thought was...

Are those for real?

My next thought was...

I need to see more...perhaps a slow-motion instant replay?

My third thought was...

Who cares!?!


People get offended way too easily. If you find the ad offensive then don't buy the product. As for me, I almost always drink microbrewed or imported craft beer. I'm buying taste, not advertising.

[deanna]

I'm 40. I'm a woman. And I thought it was funny. I knew it was meant to be a comedic take on the stereotypical guy fantasy before the scene cut to the guys in the bar. I imagine many people knew that.

Odd thing to get worked up about, IMHO.

[davesarman]

OK, it's been a few days since I posted my "rant" and I guess I must have been a little edgy that day. I read it now and I think, "Whoa, calm down, fella!" All in all, I haven't spent a whole lot of time giving this issue much thought. In the grand scheme of things, it's a commercial. There are thousands of them out there and this one doesn't really seem any better/worse than any others. It hasn't made me want to buy their product, but then I doubt they could come up with a commericial that would make me want to!

[gale]

That commercial has become one of my favorites to see during football games! It's a great attention getting ad!
:D
I'm right there with gatorbri on, seeing more and slow-motion instant replay.

The commercial is a big hit with the guys at work too. The big question though is why they didn't wait and release it during the Super Bowl?

As far as all the controversy and analysis... WHO CARES!!!

[kpo]

What a load of crap.

You don't need ads like that to sell your product unless the product has no selling point of its own.

The thinking behind the ad and the people populating it are exactly the things that make me embarrased to be an American, whenever I feel that way.

On the other hand, american football, being the most *unsporting*
"athletic event" in the world, is a perfect occasion for an ad like busch-miller-coors typically makes.

[rachel]

Hey, I'm one of "those girls". I can't complain about this commercial. The first time I saw it I thought it was friggen hilarious. It takes all of the stereotypes of what guys supposedly think and cram it all into one commercial. Great job!

and the "Hey let's make out" line was priceless.

[Richard English]

Quote, "...You don't need ads like that to sell your product unless the product has no selling point of its own...."

I wish that were true!

Sadly Emerson's famous saying about the "better mousetrap" is just not borne out by by the facts. The world will not beat a path to your door, no matter how good your mousetrap is, unless they know of its existence.

The world's largest brewer, A-B, also makes arguably the world's worst beers (sold, I accept, through advertising).

There were many excellent beers made by excellent brewers whose products are no longer available because they went out of business - because customers preferred to buy the heavily promoted products of their rivals.

Although you do need expensive advertisements if your product is rubbish, the converse is just not not true. No matter how good the product is, it will fail if it is not promoted.

[bluesman1645]

I wasn't overly amused by it, but good lord how thin skinned do you have to be to actually get offended by it?? And if your sensibilities were that delicate should you really be watching football in the first place, or _anything_ more stimulating than golf for that matter?

[kpo]

Originally posted by Richard English
Quote, "...You don't need ads like that to sell your product unless the product has no selling point of its own...."
I wish that were true!

IT IS TRUE. THE AD WOULD FEATURE THE ACTUAL PRODUCT IF THE PRODUCT WERE GOOD.

Sadly Emerson's famous saying about the "better mousetrap" is just not borne out by by the facts. The world will not beat a path to your door, no matter how good your mousetrap is, unless they know of its existence.
The world's largest brewer, A-B, also makes arguably the world's worst beers (sold, I accept, through advertising).

You said it yourself, though: crappy beers sold through advertising.
Products need promotion, but bad products need wild, silly promotion.

[Jfreddy]

Like it or not, the Miller Lite ad has people talking. And really, what guy doesn't want to see two beautiful girls rolling around debating the merits of beer? C' mon!

And for those who lump Lite in with those other macro American beers - Lite actually won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup.

[mountain beer]

I thought the add was one of the better ones out there today. I think my new favorite color is red.

[davesarman]

And for those who lump Lite in with those other macro American beers - Lite actually won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup.

In American Light Lager or some similar category, I'm assuming. Which would be akin to being named best actor on the "Dukes of Hazaard".

[Richard English]

I have never heard of the "World Beer Cup", I have to say. Is it like the "World Series Baseball"? In other words, open to anyone in the world who lives, works and plays in the United States? (But nobody else).

Certainly the Miller Lite I was once unfortunate enough to sip would have won a medal in the UK only as a floor cleaner.

