Budweiser’s New Ad Sparks Controversy

Comcast ^ | 4-28-11 | Amanda Geronikos

[mlizzy]

Budweiser’s new ad seems to be the latest in controversial commercials. The company’s promotion features a soldier returning home to his… boyfriend? “Hey man, it’s me. I’m coming home,” the soldier anxiously reports to his phone pal. While the young soldier prepares for his return home, his friends and family prepare a surprise celebration, complete with Budweiser beer, obviously. When the soldier arrives, he immediately embraces his telephone pal. He then hugs a young woman before greeting his parents.

LINK TO YOUTUBE OF AD

So who is the man awaiting the soldier’s homecoming? Is it the soldier’s significant other? Is it his brother? He could just be an old college chum for all we know. Nevertheless, some have dubbed the video unsuitable for TV. But is it really inappropriate? See for yourself:

Budweiser hasn’t answered the questions at hand... and maybe it shouldn't. "'If it denies the two men are gay, that would be homophobic,'" says writer Jim Edwards, as mentioned in a CBS commentary piece. "'If it confirms they are gay, that will anger conservatives who are the beer’s base.'

[a fool in paradise]

It's a gay organization website the tracks positive/negative portrayal of homosexuals in advertising. Search by brand to see who's sponsored the movement.

Brand: Coors Light Ad Title: Bicycle Country: United States

Brand: Miller Lite Ad Title: Paper Dolls 2 Country: United States

Brand: Bud Light Ad Title: Tattoo Country: United States

Now I'm not going to draw the conclusion that drinking light beer turns a person gay, but...

[cubreporter]

to see the video you have to sign in or sign up. I don’t care enough about the video to do either.

[a fool in paradise]

The URL may not display the search results, but you can go to the “advanced search” link at the site and find the results yourself from the dropdown menu of all ads tracked on that site.

A-B has results even if that URL shows otherwise. Blame their query code.

[TomGuy]

Yeah, that was my take on it. His brother or buddy getting a party ready for a soldier coming home. This is a controversy?

Many actually go out of their way to find something to be offended by.

I took took the guy to be a 'best friend' or brother.

[Tainan]

Looks pretty normal to me. There were many times that I called a buddy to let them know I was coming in...and I ain't no broke-back.
I think people will see what they want to see in the advert.

[normy]

Like Obama the candidate

[mlizzy]

I just watched the full ad, and it doesn’t seem “gay” at all. Seems like a younger brother coming home to his family, and his brother and sister embrace him.

Budweiser did a good job then! The full ad, however, might appeal to a homosexual differently, creating the perfect advertisement? Personally, I like the Clydesdales.

[mlizzy]

to see the video you have to sign in or sign up. I don’t care enough about the video to do either.

Yes, I saw that; I have no idea why that's necessary.

[NoGrayZone]

I see 2 bff’s celebrating in his home coming.

[Doe Eyes]

Yes, I saw that; I have no idea why that's necessary.

Because a bunch of morons selected the download as offensive! What pricks.

You can see it her without signing up for anything.

Budweiser 'Coming Home' Video: Gay Military Theme?

[mnehring]

Oh good grief. What do you see in this?

[Repeal 16-17]

Viewing the hugging men as gay is plausible, but not necessary. They could also be brothers or friends. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the commercial was intentionally kept ambiguous.

[Private_Sector_Does_It_Better]

That’s sick!

[Yet_Again]

Can you believe how the left is just elevating 1% of the population this way?

Oh, it's not just the left. It's a whole lot of God fearing patriotic Americans who have been supporting this agenda as they go about their daily business and spend money ... which corporations then turn around and spent to promote this agenda. There are gay groups that "score" corporations on how well they fund the movement. How many conservative and/or Christians groups are willing to target these companies for boycott? How many are willing to come out with an alternative list that promotes companies that do not fall in line with this agenda? Do we reallly care? Are we willing to put our money where our mouths are?

[Tatze]

Seriously? What was wrong with that?

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

‘Why would anyone that wasn’t dying to have their deviant life choice affirmed think otherwise?’

For the same reason some idiots thought that Frodo and Sam were gay lovers in ‘Lord of the Rings’, written by a devout Catholic.

[rabidralph]

I vote that it’s not a gay ad, because at the :00:23 mark, he’s sitting next to a girl and he looks like he wishes she would shut up. Typical of most straight men. OTOH...LOL!

[dayglored]

Doesn't appear "gay" to me at all. I figured the guy the soldier hugs was an older brother, one who served in the military a few years prior, and therefore knows exactly what the returning soldier feels like. That was a hug of friendship and camaraderie and brotherhood, not sexual perversion.

If there's a homosexual tilt to that commercial, it's way below my radar, which is usually pretty accurate.

I thought it was a fine tribute. And I don't particularly like Budweiser. :)

[ottbmare]

On the one hand, the young soldier doesn’t look too manly with his red lips. He just doesn’t look like the kind of boy the military toughens up. On the other hand, gays would definitely not serve Bud at a party. I’m voting for brothers too.