Posted on 03/04/2004 9:02:42 PM PST by kcvl
This Bud's Not For Me By: Bill O'Reilly for BillOReilly.com Thursday, Mar 04, 2004
A couple of years ago I chastised Pepsi for hiring "gangsta" rapper Ludacris as a pitchman. There was a public outcry, Pepsi folded, Ludacris was sacked. Now, incredibly, Anheuser-Busch has done the same thing. The company will pay this guy Ludacris big bucks to push beer.
My basic objection to this is simple: Some American corporations are rewarding bad behavior in pursuit of more profit. Ludacris puts out raps that celebrate criminal activity (such as selling narcotics), general debauchery, and violence against women. There is no question about that. Does Anheuser-Busch believe that kind exposition is good for the USA? Does the company realize that millions of children, many of them unsupervised, digest the garbage Ludacris puts out? Does the company care?
Lest you think Ludacris is some kind of Ozzy Osborne, here are some of his lyrics:
"I got my twin glock .40's, cocked back Me and my homies, so drop that" "My shotguns are cold and hard ... my triggers are always talking about some squeeze me, squeeze me."
"Hollow bullets I put it I'm about to live in vain And then I drill 'em, refill 'em make sure they feel the pain."
"I smack bitches with no (breasts) ... "
Talk to most educators in poor neighborhoods and they will tell you that the debasement of our culture, of which gangsta rap is a big part, has coarsened children in general and put high risk kids in a dangerous place. Taking drugs, carrying guns, and disrespecting human beings is now not only socially acceptable in many situations, it is downright glamorous. Anheuser-Busch has a gleaming headquarters in St. Louis. It is a place of wealth and power. But a few miles east across the Mississippi lies East St. Louis, a devastated city where drug gangs rule entire neighborhoods. Children as young as ten work as look-outs for these gangs; 13-year-olds sell heroin and crack cocaine on the streets. Violence is as common as a garbage pickup.
Ludacris sells big in East St. Louis and other dangerous neighborhoods across the country. His rap is something these criminal kids can identify with. He understands and encourages the "life."
Isn't it time Americans demand that corporations stop polluting the country? Whether it's dumping PCB's in waterways or promoting degenerate CD's, corporate chieftains should be held responsible by consumers. Hiring a person like Ludacris to push beer is reprehensible to me and so I will exercise my right not to do business with Anheuser-Busch which, by the way, owns a series of family theme parks across the country.
On his latest CD, ol' Ludacris has a rap song called "Hoes In My Room." It's a harsh diatribe about, well, women the man does not respect but who somehow inhabit his "space." The last few lines go like this:
"Then it got to my head, and somethin' reminded me I know who let 'em in, it was Bill O'Reilly - faggot." So add a gay slur to the list of crudities Ludacris embraces as he gleefully dances down the road to millionaire status. Anheuser-Busch should be very proud to be in business with a guy like this.
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Would you continue to buy Anheuser-Busch products after it hired "gangsta" rapper Ludacris as a pitchman?
I prefer BEER. As in Guinness.
Absolutely not. Ludacris is depraved, degenerate and represents the worst in American society. Anheuser-Busch is mega stupid for hiring him. Where can we let them know we will no longer but their products?
Tastes like it
Thank you for contacting Anheuser-Busch. We appreciate hearing from the public, even when it comes in the form of criticism.We are not a sponsor of Ludacris’ concert tour, nor is he a spokesperson for our brands.
In seven cities where Ludacris is appearing, he will host private parties following his concerts. Bud Light is making tickets available to adult fans to these after-parties, which will be held at bars and clubs. Those attending must be 21 or older, and proof of age will be required at the door.
We do not control or influence the performance content of music artists or other celebrities we work with. Many adults who enjoy Bud Light are fans of Ludacris, who has a broad-based, multicultural following.
Thank you for contacting Anheuser-Busch. Please contact us back if you have additional questions or comments.
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
1-800-DIAL-BUD (1-800-342-5283)
contactus.anheuser-busch.com
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