[kpo]

Originally posted by Jfreddy

And for those who lump Lite in with those other macro American beers - Lite actually won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup.

Hmmm, who sponsors the World Beer Cup?
What was the competition like?
And who the HECK were the tasters?!?!??!?!?

I'ts great for Miller that they can come up with very "effective" advertising, but until they come up with a great product their ads will be, at their core, nothing but laughable; entertaining.

[beer editor]

The judges as the World Beer Cup really are excellent, but the category is American Light Lager, and beers must adhere to that style.

GOLD
Miller Lite, Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, WI
SILVER
Brewhouse Light, Great Western Brewery, Ltd., Saskatoon, Canada
BRONZE
Western Premium Light, Great Western Brewery, Ltd., Saskatoon, Canada

The 2002 results: www.realbeer.com/spotlight/wbc

Prosit,
Stan

[Richard English]

At first I couldn't belive my eyes! How could it be that not one of the "English Style" beers had been won by an English brewery?

Then I checked the entries - for whatever reason, no English (or for that matter Welsh or Scottish breweries) had entered.

I have to assume that they were not invited - certainly I had never heard of the competition prevously.

[beer editor]

They were invited, but almost none came. Micheal Jackson wrote about this in an article called "The British aren't coming - Is this our message to the world?" (http://www.beerhunter.com/documents/19133-001731.html). As an aside, it is one that was in the portfolio that earned him British Beer Writer of the Year.

Quite obviously, it would not have worked to have sent cask beers to Cleveland (for the judging) but as you have pointed out in other threads there are many excellent bottle conditioned beers from British breweries. They would surely win medals if entered.

I talked with some of the judges right after they judged the Kolsch and they were all talking about how wonderful it was when breweries entered the beers they were known for. They wanted to give out two gold medals, in fact, and those two beers turned out to be from Germany.

Prosit,
Stan

[kpo]

Originally posted by beer editor
The judges as the World Beer Cup really are excellent, but the category is American Light Lager, and beers must adhere to that style.

The 2002 results: www.realbeer.com/spotlight/wbc


Kudos to the judges for forcing themselves through that category. I wonder why there's a category for a "beer" style that's not supposed to taste at all?

Good to read, and from my local publican:
http://www.richos.com/beergospel/beergospel1.htm

[Beer Nazi]

On one hand it's a shame that a beer can't sell itself as opposed to using sex to sell it (but look at the product and that's why they have to use sex).

ON THE OTHER HAND...(the hand I use when I see this commercial :D ) I like it for its' comedic value and of course the lovely ladies are nice to look at. As a matter of fact I can't wait for the DVD to come out. Maybe they'll make a trilogy.

I haven't seen the "...make out.." ending and seeing it would not bother me, but I sure as heck don't want to have to explain that to my 9 and 11 year-old football watching daughters. I'm glad they cut that part for that reason. That's what adult movies and the neighbor's wife are for.

[Richard English]

I had not read Michael Jackson's article previously since I don't read the Independent (very few people do and its future is in considerable doubt - but that's a different story).

British brewers are not reticent about exporting their products and, although I have no connect with the trade, I can only assume that the promotion of the event was inadequate. Certainly if the Independent was the only journal used...!

As we have seen, there are many brewers (Youngs, Fullers, Hog's Back) who already export to the USA so it would have been simple enough to have entered a sample from an extant export batch, surely!

[tbendajr]

This is TV advertising and nothing more. It got peoples attention. It certainly got mine. It keeps the Miller Lite name out there. For those who drink that crap they may be more likely to say "Miller Lite" than coors lite, bud lite, whatever. Every american man over 21, (and as pointed out, many under) have had this swill, so obviously telling these folks anythng about the water, the hops, the malt isn't going to convince anyone to buy swill.

Tom

[TanMan]

What A Great Commercial! Beyond the fact that it's an ad pushing Macro-Brew, I can't find much wrong with it. It grabs your attention from the get go, and keeps you drooling over some seriously hot babes. And at the very end, they remind you who brought you this little slice of heaven. If they sell more beer because of a clever ad, then more power to them. If not, it's still a great 30 second reality break. It took guts to toss that one out there, and I bet if a micro-brewery put that ad out, there wouldn't be very many people complaining. Good job Miller. You've just made us realize that we need to stay on the ball if we want to compete.

[Bubba McBrewski]

Call me crazy, but I think the commercial is hysterical! :D

[Marvin Edgewort]

1) The ad was pretty funny, particularly if you remember the 'Tastes Great/Less Filling' macho ads with popular sports figures from a few years ago.
2) Reguarding the beer, the back panel on the Arrogant Bastard bottle pretty well describes my feeling - 'fizzy yellow stuff'.

[davesarman]

Realbeer.com has a weekly email called "Beer Break - Your 2 Minute Primer". In this week's edition, there was a link to an artilce in Advertising Age's website dealing with this ad and the Coors Light campagn, etc. Very good read. Here's the link:

(I hope I inserted this correctly! Otherwise cut and past the URL into your browser.)


http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=36978

http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=36978 (http://http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=36978)

[nitemare]

i just have to say that even though this commercial may be mildly offensive to some people (2% of population maybe), that it should continue to be aired...mostly due to the fact that most of my friends are guys (go figgure), and we absolutely love that commercial...and most of my friends that are women, think its pretty humorous...


kudos to miller for being the first to have that kind of t&a add...and furthermore, now im looking foward to seeing the volley of boobie commercials that will most definately follow (budwiser and bud lite will most certainly jump on the boob wagon)

orion

[bobbyd]

The Ad is great. I think anyone who is offended by anything such as this has too much time on their hands. Do those who are offended actually think men don't think about sexy women?

Is there anyway to get a copy of the downloaded to my home computer?

Thanks

[ellem52]

It's a joke. What the Hell has happened in America? Can't anyone take a joke anymore? Must we all worry about ever single persons sensibilities every time we speak?

If you are watching this with your child, like I have during sporting events you can send the child out of the room or you can say, "It's a silly joke that makes men look silly. Nothing more."

The people that are busy being offended by this should look into somthing else to be offended by. There are so many other offensive things available to them.

[alanmc]

I read that those who view it as offensive are the same ones that view virtually anything as offensive depending on their mood, and if they want to be a pain in the ass that day.

[kpo]

Most peoples' offense at this commercial is probably centered around the fact that an (alleged) "beer" would require this sort of publicity to try to resurrect it's faltering image. An it's extra 'telling' that most people, when asked about the commercial, can't even remember what brand it included!

Also mildly "offensive": that a "brewer" might actually *want* the image this commercial portrays - no matter how brilliant and memorable (see above) a PR move it may have been.

This does not bode well for those of us who drink Real Beer. We're bound to be lumped together with the dolts portrayed in this commercial.

I will continue to drink Only Real Beer - what this online-board is suppsed to be all about.

IF YOU QUESTION MY MOTIVATION, READ THIS FOUR-PAGE ARTICLE:
http://www.richos.com/beergospel/beergospel1.htm

and see just how far you are along the trail to Good Beer, and not standing for the other Crap.

[kpo]

:eek: Warning - intense beer information ahead.

If you want to escape from dolts like those on Miller commercials, consider taking a little drive, next month, to New Albany, IN:

...and for those of you into serious beers, you should visit Rich O's Public House the week after March 7th. Rich O's has an annual festival called GRAVITY HEAD where nothing is under 9% .

The link is in my signature.

Here's the skinny:

***Now Drink This:***
Gravity Head 2003 opens Friday, March 7.
Already the Liteweights are running for cover as Gravity Head 2003
approaches. Following is a list of confirmed beers, to which I'll be adding
selections as the weeks slowly pass. Those with a "-" before them are new
additions since the last update.

BBC Bearded Pat's Barley Wine 2001
-Bell's Consecrator Doppelbock
Bell's Sparkling Ale
-Browning's Doppelbock
Corsendonk Christmas Ale
De Dolle Mad Bitch
Delirium Noel
Gale's Prize Old Ale 1998
-J.W. Lees Vintage Harvest Ale cask-conditioned (sherry-primed cask)
-J.W. Lees Vintage Harvest Ale cask-conditioned (port-primed cask)
-Kasteel "K-8"
-Kwak
NABC Solidarity (Baltic-style porter)
Rogue Old Crustacean (date to be revealed)
Rogue Oregon Brewers Festival 2002
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot 2002
-Triple Karmeliet
Upland Winter Warmer

[davesarman]

There is a difference between "offensive" and "stupid". Seems to me that most people who are against this are this way, not because of taking offense at it, but because it's just plain dumb.

[pjmanley]

Didn't think much until I saw the look of the girlfriends at the end of the commercial. Then I loved the commercial. How creative, not only did they get the sex in the ad, but what a slam at those horrendous Coors commercials. I've never seen the cable version, but it sounds like it just adds one more slam at Coors. Maybe, Miller could take the next step with Pam Anderson by having her pool-side in a bikini expounding on the reasons to drink a great tasting beer, how you can tell the difference and that a hot babe digs knowledge of the product. Well, they might do the pool-side part.

[bierman2000]

what can you say sex and beer.. hey we had those stupid twins with Coors Light now the fake breasted mud slingin bimbos from Miller Lite, Ok what's Bud got next!!!

[CA Stu]

Originally posted by kpo
:eek: Warning - intense beer information ahead.

If you want to escape from dolts like those on Miller commercials, consider taking a little drive, next month, to New Albany, IN:

...and for those of you into serious beers, you should visit Rich O's Public House the week after March 7th. Rich O's has an annual festival called GRAVITY HEAD where nothing is under 9% .
SNIP


Hey KPO, I just thought you were a pompous old windbag until I visited Richos.com. Now I think you're a pompous old windbag that has a really cool neighborhood pub. (Just kidding, simmer down).

How the hell do they get Sierra Nevada Bigfoot to be a regular stock? I love that crap and when they get it at my local liquor store (once a year), they only get 50 cases and I always buy at least 1 case.
Also, I love Spaten Premium. My barber is an old Austrian gent that swears by Spaten Premium. If you had Ebola, my barber would advise you to have 2 Spaten Premiums, "you'll be better in the morning".

Now if you could get the Miler Lite Babes behind the bar, that place would be perfect.

CA Stu <-- Likes Bud Light for what it is (barley soda), but appreciates good beer, too.

[blevfamily]

That's a killer ad.............I love women & mud.......But I definitely do not love Lite Beer......It won't make me buy their product but it sure is fun to look at....Blev

[rabidbeerjunkie]

The only thing I found offensive in the ad was the beer...but, I guess they paid for the spot.
Todd

[fretlessman71]

There's a follow-up commercial out now... one of the guys fantasizes about taking the place of one of the women in the water wrestling scene. Later in the commercial, one of the two girls they're with says, "I've got a better idea..." and the next thing you see is that same guy out there in the water, and when he raises his head, there's a 350 lb. man ready to kick the living S%#T out of him. Nice touch, Miller Lite. This way you get the feminists vote of confidence at the end with the "final word", and you also get to give the so-called "guys' guys" yet another look at a skinny woman with implants flopping around in a pool. This way, everybody has something to cheer for and nobody loses... except for those who actually buy your product.

Somebody give me a freakin' beer....

[Aske]

i see girls/womens take this commercial as a parody of men's point of view on the world...i mean, beer/babes/boobs...
its nice. nice girls. no more.

[Jarod]

To be honest, I drink good beer because of flavors and aromas. I don't drink beer because a few half naked women wrestle in front of me. It is a sad product that has to use such tactics to lure people into drinking there beer.
Basic fact is that a beautiful woman does not improve a less then average beer. You can put a bow on a pile of dog crap, but guess what, it is still dog crap.

Give me a good micro in a plain bottle and I will drink it all the time, because of what is on the inside not the outside.

[fretlessman71]

Aske, of course it's just a parody, and it doesn't mean anything really. Yes, it's making fun of the typical men's mentality, and there are plenty of those out there who think that way. What drives me crazy is that you never hear these people talking about how great their product is. Why? WELLLLL....

-Their product is crap, and they know it.

-Their product is crap, and the people who buy is JUST DON'T CARE. They want to get slowly drunk.

-Their target market is REALLY REALLY INTO boobs, drunkenness, partying, and funny little frogs and lizards that talk.

Their target market isn't interested in spending $12 for a 6 pack of really good beer to enjoy over a few nights. What they buy is going to be drunk that night or the next morning.

I realize that I'm not telling anybody anything they don't already know... I'm just making the point about what is WRONG with this ad campaign. Even Miller Lite is going to drop it in favor of something more universally appealing soon... watch for a commercial about bunnies or something. EVERYBODY likes bunnies, don't they? :rolleyes:

[MmmBeer]

Beer and boobs has always created in me a certain level of cognitive dissonance. The people who I know who drink the beers that are advertised with beautiful women typically get more head off of their poorly made lager than....well.. anyways.

Though, honestly sex sells more (is it possible?) sacred things than beer, and advertising itself was once an artform, looks like both the bad beer and bad advertising have settled into their own cozy niche.

I honestly have more of a problem with the Michelob Ultra Light ads that look like gatorade ads. People jogging, playing basketball, bicycling. That's right, put it in your sports bottle.

[hopjack13]

. EVERYBODY likes bunnies, don't they?

i heard the energizer bunny got arrested, he was charged with battery if im not mistaken....:rolleyes: oooh that had more corn in it then corona! i enjoy the "big 3" commercials but never touch the actual product. i say keep the commercials comming, they're more entertaining then a pine sol or pillsbury doughboy commercials where the pillsbury doughboy bends over and you can see doughnuts.....ouch , a little more corn there ...sorry

[fretlessman71]

OK, sure, the commercials are funny to a point... and even I admit that most commercials are more entertaining than the actual programs they surround. What bothers me about these is that they add fuel to the fire for so many people that I know who don't drink alcohol (or worse yet, drink wine and are snooty about it) who say, "Beer is a drink for buffoons and losers who just want to get drunk. I wouldn't be caught DEAD with a beer in my hand! Pass the White Zinfandel." If you ask me, we don't NEED Miller Lite's help in this regard; brewing is a noble art, and quaffing may be nobler still. This crap just makes all of us look silly...

[fretlessman71]

Did you hear the energizer bunny was in the hospital after he installed his batteries backward by accident? He just kept on coming and coming... WHOA... sorry there if I got a little TOO graphic (hopjack13 started it!).

[wortchillergoal]

I don't recall seeing this commercial, that is what I call effective.

[Beerconnoisseur]

Ok, am I the only one who finds this thread a bit baffling? I've watched Miller Lite ads for some time now, and I think some of the best ones they put together were in the early 90's (anyone else remember "Let's watch both!" and the Wienerdog Winternationals?), while some of the worst ones were from Miller's more recent ad agency. I mean, does anyone really prefer seeing a fat guy in his boxers doing "The Twist" to open his beer?

Frankly, if you truly detest the bikini girls, etc. simply don't buy Miller's product. Sometimes, money really does talk. As for parents explaining this to their young daughters, I would imagine many children are more saavy than some board posters give them credit for. You can point fingers at the media's objectification of women until the cows come home, but that's just one fewer hand to hold a tasty glass of your favorite brew.

Who's with me on this?

[fretlessman71]

I don't think you'll get many here to disagree with you, beerconnoisseur; however, you ARE sort of preaching to the choir. I think part of the trick is to make people who drink this swill on a regular basis understand how they're being manipulated, and gently steer them in the direction of better beer that actually has flavor. Seriously... haven't you ever had someone look down their nose at you when you tell them you enjoy beer, simply because they assume you're drinking a case of Schafer every night and wandering around the neighborhood with a lampshade on your head? I've told people that I drink beer, but I don't get drunk at all, and had people tell me flat out that I'm LYING. It's very frustrating, and makes me wonder where they would have gotten the idea that beer drinkers are only interested in getting sloshed..... HMMMM..... Let's see.... WHO could we think of that would have given them that idea.... maybe SATAN?!?!?!?!? ;) (My apologies... a "text-only" imitation of the Church Lady doesn't seem to work very well, and I'm not quite awake yet....)

The new "Coors Night Out" commercials don't do anything to rebut the idea that american beer drinkers are only interested in partying (I don't think they lasted too long; they had the extremely stupid poems being read for all of the guys at the bar). Something interesting to note, however; The genesis for the aforementioned Miller Lite commercials began years ago (remember them?) with the "tastes great/less filling" argument between semi-respectable people. Now, REGARDLESS of what you think of the taste of Miller Lite, at least they were hawking the flavor of the beer and not the party aspect back then (even though it tastes like beer flavored water), and for that they deserve at least a little bit of credit. Why have things changed so much since then? Maybe as time has gone on, things that were more risque back then became ok, and commercials have followed suit. (Anyone old enough to remember how Lucy and Ricky Ricardo had twin beds? How about the first time you ever saw a toilet on television, much less heard anyone even MENTION one? Remember why?) I'm not so sure that this is a sign of an enlightened society....

[hopjack13]

if you truly detest the bikini girls, etc. simply don't buy Miller's product.
i don't buy there products but i love the commercials, they're certainly more entertaining then their beer is. sex sells, thats the bottom line , thats what that commercial was about , sex appeal.
as far ad the coors night out thing i think that they are trying to appeal to a younger crowd, people who are just old enough to drink. it's easier to convert them then older people who have already made up their minds what they like.
oh well my 2cents.....change please:p

[paul84043]

Oh, calm down....

It's not an ad to sell beer directly, really none of them are, it's "programming". It's an ongoing, never ending year after year mind control program to integrate into you (society) at the lowest level and the earliest possible age that "beer is fun".
Beer is cute talking frogs trying to kill a weasel, beer is hotties playing pool while thier boobs fall out of thier shirts and they hang all over great looking soap opera guys, beer is what you do after a satisfying day of hard work.
Beer will make your truck bigger, your motorcycle faster, give you muscles and freinds and life becomes one never ending party.
It's been systematically pounded into us since the 60's.
Once that's done, the product sells itself. How can you NOT buy it? Its part of your culture an heritage!

If you think about it, we are the products of some of the most intense advertising campaigns ever conceived. They aren't just a spot, or a series, they have lasted our (my) entire lifetime! That's pretty hard to beat...
Gotta give em credit, thier beer freaking sucks, but hotties with thier boobs falling out is cool....

It's really that simple.

I personally don't watch much TV so I miss alot of the crap, I hate commercials, except during the Super Bowl, that's really the only reason that I watch it. Most Super Bowls pretty much suck, the ads are usually great.

The real problem is that it's so ingrained that it would take another entire generation to un-learn what the ads have taught us, and I'd be willing to bet that will never happen...

So, yes, they are selling to pubescent, hormonally imbalanced ultra impressionable adolescent kids because those kids are going to grow up one day and all the hard work will be done. They will know that beer is fun.

[fretlessman71]

So it's hopeless? :(

[paul84043]

Hopeless? We stilll get to see mudwrastlin babes, what's wrong with that?

We're like the people in Tha Matrix that have woken up and see the world for what it really is...

Okay, it's not quite like that, but I can dream can't I?

[hopjack13]

Damn Paul..........that was deep! i never thought of commercials that way.
i don't watch much t.v. either ...i like movies, isn't that what most commercials are though? a 30 second movie?and here's some more food for thought
if you choked a smurf what color would he turn??

[paul84043]

Hmmm interesting thought, The next time I see a Smurf, I'll check for you!

[wortchillergoal]

[i]Originally posted by hopjack13 [/i
if you choked a smurf what color would he turn?? [/B]

I don't know but I saw one deep fried at a restaurant were a child left their smurf doll behind. That was a reason to have a beer.

[hopjack13]

yeah i smurfing hate the little blue bastards too.

[Saint Patrick]

I've always enjoyed this commercial as well.

Miller Lite "Twist to Open" (http://www.leaguelineup.com/saintpatrick/files/MILLER.MPE)

As for the catfight commercial, I love it!

[GunNut76]

Originally posted by CA Stu
Those ads are selling fun, not beer. Let's face it, beer is fun. I drink beer, I have fun.

And is there anyone on this board that waited until their 21st birthday to have a beer? No.



I just read this post and wanted to comment on this...er...comment? :confused:

I did wait until I was 21 to have my first beer...honest truth!!!However I have been making up for it in the past 6 years!! The reason was that I was just scared spitless of being caught and having to call up my parents from jail, they would have told the police to keep me in jail and that was the scary part...I'm fragile.

[Richard English]

Had you hopped a plane to this Sceptered Isle you could have drunk at just 18.

And the penalty for underage drinking is usually just to be refused service. So far as I know the only drink-related offences for which you can be imprisoned are drink-driving, and drunk and disorderly.

Visit the Land of the Free :-)

[fretlessman71]

Yeah, but think of all the LAMB you'd have to eat while you were there... ;)

[Richard English]

I rarely eat lamb but I've drunk many a pint of Youngs at the "Lamb and Flag" (Youngs Brewery have a Ram as their mascot and keep it, along with their Shire Horses, at their brewery farm).

Unless the expression "LAMB" has some transatlantic meaning of which I know nothing...!

[fretlessman71]

About 20 years ago my family went on a 17-day tour of England, Wales and Ireland. Seemed like we had lamb 2 out of every 3 meals! I don't know if the people who put the tour together thought they were going to show us how meals were prepared in England or WHAT.... so every time I think of going to England, I think about how I'm going to feed myself.

Just a little inside humor from the resident vegetarian. :)

[Richard English]

That's surprising since lamb is not an especially popular meat here. I would think chicken is far more popular these days. Beef tends to be more expensive and its popularity has dropped off for that reason.

These days there is never a problem getting vegetarian alternatives although, of course, if you book a set package tour then you must let them know in advance.

I would say that the standard of food here has improved a great deal over the past years and you'll find a much greater choice nowadays. Don't expect to get good beer in a restaurant, though - very few have anything except the usual chemical fizz. It's usually better to find a good pub and eat there.

[fretlessman71]

Yep... I can see it now: "Bartender, I'll have a Tetley's and a VEGGIEBURGER!" :D

[Richard English]

Quote, "...Yep... I can see it now: "Bartender, I'll have a Tetley's and a VEGGIEBURGER!" ..."

You jest, but most pubs will now have at least one vegetarian option and those that concentrate on food will have several. All Wetherspoon's houses will have a wide range of acceptable vegetarian meals.

And they might even have Tetley's for the benefit of those who aren't keen on our better beers (but I would recommend that you avoid it and try something with a bit more flavour).

Incidentally, you would never ask for "...A Tetley's..." or any other draught beer since you will then be asked how much you want. The correct order would be, "...A pint of Pride (or whatever), please..." For those with smaller thirsts the order would be, "...A half of Pride, please..." (We always say please in England)

As I have said previously on these pages, all drink in the UK, when not supplied in sealed containers, must be dispensed in certain specified quantities. That's the law.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Richard English
Had you hopped a plane to this Sceptered Isle you could have drunk at just 18.

And the penalty for underage drinking is usually just to be refused service. So far as I know the only drink-related offences for which you can be imprisoned are drink-driving, and drunk and disorderly.

Visit the Land of the Free :-)

And Socialized Medicine! :O

Can you use Sceptered and Free in the same thought? ;)

S.

[chazwicke]

I was over there as the last big outbreak of hoof and mouth was beginning. And some of my compatriots would not eat beef because of Mad Cow. I, however, was not daunted. I usually find a good Indian or Thai restraunt. The food there is fine. I've never gone hungry. The English breakfast is a pleasure. But I am there for the beer which is SUPERB! Back home, they do not allow you to donate blood if you have been to the UK recently. Last time I donated they asked a lot of questions about travel to Britian as they were concerned about Mad Cow as well. Incidentally, I love lamb. I guess I love all food judging by my belly.

[Richard English]

Sceptered simply means that we have a Monarch and the phrase I use is Shakespeare's.

The issue of freedom is a different one and our freedoms are embodied in the only written constitution we have, the Magna Carta.

[skahtboi]

My 24th summer was spent in England and Wales and Scotland, and I practically lived in the pubs, especially when I was in London. I actually acquired a taste for kidney pie during these days. However, the preferred lunch for me was a pint with some fish and chips.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Richard English
Sceptered simply means that we have a Monarch and the phrase I use is Shakespeare's.

Hmm...monarch, one that holds preeminent power. Freedom, liberation from the power of another; independence.

Just ribbin' you Richard, Yank humor - I actually consider England one of the greatest countries I've ever had the chance to visit, but no matter where I may roam, I always miss my quaint little home in Northern Illinois - and the plumbing therein! ;)

S.

Shakespeare? Yeah, I think I've heard of him...

[Richard English]

I understand that you're joking but it might be worth mentioning that our monarch, presently the Queen, has no real power at all. She supposedly chooses her government (but all she does is sign the list given her); she gives a speech outlining the legislation that she wants her government to enact - but it's written for her; she signs bills once enacted - but she is told what to sign.

I suspect that some believe that she has similar powers to a president or a dictator, but this is not the case. The most powerful person in UK politics is the Prime MInister (presentkly Tony Blair) and even his pwers are less than that of a president and far less than those of a dictator.

That the monarch's role is primarily ceremonial does not detract from its importance and the majority of the UK are firmly behind the monarchy.

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by Richard English
... the monarch's role is primarily ceremonial ...

And it sure is one nice paying gig.

[Richard English]

Quote "...And it sure is one nice paying gig...."

Indeed it is. The monarchy definitely earns our country far more money than it costs - you need only look at the crowds standing outside Buckingham Palace to realise how many people come here to look at these trappings of ceremony.

I wonder how many of those who stand gawping at the Palace then take the five-minute walk to one of the best Young's pubs in London, The Buckingham, on whose walls is hung a picture of the Queen Mother drinking a pint of Young's beer?

[chazwicke]

I may be an American but I mean it when I say "Long live the Queen and long live the Monarchy!" There is also a picture of Prince Charles pulling a pint on the walls of the Buckingham Arms. I only wish I had known of this pub before when I stayed at the Rubens (Across from the Palace Mews) and at the Victoria Thistle. I used to also enjoy the Bag O Nails but was dissappointed on my last visit. Thanks for the recommendation of the Buckingham Richard. And as far as the food goes, I am usually willing to try anything at least once. I have even had haggis.

[steveh]

Originally posted by chazwicke
...And as far as the food goes, I am usually willing to try anything at least once. I have even had haggis.

Contrary to popular belief, I find English Pub food quite hearty and great accompaniment to cask ale - bangers and mash for all! Haggis, however...

S.

[Richard English]

Haggis is not, of course, English.

It is a Scots "delicacy" made from some of the less mentionable parts of sheep.

It is usually eaten with Whisky and, providing there is enough whisky available, is not too bad!

The nearest English equivalent is probably faggots, a northern dish usually eaten with peas pudding.

[davesarman]

I spent 3 weeks in Scotland in 2001 and I found haggis to be quite good acutally. I had it a few times. The fresh salmon was what I remember to be the most delicious tho!

[hops99]

From "mud-wrastlin" Miller Lite women to the consumption of haggis in British pubs. Now, that's a thread!

[chazwicke]

When having haggis it is necessary to have an elaborate cutting ceramony praising Robbie Burns. I had mine at a Scottish beer tasting. It is almost impossible to have authentic haggis brought into the States. It can't pass FDA standards I'm told.

[davesarman]

Yep, I've looked all over for real haggis with no luck. It's not hard to find vegetarian haggis (wha't the point of that?), so I think if you want real haggis in the states, you almost have to find a butcher willing to make it for you. I asked my local butcher and he chuckled and said, "I don't think so."

[fretlessman71]

Isn't that like a virgin Long Island Iced Tea? COME ON.... :p

[Richard English]

Isn't it amazing that the FDA will not authorise such foodstuffs as haggis (the consumption of which has never been known to cause anyone harm) but are quite happy to authorise fast-foods full of saturated fats and salt (which cause obesity, high blood pressure and coronary problems). Not to mention fizzy drinks full of sugar (which causes obesity, coronary problems and dental decay)!

[wortchillergoal]

Well Richard, as I see it some people have to justify their jobs. If they quickly approved everything that causes no harm, they might be out of work. As for giving the ok to fast food and such, their doctor friends need work too.

[GunNut76]

Originally posted by Richard English
Isn't it amazing that the FDA will not authorise such foodstuffs as haggis (the consumption of which has never been known to cause anyone harm) but are quite happy to authorise fast-foods full of saturated fats and salt (which cause obesity, high blood pressure and coronary problems). Not to mention fizzy drinks full of sugar (which causes obesity, coronary problems and dental decay)!

Don't know what you got across the pond there Richard, but over here we have lobbiests...you vote for us and we'll get you votes later...that's how alot of our stoopid(sic) laws come into being!

[fretlessman71]

Psst... that's "lobbyists"... ;) A bunch of people who are paid to hang out in the halls of Congress and make deals with our lawmakers. Yet another example of The Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules...

[Richard English]

Sadly we have them too - which is why alcoholic drinks do not have to give details if their ingredients and why a pint of beer can be served up to 10% short "to allow for the head". That's the brewers and licensed victuallers' lobby.

Fortunately good brewers show their ingredients and good publicans serve a full pint. Those who choose to drink chemical fizz in a Karioke bar deserve what they get, to my mind.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Psst... that's "lobbyists"... ;) A bunch of people who are paid to hang out in the halls of Congress and make deals with our lawmakers. Yet another example of The Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules...

The term Lobbyist was used to describe the political influence wheeler dealers who hung out in the lobby of the Willard Hotel here in Washington DC during the Grant administration.

[GunNut76]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Psst... that's "lobbyists"... A bunch of people who are paid to hang out in the halls of Congress and make deals with our lawmakers. Yet another example of The Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules...

Hey...cut me some slack man...I was drinkin'!:D